Prisoner of War Trail Race (50k – 25k – 8mi) 2026 — Spartanburg, SC

Upstate Race Series Prisoner of War Trail Race Croft State Park · Spartanburg, SC Honor. Endurance. Never retreat. “ Figure-eight loops across 7,000 acres of the old Camp Croft, on roots, rocks, and real elevation. The Semper Fi 8 Mile takes the northern section, the Infantry 25K runs one full loop, and the POW 50K runs two. A central checkpoint and aid station sit at the Activity Center, and you report there each loop. Croft State Park was Camp Croft, an infantry training center that put tens of thousands of soldiers through these woods in the 1940s, and the terrain has not gotten any friendlier since. This is South Carolina's backcountry — genuinely rugged trail with roots, rocks, and climbing that adds up over a long day. The figure-eight design means you come back through base camp every loop, which makes crewing simple and gives the day a rhythm. Afterward there is a post-race barracks bash with good tunes, good food, and good people, plus hearty pancakes and soup. Every finisher receives a medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series. Race Day Details What Prisoner of War Trail Race — POW 50K (two figure-eight loops), Infantry 25K (one loop), and the Semper Fi 8 Mile (northern section) When Saturday, October 24, 2026 — all races start at 9:00 AM Where Croft State Park, Spartanburg, SC — base camp at the Activity Center Address 450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302 Packet Pickup Begins at 0800 hours at the Activity Center (base camp) on race day. Parking is available on site. Time Limit 10 hours for all races. The 50K has a 4-hour cutoff on the first lap. Course Figure-eight loops across 7,000 acres of trail: roots, rocks, and real elevation through South Carolina's backcountry. The 50K runs two full figure-eights, the 25K runs one, and the 8 Mile takes the northern section. A central checkpoint and aid station sit at the Activity Center — report there each loop. View Course Map → Parking Park at Croft State Park and follow the event parking signs. There is an admission fee to enter the State Park unless you hold an annual State Park pass. Aid Stations One centralized aid station at the start/finish, plus an aid station at the trail intersection every 8 miles. Available snacks: Pickles Cookies Chips Fig Newtons Pretzels Assorted candy Hydration: Water Coke Ginger ale Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel. What's Included Hearty Pancakes and Soup Waiting at base camp when you report in for the last time. 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. Homemade Ration Donations Welcome Bring something for the aid station if you are so inclined. 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 these two series: Upstate Trail Series Upstate Ultra 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, just be mindful of your surroundings. Be careful at trail and road crossings, and be courteous of other runners who may need to pass on narrow trails. Can someone else