Are you a runner? Do 5ks fill you with joy? Or do you just enjoy meeting others who also like to lace up their running shoes? If yes, then you’re in luck because there are some great events for running in Greenville, SC.
I’ve listed the best running events (in my opinion) below. But if you just want to lace up your sneakers and take to the pavement, then there are plenty of places to choose from. Some of my favorite place to go running in Greenville:
- Swamp Rabbit Trail
- Conestee Nature Preserve
- Paris Mountain State Park
- Furman Universtiy
- Legacy Park
- Cleveland Park
- Doodle Trail (near Easley)
Running Groups
You can also join the Upstate Running Club to stay informed of running events and meet other runners. Check out the Upstate Running Club Facebook page for more information!
Trailside Trotters is another running group organized by Community Tap. Trotters meet every Tuesday at 6pm at The Community Tap Trailside (at the Commons) and 6pm every Wednesday at The Community Tap Travelers Rest. Expect to run about a 5K (though less is ok!) on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. And there are perks!
The Local’s Guide to Greenville, SC
Annual Running Events in Greenville, SC
The races below are what I believe to be the standout races and events for Greenville. If you’d like to see a list of all upcoming races, check out localraces.com.
The Greenville Half Marathon & 5k | February | 5k or Half Marathon | Race from Traveler’s Rest to downtown Greenville along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. If doing the 5k, you’ll start at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. All downhill. (Similar to the Mountains to Main Street race in April.)
Ville to Ville: Craft Brew Relay | April | ~70 miles | This relay race will take you from Asheville to Greenville in one day. Teams of 3-6 runners will start in Asheville at 5am and race through 12 legs (3-9 miles each) until they reach Greenville. This is a popular race and registration often sells out quickly.
Reedy River Run | April | 5k or 10k | Race through downtown Greenville and join one of the oldest road races in the south. Registrations are limited and the 5k and 10k have separate starting times.
Mutt Strut | April | 2 miles | This walk/run through downtown Greenville supports the Greenville Humane Society. Register with or without your dog to support this dog shelter.
Find out what to expect from the Mutt Strut on my Dog Friendly Greenville site.
Tails & Trails 5k | May | 5k | Walk/run through Conestee Nature Preserve to support Greenville County’s Animal Care. Race with or without your dog to support the shelter. All proceeds go to helping the animals at Animal Care.
Mountains to Main Street | May | 5k or Half Marathon | Race from Traveler’s Rest to downtown Greenville (ending on the TD Stage) along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. If doing the 5k, you’ll start at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. All downhill. (Similar to the Greenville Half Marathon & 5k in February.)
UltiMutt Race | October | 5k | Race with or without your dog through this 5k obstacle course desgined to challenge a dog+owner team. They have a competitive and a fun run wave, so this race is perfect for everyone.
Zoom Through the Zoo | November | 5k | This race in Greenville makes a loop through the Greenville Zoo. Includes a Kids Fun Run. Plus it’s an important fundraiser for the Greenville Zoo.
