Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

Race Description: Join us for the inaugural Tico's Gravel Grinder 10K, a trail running adventure through the scenic Harbison State Forest! Celebrate Tico, Palmetto Wildlife Rescue's resident raccoon and beloved ambassador, as he celebrates his 10th birthday with us. This 10K course will challenge you with its rolling gravel terrain, rewarding you with stunning natural views. The race kicks off at 7:30 AM at the Education Center in Harbison State Forest.  Registration: • Early Bird (Until July 31): $25 • August 1 - September 14: $30 • September 15 - Race Day: $35 • Race Day: $40 Guarantee your race shirt by registering before October 10th! Packet Pickup: • Friday 10/24: Fleet Feet Irmo (945 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC 29063) - 12 PM - 6 PM • Race Day: Start Line - 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM   On-Site Vendors: Topo Athletic, Feetures, Tailwind Nutrition, and more! Supporting Palmetto Wildlife Rescue: We're proud to support Palmetto Wildlife Rescue, and proceeds from this race will go t

Get ready for a hauntingly good time as Elmwood Park Neighborhood presents the Nightmare In Elmwood 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 24th. This ghoulishly entertaining event will take place in the heart of downtown Columbia, featuring a scary course through the historic Elmwood Park neighborhood. Hosted by GRIT Endurance, LLC, the Nightmare In Elmwood is not just about a race; it's about community, fun, and giving back. This year's event is set to benefit the Historic Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the enhancement of this beloved Columbia neighborhood. Event Details: Date: Saturday, October 24thLocation: Start/Finish Line near Palmetto Life Church Park Street, 2204 Park Street, Elmwood Park neighborhoodStart Times:5K - 10amKids Fun Run (Age 12 and under) - 9:30amParticipants can expect a newly certified USA Track & Field course that will guide them through the charming and historic Elmwood Park neighborhood,

Hey everyone! Please join F3 Midlands for our 3rd Annual week-long virtual activity challenge! This year we're aiming to run across America "From Sea to Shining Sea" and log a total of 5,540 miles together as a group. It's all for a great cause—raising awareness about the serious issue of human trafficking right here in our community. Throughout the week of October 4-10 all participants will track their own miles wherever and however you want to log them. Whether you're walking, running, cycling, or doing your favorite activity, every mile counts towards our goal! Not only are we spreading awareness, but we're also fundraising for Lighthouse for Life, a nonprofit in Columbia, SC that supports survivors of human trafficking from our community. The money raised will directly help in their recovery and restoration. Let's make a difference together! ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE FOR LIFE - https://lighthouseforlife.org/  At Lighthouse for Life, we walk alongside survivors of

Fort Jackson's first authentic ½ marathon (13.1 miles) experience to our Soldiers and authorized patrons. This is a professionally timed event. There is a 3mile course embedded within the 13.1 mile course. Participants have the option of which race to compete in.

Midland Mountain Trail Series: A Thanksgiving Trail Celebration This Thanksgiving season, join us in celebrating the spirit of community, gratitude, and the joy of running with our Midland Mountain Trail Series—a festive day of trail running through the scenic beauty of Harbison State Forest. It's a gathering of friends, families, and fellow trail lovers giving thanks for strong legs, open trails, and the people we share them with. As autumn paints the forest in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, you’ll wind through shady woodlands, cross tranquil streams, and conquer rolling hills on a course that challenges and inspires. With every step, you’ll be surrounded not only by the beauty of nature but also by a welcoming, supportive community of runners. Whether you're chasing a new PR or simply enjoying the trail at your own pace, you’re part of something special. At the heart of this event is a celebration of what we’re most thankful for—the people who make the trail running c

Shandon Neighborhood Council is excited to announce the Shandon Turkey Trot and Burn 5K 2026 Join us on Black Friday, November 27th at 10am for this great community race! Are you ready to Trot & Burn with your Flock ?  Then THIS is the race for you!  Runners and Walkers are Welcome!  This race, managed by GRIT Endurance, LLC, will benefit The Shandon Neighborhood Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, who will use the race proceeds to provide improvements in this historical neighborhood.  Our race will showcase our beautiful Shandon Neighborhood with its USA Track & Field certified course.  The Start/Finish will be near Craft and Draft where we will hold our awards ceremony. Our 2025 race will be capped at 1000 registrants!  So you better get Trotting!  We hope to SELL OUT quick.  Participants are encouraged to dress in their best and most creative Thanksgiving Turkey Burn Attire.  Prizes will be awarded for the top ten most creative outfits! No Refunds or Deferrals! Race is rain or

It's tiiiiiiime! We want to see your ugliest, weirdest, or fanciest holiday ensemble on Saturday, December 12th for the Friends of the Met CAC Ugly Sweater 5K in Forest Acres, SC! Proceeds and donations will benefit Friends of the Met CAC, a non-profit organization established to support the mission of the Metropolitan Children’s Advocacy Center (Met CAC). The Met CAC provides essential services to children who are suspected victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and other types of maltreatment. Your support helps the Met CAC in their fight against child abuse. The race will be officially timed by Fleet Feet Columbia. Be sure to hang around after the race and enjoy a holiday themed awards celebration. Awards will be given to top finishers, as well as to the participant with the "ugliest" outfit. Runners and walkers are invited to show off your pet's holiday outfit too. An award for best dressed pet will be given for furry friends too! Don't forget to register your best four-legged friend! Packet Pick-up will be on Friday, December 11, 2026 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Forest Acres, 4525 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206 or on race day between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. near Gills Creek Memorial Park.

