From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find ultra events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
The second annual Backyard Ultra Tailgate is back- Bigger and Better in 2026
Starting at 8 am November 7th 2026 we will be going out every hour on the hour for a 5k course on the swamp rabbit trail. Go for 1 lap or 10 whatever you're up for.
When you finish each lap we will have games, raffles, vendors, and football on a big screen
Bring a lawnchair and snacks
More info to come :)
OVC Kenya:
Proceeds from this event will be going to OVC Kenya- a program that provides sustainable support and promotes long term relationships with vulnerable children in Kenya by partnering with local churches to provide physical, academic, and relational support to children in need within these local communities. Children are provided with an education and opportunity to develop life skills and grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The goal of this program is to break the cycle of poverty within these communities with this help.
Raffles:
Each lap will be sponsored by a local business with a corresponding raffle prize every hour. Every lap completed cut off mark is 55 minutes earns you a raffle ticket (must be completed within 55 minutes to earn a ticket)
Extra raffle tickets will be available for purchases to benefit the OVC Kenya program for $3 a ticket or 4 for $10
Race Timing, Registration, & Event Support Services
Whether you're planning your first 5K or organizing a large-scale ultra or XC meet, Upstate Race Series offers full-service race solutions across the Southeast to help your event run smoothly from start to finish.
Core Services
We support race directors, schools, nonprofits, and community groups
Chip Timing & Results – Road, Trail, XC, Ultra
Registration Management – RunSignUp setup & support
Event Consulting – Logistics, permits, course design
Marketing & Promotion – Social, email, and club outreach
Race Essentials – Custom bibs, awards, shirts, signage
🖥️ Registration Support – Powered by RunSignUp
As a certified RunSignUp contractor, we offer hands-on assistance for all registration needs:
Event page setup & pricing
Bib assignment, wave starts, and add-ons
Participant transfers, refunds, and deferrals
Custom emails, payout reports, and fundraising tools
Store integration for merchandise sales
Live check-in & results through RaceDay apps
⏱️ Race Timing Packages
All packages include:
Chip Timing
Bibs + Safety Pins
Finish Line Arch + Chute Setup
Race Clock
Instant Results (Live and Online)
Road & Trail Races (5K – Ultra)
Includes 3 hours of onsite timing
Additional timing: $60/hour
Middle & High School Cross Country Meets
Includes 3 hours of onsite timing
Additional timing: $60/hour
Add-On Services
Optional upgrades to enhance your race experience: Contact for Quote
Website/Registration Design
Music / DJ / Announcer Services
Equipment Rental - Barricades, Traffic Cones, Crowd Control
Awards & Age Group Medals (Hickory Handcrafted)
Custom Bibs (via Emedia)
Event Insurance (via IMG)
Porta-John Rentals (via Royal Flush)
Vendor Coordination (Food, Retail, Wellness)
Logo Design, Stickers, Branding, and more
Marketing & Promotion
As part of our partnership, your race gets exposure to 10,000+ local runners:
Club newsletter (1,500+ members)
Facebook & Instagram features
Event listing on UpstateRaceSeries.com (30K monthly views)
Inclusion in Upstate Running Club race calendar
Optional discount program to boost participation
Why Work With Us?
50+ years of combined race directing and timing experience
Reliable, professional, and community-focused
Personalized support from planning through race day
Trusted by over 100 events annually across SC, NC, GA
Let’s Get Started
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call or Text: 864-867-2569
🌐 Website: www.UpstateRaceSeries.com
We’re here to help make your event successful, memorable, and easy to manage—so you can focus on your cause, your course, and your community.
Appendix A: Race Director Resource Guide – Top 25 Checklist
Use this guide to plan a smooth, successful event. Services marked with an asterisk (★) are areas where Upstate Race Series can provide direct support.
Planning & Permits
Define Race Format & Goals – Distance, audience, theme, charity focus
Secure Venue & Date – Check with local parks, cities, and venues for availability
Obtain Permits & Insurance – Apply early for road closures, police, or land use
Design the Course – Measure distance, identify hazards, and plan aid stations
Develop a Budget – Account for permits, insurance, shirts, awards, timing, etc.
Registration & Setup
Set Up Online Registration – Custom page on RunSignUp, pricing tiers, caps
Add-on Store Items – Shirts, merch, post-race meals, or donation options
Enable Participant Tools – Bib assignment, transfers, deferrals, and refund policies
Configure Email Tools – Customize confirmation messages and reminders
Monitor Signups & Engagement – Adjust marketing strategy as needed
Marketing & Promotion
Create a Promo Plan – Social media, flyers, digital ads, referral incentives
List Event on Local Calendars – Running stores, news outlets, community boards
Send Email Campaigns – Announcements, discount codes, reminders
Engage with Running Clubs – Offer club discounts (URC, etc.) for added exposure
Promote via Upstate Race Series – Social posts, newsletters, website listing
Timing & Race Day Logistics
Secure Timing Services – RFID chip timing, race clock, finish chute setup
Order Race Bibs & Safety Pins – With or without custom branding
Coordinate Packet Pickup – RaceDay CheckIn App and staffing plan
Plan Start/Finish Line Setup – Arch, signage, cones, banners
Print Signage & Maps – Course arrows, water station signs, mile markers
Swag, Awards, & Amenities
Order Shirts – Work with a trusted vendor, set sizes by registration deadlines
Plan Awards & Medals – Overall and age group, custom or stock options
Coordinate Porta-Johns – Reserve based on number of participants
Plan for Water & Aid Stations – Tables, coolers, volunteers, trash bags
Recruit Volunteers & Staff – Assign roles for setup, aid stations, finish line
Bonus Notes:
Create a master timeline 8–12 weeks out
Build templates for repeat events
Add race photos and video for future marketing
Post-race survey or recap email for feedback
Showing 5 of 10 organizations. View all organizations
USA Swimming Club. 54 members.