6 events in Pickens County, South Carolina
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running, cycling, triathlon, and swimming events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Pickens County
6 events in Pickens County-
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Subject: Join Us for the Annual Abraham Balawi Memorial 5K - Honoring a Legacy
We are excited to invite you to participate in the Annual Abraham Balawi Memorial 5K on June 28th, an event that holds special significance for our community. This race, started in 2018, was created to support the Abraham Balawi Memorial Scholarship Fund. The annual scholarships are awarded to at least two deserving Pickens County seniors, chosen by the Awards Committee, to continue Abe’s legacy of excellence, dedication, and perseverance.
About the Event: This 5K race is not just about running—it's about honoring the memory of an extraordinary individual. Abraham “Abe” Balawi, a gifted athlete and student, was tragically taken from us on August 6, 2017, in a car accident. A 2015 graduate of Liberty High School, Abe won the AA State 1600m race in 2014 and went on to run at Mercer University. He was recently awarded a posthumous degree for his achievements. This race helps us keep Abe’s spirit alive through the scholarship fund and annually during the Pickens County Cross Country and Track & Field Meets. The Pickens County Track & Field Meet also hosts the Abraham Balawi Mile Run, which was renamed in his honor.
Why You Should Participate:
Support Local Students: The funds raised from the 5K go directly to the Abraham Balawi Memorial Scholarship, which has allowed us to award local student scholarships since 2017.
Honoring Abe’s Memory: This race is a tribute to Abe’s incredible impact on our community and to remember his legacy as a dedicated runner and student-athlete.
Community Impact: The event also helps fund awards, medals, and t-shirts for local runners. It also supports the Pickens County Cross Country and Track & Field Meet, supporting local XC, track and field athletes.
Past Scholarship Recipients Include:
Keyshawn King (Stanford)
Adam Balawi (Citadel)
Cal Finley (Clemson)
Ally Wilson (USC)
Eric Baldwin (Clemson)
Will Herden (USC)
Hannah Brown (Duke)
Issac Esuary (Clemson)
Ella Harned (Southern Wesleyan)
Noah King (Clemson)
Ashby Williams (Appalachian State)
Event Details:
Date: June 28th
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Liberty High School (Hosted by Liberty High School)
This is a walk/run 5K event that’s open to the public, and we encourage runners of all levels to join us. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply want to show your support for a great cause, we welcome you to participate.
How to Register: To sign up, please visit the link on this website.
Your participation helps ensure we continue to provide scholarships and honor Abe’s legacy. Together, we can make this year’s race a meaningful celebration of his life and contributions.
If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. We hope to see you there, running or walking in Abe’s honor.
Best regards,
Shannon Balawi
Abe’s Mom
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Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 7:30 AMSee full details
SOUTH CAROLINA TRAIL RUNNERS
Runners and families are invited to enjoy the great outdoors on the doorstep of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest South Carolina. The scenic 5k course is a great for novice trail runners and experienced racers alike. The single track trails meander along and across scenic Carrick Creek from the nature center as you
climb toward Pinnacle Mountain. After a short climb, the 5k runners will race downhill, looping back toward the start finish line.
Up for more of a challenge? The 15k race course, which is currently closer to a17K, will test the most seasoned trail runners. It follows the same route as the 5k for the first two miles. However, the 15k course climbs nearly 2000 feet over the first 5 miles. You will struggle to make it over several gaps and reach the race’s high point of Pinnacle Mountain. As you descend you will be rewarded with spectacular views from Bald Rock and other overlooks. More stream crossings, gnarly roots and jagged rocks will keep you on your toes as you wind your way back down the valley toward the finish. All racers will welcome the sight of the finish line where there will be plenty of food and ice cold drinks to replenish your body after a tough run. And, receive our super soft shirts and finishers awards will be provided to all runners.
Event details and schedule
Saturday, August 9th
Don't forget your $6.00 entry fee into the park at the front gate. We love our SC parks!
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6:30am: Race Day Registration and packet pick-up at The Pinnacle Pavilion, formerly known as The Barn
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7:30 am: 15K start time
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7:35 am: 5K start time
Awards for First, Second and Third place overall winners.
First place Age group awards.
Please enter park at the West Gate and turn left at the Country Store, driving past the start/finish line
to park at the Pinnacle Pavilion.
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Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
This USATF-certified race takes place on the scenic Doodle Trail and is flat and fast! It is an out-and-back course beginning and ending at United Wesleyan Church 738 Rice Road Easley SC 29640. The race begins at 8 am and awards will begin at 9 am. All proceeds go to Alabaster House in Easley.
Registration is $30.
Note: If you need to change your shirt selection, go to your profile, select Run for Missions 5k from your races, choose Manage Registration, and click "Giveaway." You can see the shirt size you selected and you can change it there.
Note: Ladies cut runs small. Adult shirts are unisex (men's cut).
AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR THESE CATEGORIES:
Prize for Overall Finisher
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Fastest Male
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Fastest Female
Prize for Top Male and Female Kid
- Fastest 5-12
Prize for Top Male and Female Teenager
- Fastest Teen (13-19)
Prize for Top Dog and Owner
- Fastest Doggo 1-100 (in people years)
Awards for Top Male and Female Finisher in each Age Group
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20-29
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30-39
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40-49
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50-59
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60-69
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70+
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Sat, Oct 10, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
Our annual Walk For Life 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This is a timed race starting and finishing at Doodle Park in Pickens, SC. The race will be ran on a Certified Course. The 5K Run/Walk is family friendly for all ages and a great way to involve your family in supporting the sanctity of life!
