Upstate Race Series
Sassafras 8 Mile Run/Walk
Rocky Bottom Retreat · Sunset, SC
Conquer the climb. Take in the view. 🏔

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Eight miles up the tallest mountain in South Carolina and back down again. A steep, winding road climb carries you to the summit of Sassafras, where the Blue Ridge opens up in every direction, and then a varied trail descent brings you home on natural terrain. The climb is the price of admission. The view is what you paid for.

There is no easing into this one. The demanding uphill road section to Sassafras's iconic summit starts working on you early and does not let go until you are standing at the top, and the elevation gain is significant enough that walking sections of it is a strategy rather than a surrender. Plenty of strong runners hike the steepest pitches here and still finish well.
The descent is the reward and the second challenge — a beautiful, varied trail with genuine natural terrain, run on legs that just spent an hour climbing. Afterward there is a post-race party with music, fresh hot pancakes, and hot cocoa. Every finisher receives a medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

Race Day Details

WhatSassafras 8 Mile Run/Walk — the Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile ChallengeWhenSunday, March 7, 2027 — 9:00 AM startWhereRocky Bottom Retreat Center for the Blind, Sunset, SCAddress123 Hancock Rd, Sunset, SC 29685Packet PickupBegins at 8:00 AM at Rocky Bottom Retreat Center. No proxy pickups.Time Limit2 hours.

Course

A steep and winding road climb leading to the summit of Sassafras Mountain, followed by a scenic trail descent back toward the finish. Expect panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views at the peak and a beautiful, varied trail on the way down. Expect a significant climb — this is a true mountain challenge.
View Course Map →

Parking

Parking is free, in the open field adjacent to the start and finish lines. You can store your gear and drop bags in your car, which will sit about 25 meters from where the race starts and finishes.

Aid Stations

No on-course aid station on this route. Water is available at the start/finish line, with pancakes and hot cocoa waiting when you are done.

Available snacks:
Post-race pancakes
Hydration:
Water at the start/finish Hot cocoa

What's Included

The Highest Point in South Carolina
You will stand on the summit of Sassafras Mountain.

Custom Race Bib
Your badge of the journey.

Chip Timing & Live Results
Track your effort, splits included.

Custom Finisher Medal
To commemorate the triumph.

Custom Race Tattoo
Wear the moment proudly.

Event-Themed Giveaways
A little extra swag for finishing strong.

Race Sticker
Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop.

Wildly Charged Hydration Sample
A little extra refresh after you've conquered the trail.

Post-Race Vibes
Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory — hang around at the finish line and celebrate.

Race Awards

Top 3 Overall (Male & Female)
The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack.

Age Group Awards (Male & Female)
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each of 15 age categories will earn an age group medal — a custom piece to add to your finisher's lanyard at the end of the event.

Series Recognition
This race counts toward season-long age group recognition in this series:
Upstate Trail Series

Giving Back
Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, which connects our 30 races with 30 nonprofit organizations serving communities across the Upstate. Your registration and any donation you add at checkout go to work close to home — you are not just running a race, you are funding the work of a neighbor.
Upstate Giving Series

Age Group Categories

0–9
10–12
13–16
17–19
20–29
30–34
35–39
40–44
45–49
50–54
55–59
60–64
65–69
70–79
80+

Groups & Teams

$5 Discount & Refund for Groups with 5+ Members

The Upstate Running Club welcomes all local and regional running clubs to our events — the more the merrier. Calling all running clubs and social run groups: Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we've got an event for you.
Sign up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more.

Good to Know

Are dogs allowed on the course?
Yes.

Are headphones or earbuds allowed?
Yes, but be mindful — you are on a road, so awareness of your surroundings matters.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
No.

Is there race-day registration?
Yes, you can register with your personal mobile device on race day. Note that cell service is limited up here.

Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?
You can store gear and drop bags in your car, which will be about 25 meters from where the race starts and finishes.

Are there restrooms near the start/finish?
Yes, bathrooms are located at the open field adjacent to the start and finish lines.

Will I get a medal or a shirt?
All finishers receive a medal. Apparel can be purchased through our Apparel Now online store for shipping, or during registration for pickup on race day.

Managing Your Registration

Everything about your entry lives in your RunSignUp profile. Sign in, find this race under your upcoming events, and make the change yourself — there is no need to email us first. From there you can:
•Transfer your entry to another runner•Switch to a different distance at this race•Transfer your entry to a different Upstate Race Series event•Update your personal details — name, address, emergency contact, shirt size•Manage add-ons, store items, and apparel purchases

All entries are final. We do not offer refunds or deferrals — but every option above stays open to you right up to race day, so a change of plans does not have to mean a wasted entry.

Manage My Registration →

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