Sassafras 8 Mile Run/Walk 2027 — Sunset, SC

Upstate Race Series Sassafras 8 Mile Run/Walk Rocky Bottom Retreat · Sunset, SC Conquer the climb. Take in the view. 🏔 “ 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 What Sassafras 8 Mile Run/Walk — the Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge When Sunday, March 7, 2027 — 9:00 AM start Where Rocky Bottom Retreat Center for the Blind, Sunset, SC Address 123 Hancock Rd, Sunset, SC 29685 Packet Pickup Begins at 8:00 AM at Rocky Bottom Retreat Center. No proxy pickups. Time Limit 2 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 start