We are a pregnancy care center serving families in Pickens County and surrounding areas during and after pregnancy. We believe that life begins at conception and that salvation comes through belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All proceeds from this race will go directly to Hope Women's Center in supporting their ministry.
The race will begin at 9:00AM. Awards will be presented around 10:00am. Awards for 1st/2nd/3rd overall for M/F as well as individual age brackets.
Registration cost will include race entry and race t-shirt. Cut off date for t-shirt is September 27th. If registered after September 27th, no t-shirt will be included.
RACE PACKET PICK UP WILL BE ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 FROM 4:00PM-6:00PM AT HOPE WOMEN’S CENTER BACK PARKING LOT OR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 FROM 4:00PM-6:00PM AT THE PICKENS DOODLE PARK. PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO PICK UP PACKETS PRIOR TO RACE DAY.
SATURDAY MORNING PICK UP WILL BE FROM 7:30AM-8:30AM AT THE PICKENS DOODLE PARK.
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Sat, Mar 06, 2027 at 8:00 AMSee full details
UDPATES for 2027 Races Coming Soon!
Potential Updates to Course, Location, Time
NEW Swag, Apparel, Medals, and MORE!
Registration set to open for this race on September 1st
The First 100 Participants Receive Custom Race Socks
🏞️ Welcome to the Mountain’s Challenge
So, you wish to walk among the clouds? ☁️ Then lace up, for this journey takes you over the mighty backs of Pinnacle Mountain and the legendary Table Rock, two of South Carolina’s tallest guardians of stone. 🗻
These trails? They ain't gentle. They're steep, rocky, and relentless—but also stunningly beautiful. 🌄 Every switchback, every climb, every gasping moment rewards you with panoramic views most only dream of. And when your legs tremble at the summit, the mountains whisper: You are strong. You are worthy.
🥾 Why You’ll Love (and Respect) This Race
🐻 Bear Crawl 25k – One brutal loop
🐐 Foothills 50k – Two soul-shaping laps
🪨 16,000 feet of elevation change
🏔️ Summits of Pinnacle & Table Rock
🌲 A tight-knit tribe of trail runners to share the journey with
Race Day Details
📍 Where: Table Rock State Park – Use West Gate Road
📆 When: March 6th, 2027 – Both races start at 8:00am sharp
🏕️ Start/Finish & Packet Pickup: Pinnacle Pavilion (90 min prior)
View the COURSE MAP HERE
🏕️ Stay a While, Will Ya?
Table Rock is a gem of the Southeast—3,000 acres of rugged beauty, peaceful lakes, and cozy cabins. Make a weekend of it! 🏞️ So… are ya ready to Conquer the Rock?
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🧗♂️ Come climb with us.
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🔥 Come suffer with us.
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🏔️ Come rise with us.
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Sun, Mar 07, 2027 at 9:00 AMSee full details
UDPATES for 2027 Races Coming Soon!
Potential Updates to Course, Location, Time
NEW Swag, Apparel, Medals, and MORE!
Registration set to open for this race on September 1st
The First 100 Participants Receive Custom Race Socks
Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge🌄
Conquer the Climb. Take in the View. 🌲🏃♂️
Ready to rise to the challenge? The Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge is an epic race to the highest point in South Carolina. With steep climbs, stunning views, and a fast trail descent, this race blends grit with grandeur—perfect for seasoned runners and bold adventurers alike.
Race Overview🚩
Start Line: Rocky Bottom Retreat Center
Course: A steep & winding road climb leading to the summit of Sassafras Mountain, followed by a scenic trail descent back toward the finish.
Elevation Gain: Expect a significant climb—this is a true mountain challenge.
Course Map: [Click here for Strava Map]
What Makes This Race Unique🌟
🥵 A demanding uphill road section to Sassafras' iconic summit
🌄 Panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views at the peak
🌲 Beautiful, varied trail descent with natural terrain
🐐Ideal for trail runners, mountain goats, and nature lovers
🌿A one-of-a-kind experience in South Carolina’s Upstate wilderness
Race Day Details🎉
Date: March 7th, 2027 (Sunday)
Time: Race begins at 9:00 AM
Location: Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center
Address: 123 Hancock Rd, Sunset, SC 29685
Packet Pickup: begins at 8am
Aid Station: No on-course aid station. Water available at the Start/Finish line
Post-Race Pancakes: Celebrate your summit with fresh hot pancakes and mountain air 🥞⛰️
Awards: Top finishers will be recognized after the race at the summit gathering
Accommodations
Looking to make it a mountain getaway?
🏕️ Stay the Weekend at Rocky Bottom
🏕️ Primitive camping spots available
🛏️ Cabins with multiple bedrooms on-site
💧 Water access & bathroom facilities
Reservations:
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📧 Email: [email protected]
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📞 Call: 803-331-3344 (Ask for Thom Spittle)
Capture the Moment📸
From summit selfies to finish line triumphs, this race is packed with photo-worthy views. Be sure to bring your camera—or your crew—to capture the magic of the mountains!
Ready to Race to the Top?
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic climb and unforgettable descent. Sign up today for the Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge and experience the thrill of running above it all.
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