Light the Trail 5K
- Date Thu 17th September 2026
- Time 6:00PM EDT
- Location Clemson, South Carolina
- Price $11.60 - $27.50
- Races 2 races
- Distances 1 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the inaugural Light the Trail 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in the vibrant Patrick Square community of Clemson, Pickens! This exciting event is not only a chance for runners and walkers of all ages to come together, but it also supports the Green Crescent Trail and its ambitious vision of creating 15 connected miles of trails by 2030.
Participants can enjoy a scenic 5K course or opt for the 1-Mile Family Fun Run, making it a perfect outing for everyone from seasoned athletes to families with strollers. After the race, join in the festivities at the Village Green, where you can indulge in local food, drinks, and live music, along with fun family activities. With awards, a costume contest, and raffle prizes up for grabs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So lace up your shoes, gather your friends and family, and be a part of this uplifting community celebration that champions a more connected, walkable, and bikeable Clemson. Let's light the trail together!
Participants can enjoy a scenic 5K course or opt for the 1-Mile Family Fun Run, making it a perfect outing for everyone from seasoned athletes to families with strollers. After the race, join in the festivities at the Village Green, where you can indulge in local food, drinks, and live music, along with fun family activities. With awards, a costume contest, and raffle prizes up for grabs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So lace up your shoes, gather your friends and family, and be a part of this uplifting community celebration that champions a more connected, walkable, and bikeable Clemson. Let's light the trail together!
Organiser's Description
Benefiting the Green Crescent Trail and a more walkable, bikeable greater Clemson area!
Join us for a lively evening of movement, community and celebration at the inaugural Light the Trail 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run in Clemsons Patrick Square community.
Held just before Clemson Universitys Parents Weekend, this family-friendly event invites area runners and walkers, University students and their parents, alumni, neighbors and trail supporters of all ages to move together and support the Green Crescent Trail and its bold 15x30 vision: creating 15 connected miles of trail across Clemson, Central and Pendleton by 2030.
Participants will enjoy a scenic evening course through the streets of Patrick Square, followed by a lively post-race community gathering on the Village Green featuring local food, drinks, music and family activities. Professional timing provided by XX
Whether you are chasing a personal best, walking with friends or pushing a stroller under the fall lights, every step helps raise awareness and support for safer, more connected and more active communities across the region.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
* Evening 5K race through Patrick Square
* 1-mile Family Fun Run open to all ages and abilities
* Awards for various ages and groups, costume contest, and raffle prizes
* Post-race community gathering at the Village Green
* Breakfast-for-dinner specials at Sunnyside Cafe
* Food and beer specials at Kite Hill Brewing Co.
* Music, dancing, family activities and community partner booths
* Green Crescent Trail and 15x30 campaign information
* Opportunity to support future trail connectivity in the Clemson area
WHY WE RUN
The Green Crescent Trail connects neighborhoods, schools, parks, campuses and downtowns across the greater Clemson region through safe, accessible multi-use trails. The new 15x30 campaign is focused on expanding that vision into a connected 15-mile regional network by the year 2030.
Light the Trail is more than a race. It is a celebration of movement, connectivity, and a bright, active future for our community.
Every mile matters. GO. CONNECT! Lets light the trail together!
Join us for a lively evening of movement, community and celebration at the inaugural Light the Trail 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run in Clemsons Patrick Square community.
Held just before Clemson Universitys Parents Weekend, this family-friendly event invites area runners and walkers, University students and their parents, alumni, neighbors and trail supporters of all ages to move together and support the Green Crescent Trail and its bold 15x30 vision: creating 15 connected miles of trail across Clemson, Central and Pendleton by 2030.
Participants will enjoy a scenic evening course through the streets of Patrick Square, followed by a lively post-race community gathering on the Village Green featuring local food, drinks, music and family activities. Professional timing provided by XX
Whether you are chasing a personal best, walking with friends or pushing a stroller under the fall lights, every step helps raise awareness and support for safer, more connected and more active communities across the region.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
* Evening 5K race through Patrick Square
* 1-mile Family Fun Run open to all ages and abilities
* Awards for various ages and groups, costume contest, and raffle prizes
* Post-race community gathering at the Village Green
* Breakfast-for-dinner specials at Sunnyside Cafe
* Food and beer specials at Kite Hill Brewing Co.
* Music, dancing, family activities and community partner booths
* Green Crescent Trail and 15x30 campaign information
* Opportunity to support future trail connectivity in the Clemson area
WHY WE RUN
The Green Crescent Trail connects neighborhoods, schools, parks, campuses and downtowns across the greater Clemson region through safe, accessible multi-use trails. The new 15x30 campaign is focused on expanding that vision into a connected 15-mile regional network by the year 2030.
Light the Trail is more than a race. It is a celebration of movement, connectivity, and a bright, active future for our community.
Every mile matters. GO. CONNECT! Lets light the trail together!
Races
-
1-Mile Fun Run
Incl. $1.60 Fee & T-Shirt
Thu 17th September 2026 (6:00PM EDT)
$11.60
OPENS 01 JUNFun run for all ages! -
Light the Trail 5K
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Thu 17th September 2026 (7:00PM EDT)
$27.50
OPENS 01 JUNOfficial timing provided by Upstate Race Series
Reviews
Doing this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event. You'll be able to review this event once it's taken place.
Location
108 Thomas Green Blvd, Clemson, 29631, SC, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Light the Trail 5K
