Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon

  • Date Sat 11th September 2027
  • Time 8:00AM EDT
  • Location Marietta, South Carolina
  • Price $38.10
  • Races 1 race
  • Distances Half Marathon

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon on Saturday, September 11, 2027! Set against the stunning backdrop of Marietta, Greenville, this 13.1-mile race takes you through the breathtaking Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Runners will experience the thrill of conquering over 2,000 feet of elevation gain while traversing challenging singletrack trails that lead to the majestic Rainbow Falls and Little Pinnacle Mountain.

Starting at 8:00 AM from the River Falls Lodge, this race promises not only a test of endurance but also an opportunity to connect with nature and fellow running enthusiasts. After crossing the finish line, participants can refuel with delicious pancakes while enjoying live music and camaraderie. With stunning views, a vibrant atmosphere, and the chance to support local charities, the Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon is an event you won't want to miss! Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or new to the sport, this race is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Organiser's Description

[Jones Gap Trail Half 2027]

[Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon logo]
Upstate Race Series / Upstate Trail Series

JONES GAP TRAIL HALF MARATHON





13.1
Beautiful waterfalls, and 2,000 feet of climbing to reach them





Sat, Sep 11
2027
8:00 AM
start
River Falls Lodge
Marietta, SC

Register [https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=57525]

Course map [https://www.strava.com/routes/3270747829708170406]Directions [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=River+Falls+Lodge+Rd+Marietta+SC+29661]Race groups [https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/57525]Donate [https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/SC/Marietta/JonesGapHalfMarathon]Results [https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/57525]Race photos [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/SC/Marietta/JonesGapHalfMarathon]Apparel [https://upstateraceseries.myshopify.com/collections/jones-gap-half-marathon]



Thirteen miles through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, starting on road into Jones Gap State Park and then handing you over to challenging singletrack. Rainbow Falls, the Rim of the Gap Trail, and Little Pinnacle Mountain, with roaring falls and Middle Saluda River crossings across 13,000 acres of pristine woodlands. Two thousand feet of gain, and every foot of it earns you something worth looking at.

Runner Feedback



RACE DAY DETAILS

Saturday, September 11, 2027 at River Falls Lodge, River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661. Get directions [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=River+Falls+Lodge+Rd+Marietta+SC+29661].

7:00 AM


Packet pickup opens
7:00 AM on race day, right on site at River Falls Lodge the same location as the start and finish.

8:00 AM


Start
The 13.1-mile route begins on road leading into Jones Gap State Park.

On course


Falls and singletrack
Then transitions to challenging single-track trails taking in Rainbow Falls, the Rim of the Gap Trail, and Little Pinnacle Mountain within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.

Finish


Pancakes at the lodge
Afterward there are hot pancakes, music, and a social gathering back at the lodge, plus complimentary professional race photos.

1:00 PM


Time limit
5 hours.

After


Results and photos
Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 4872 hours on our Facebook page.



COURSE OR RACE HIGHLIGHT

The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is the most spectacular terrain in the Upstate, and this course does not water it down. The road opening lets the field spread out, and then the singletrack takes over genuinely challenging trail with river crossings, rock, and sustained climbing that puts Rainbow Falls and Little Pinnacle within reach of a half marathon.

Two aid stations sit at roughly mile 2 and mile 11, which means a long unsupported stretch through the middle where you are carrying your own. This is a cup-less race, so a bottle or vest is not optional here. Afterward there are hot pancakes, music, and a social gathering back at the lodge, plus complimentary professional race photos.

[On the course at Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon]

THE COURSE

The 13.1-mile route begins on road leading into Jones Gap State Park, then transitions to challenging single-track trails taking in Rainbow Falls, the Rim of the Gap Trail, and Little Pinnacle Mountain within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Expect roaring falls and Middle Saluda River crossings across 13,000 acres of pristine woodlands, with 2,000 feet of total elevation gain.
View the course map [https://www.strava.com/routes/3270747829708170406]



PARKING

Free, right on site at River Falls Lodge, with a larger adjacent field for participant vehicles.



AID STATIONS

TWO AID STATIONS, AT ROUGHLY MILE 2.2 AND MILE 10.9 A LONG STRETCH IN BETWEEN WHERE YOU CARRY YOUR OWN.

AVAILABLE SNACKS

PicklesCookiesChipsAssorted candyFig NewtonsPretzels

HYDRATION

WaterCokeGinger ale
CUP-LESS EVENT please bring your own hydration vessel.



WHAT'S INCLUDED

FREE ON-SITE PARKING
River Falls Lodge, with a larger adjacent field for participant vehicles.