Harbison State Park - Columbia South Carolina Race Information Packet Pickup Gates Open: 5:30 AM Runners may enter the park beginning at 5:30 AM to pick up bibs and shirts. Race Start Times 50K Start: 7:00 AM 25K Start: 8:30 AM Course Cutoffs All participants must be out of the forest by 4:30 PM. To ensure runners can complete the full distance safely:50K First Loop Cutoff: 4 hours 30 minutes Required Pace: 17:22 per mile to begin the second loop Please plan accordingly and run within the posted cutoff times.

🐾 Dog Daze 5K – A Race for Runners, Walkers & Waggers! 📅 Race Day: Saturday, February 6th, 2027 | 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM 📍 Location: Olde Woodlands Park, 6500 Olde Knight Parkway, Columbia, SC 29209 🎽 Benefiting: Animal Mission of the Midlands – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to end pet overpopulation and euthanasia in the Midlands. 🐾 About Animal Mission of the Midlands: Local nonprofit providing low-cost spay/neuter, microchipping & vaccines Partners with Columbia Animal Services & area vets Thousands of pets helped annually through its voucher program Committed to saving lives and supporting responsible pet ownership For more information: https://animalmission.org/ 🐶 What to Expect: Fast, PR-friendly course (formerly the "Sweat It Out 5K") Creative awards, fun dog-themed shirts, and a festive atmosphere Dogs welcome! (leashes required) Special awards for the Top 3 Dogs to finish Perfect for competitive runners, casual walkers & families The race is capped at 500 runners! We SOLD OUT last year! ZOOM in Today! Race is Rain or Shine! No Refunds! No Deferrals! No Bib Transfers After 1/31/27.

Check-in begins at 8:00 AM and the race starts at 10:00 AM.The event is fully accessible and pet-friendly, but all pets must remain leashed at all times.This is a certified 5K with professional timing. All results will be posted immediately after the race.To guarantee your Cupid's Chase shirt, please register by January 1, 2027; after that date, shirts will be available while supplies last.Giveaways include a Cupid's Chase finisher medal and drawstring bag, available while supplies last.Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 overall male and female finishers.Age group medals will be awarded to the overall male and female finishers in each of the following 14 age groups: 12 & under, 13–15, 16–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69 and 70 & over.This is a rain or shine event. All registration fees are non-refundable.

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 Sandhills Trail & Ultra Festival! 🏕️ Are you ready to run wild in the heart of South Carolina? Lace up and hit the trails at Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC – where pine forests meet sandy ridges, and every step brings you closer to nature.🌲 Whether you're tackling a single loop or testing your grit in the 30-hour challenge, the Sandhills Trail Race has something for every trail runner.    Distance Options 🏃‍♀️ 7.5-Mile Fun Loop – One lap of sweet singletrack through forest and lakeside views. 🏃 25K (2 Laps) – Perfect for those ready to push past comfort and into the challenge zone. 🏃‍♂️ 50K (4 Laps) – A full day of adventure for ultrarunners craving miles and memories. &

The True to the Brew 5K – Capital City Passage offers an exciting urban trail course! Join us on Saturday, March 6th for the first 2027 race in the Palmetto Trail Race Series and the True to the Brew Trifecta, 5K, 10K and 13.1! This 5K race guides participants through downtown Columbia, SC, along the Capital City Passage of the Palmetto Trail. Runners and walkers alike will enjoy this unique opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere while still being on a true Palmetto Trail course. We encourage you to sign up your entire family. This race is great for all ages! Hurry and sign up to secure your slot. We are capping this race to 500 and True to the Brew events are known to SELL OUT! Proceeds from this event benefit the Palmetto Trail and will go directly toward expanding and maintaining the trail across South Carolina. Your participation helps us build this incredible resource that connects the state’s mountains to its sea! Like all True to the Brew events, you can expect an unforgettable finish line celebration! Join us at the Palmetto Trail Headquarters at 722 King Street in Columbia, SC, where live music, free beer from Craft & Draft, and a full cookout with all the fixings await you after the race. Don’t miss out on this unique trail experience right in the heart of the city! This race is rain or shine! No Refunds or Deferrals. Strollers and Dogs on a leash are welcome!

Established in 1973, The Governor's Cup is one of the most prestigious and longest-running road races in the Southeast. Hosted in the historic city of Columbia, SC, the weekend includes The Main Street Mile, The Kids' Main Street Mile, Governor's Cup 5K and (the main event) The Governor's Cup Half Marathon. The city boasts mild April temperatures, rolling hills and tree-covered streets that all lead to fast race times. The races are organized "by runners, for runners" and participants get the elite treatment as they smash their race goals. Great food, drink, entertainment, culture and southern hospitality are all served in generous portions at The Governor's Cup.

Message from the Race Director Never say never. After retiring the Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler in 2020 because of the pandemic and its profound impact on our race operations, we’ve decided to revive this awesome women’s-only event on May 16, 2026! With a beautiful new venue in Columbia, South Carolina, at Gills Creek Memorial Park in Forest Acres and a scenic neighborhood course, we’re bringing you a re-imagined Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler. We will once again offer a 5-mile run/walk and a 3.5-mile fitness walk. This time, however, both five-mile runners and walkers will be chip-timed, while 3-mile walkers will continue to enjoy a fun and relaxed untimed experience. So whether you’re an elite athlete or a woman looking for a special feel-good event to experience with your girlfriends, you’ll find something to love on Saturday, May 16. You can count on this event to continue celebrating women's health and the power of a healthy lifestyle. Our all-female race committee