Light the Trail 5K and Fun Run
- 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 Fun Run on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in the charming Patrick Square community of Clemson, Pickens! This exciting event promises to unite runners, walkers, families, and supporters of all ages in a joyful celebration of movement and community spirit, all while benefiting the Green Crescent Trail and its ambitious goal of creating a 15-mile connected trail network by 2030.
Participants can choose to take on the scenic 5K course or join in the 1-Mile Family Fun Run, making it a perfect outing for everyone from seasoned runners to families with strollers. After the race, enjoy a vibrant post-race gathering on the Village Green featuring delicious local food, refreshing drinks, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. With awards, a costume contest, and raffle prizes, there’s something for everyone. Join us in promoting a safer, more connected, and active community in the greater Clemson area—because every mile matters. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to light the trail together!
Participants can choose to take on the scenic 5K course or join in the 1-Mile Family Fun Run, making it a perfect outing for everyone from seasoned runners to families with strollers. After the race, enjoy a vibrant post-race gathering on the Village Green featuring delicious local food, refreshing drinks, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. With awards, a costume contest, and raffle prizes, there’s something for everyone. Join us in promoting a safer, more connected, and active community in the greater Clemson area—because every mile matters. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to 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, Thursday, September 17, 2026. _(Rain date: September 24, 2026.)_
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 UPSTATE RACE SERIES.
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!
RACE PACKET PICKUP
Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 15-16, 8-10 a.m. Sunnyside Cafe
Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 15-16, 4-6 p.m., Kite Hill Brewing
Thursday, Sept. 17 RACE DAY! 5-6 p.m, Village Green
_REGISTRATION PRICES INCREASE BEGINNING SEPT. 2, 2026!_
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, Thursday, September 17, 2026. _(Rain date: September 24, 2026.)_
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 UPSTATE RACE SERIES.
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!
RACE PACKET PICKUP
Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 15-16, 8-10 a.m. Sunnyside Cafe
Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 15-16, 4-6 p.m., Kite Hill Brewing
Thursday, Sept. 17 RACE DAY! 5-6 p.m, Village Green
_REGISTRATION PRICES INCREASE BEGINNING SEPT. 2, 2026!_
Races
-
1-Mile Fun Run
Incl. $1.60 Fee
Thu 17th September 2026 (6:00PM EDT)
$11.60
OPENS 01 JUNFun run for all ages! -
Light the Trail 5K
Incl. $2.50 Fee & Race Socks
Thu 17th September 2026 (7:00PM EDT)
$27.50
OPENS 01 JUNOfficial timing provided by Upstate Race Series
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Location
108 Thomas Green Blvd, Clemson, 29631, SC, United States
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Light the Trail 5K and Fun Run