CUSTOM RACE BIB
Your badge of the journey.

CHIP TIMING & LIVE RESULTS
Track your effort, splits included.

RACE BRANDED FINISHER MEDAL
To commemorate the triumph.

CUSTOM RACE TATTOO
Wear the moment proudly.

EVENT-THEMED GIVEAWAYS
A little extra swag for finishing strong.

RACE STICKERS
Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop.

POST RACE PANCAKES
Refuel with some pancakes and fresh fruit post race!

POST RACE VIBES AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory hang around at the finish line and celebrate.

[Runner at Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon]
[Runner at Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon]
[Runner at Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon]

From past races. See all race photos [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/SC/Marietta/JonesGapHalfMarathon]



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 [https://runsignup.com/Series/UpstateUltraGetDirty]

SERIES AWARDS

Run the series and earn more than a finish:

SERIES FINISHER finish 5 races in a series to earn that series Finisher coin and Finisher tee. Free and earned on the course, never sold.

UPSTATE 250 CLUB log 250 or more race miles across Upstate Race Series events in a season to earn the 250 Club buckle.

THE ANCHOR AWARD the runner with the most race miles across the Upstate Race Series keeps the Anchor Award for the year, and their name goes on it for good.

Age Group Categories

09
1012
1316
1719
2029
3034
3539
4044
4549
5054
5559
6064
6569
7079
80+



GIVING BACK



This race supports
Polk County Human Services
Provides food, energy assistance, child welfare and other help to families across Polk County, North Carolina. Visit Polk County Human Services [https://polknc.gov/social_services1.php]Donate [https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/SC/Marietta/JonesGapHalfMarathon]

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 [https://upstategivingseries.com/].



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.
Create or join a race group [https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/57525]



GOOD TO KNOW

Are dogs allowed on the course?
Yes we love pups.

Are headphones or earbuds allowed?
Yes, rock on, but keep your head on a swivel for snakes, small bears, and of course the directional arrows keeping you on the right track.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Negative, Ghost Rider.

Is there race-day registration?
Sure thing you can register on your personal mobile device up until the gun goes off.

Where are the start and finish lines?
Start and finish are both at River Falls Lodge.

Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?
Yes. There is a large pavilion, and vehicles are within 50 meters of the start/finish line, so runners can leave belongings in either.

Are there restrooms near the start/finish or on course?
No bathrooms on the course, but there are plenty of woods... and mountains.

Will I get a medal or a shirt?
All finishers receive a medal, plus age group medallions for placement. Apparel can be purchased separately.

What happens if there's bad weather?
Upstate Race Series races run rain or shine. In the event of lightning, extreme heat, or hazardous winter conditions, we'll post an update on this page and email registered runners as early as possible. Entry fees aren't refunded for weather delays see Managing Your Registration below.

Can spectators come watch?
Spectators are welcome. Runner parking fills up race morning if you're only here to cheer, plan for overflow parking nearby.

When will results and photos be available?
Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 4872 hours on our Facebook page we'll tag the album so it's easy to find.



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 [https://runsignup.com/Profile]



RACE VIDEO



LET'S STAY CONNECTED

Follow along, gear up, and keep up with everything Upstate Race Series

This race
Register [https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=57525]
Course map [https://www.strava.com/routes/3270747829708170406]
Directions [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=River+Falls+Lodge+Rd+Marietta+SC+29661]
Race groups [https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/57525]
Results [https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/57525]
Race photos [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/SC/Marietta/JonesGapHalfMarathon]
Race apparel [https://upstateraceseries.myshopify.com/collections/jones-gap-half-marathon]
Manage my registration [https://runsignup.com/Profile]

Series & giving
Upstate Trail Series [https://runsignup.com/Series/UpstateUltraGetDirty]
Upstate Giving Series [https://upstategivingseries.com/]
Polk County Human Services [https://polknc.gov/social_services1.php]
Donate [https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/SC/Marietta/JonesGapHalfMarathon]

Upstate Race Series
UpstateRaceSeries.com [https://www.upstateraceseries.com]
Questions? Use the contact form below or tap the chat button in the corner.
Instagram @upstateraceseries [https://www.instagram.com/upstateraceseries]
Facebook: Upstate Event Management [https://www.facebook.com/UpstateEventManagement]
Apparel store [https://upstateraceseries.myshopify.com/]

Races

  • Jones Gap Half Marathon

    Incl. $3.10 Fee & Event Socks

    Sat 11th September 2027 (8:00AM EDT)

    $38.10

    OPENS 08 MAR 27

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Location

River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, 29661, SC, United States

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