Light the Trail 5K and Fun Run presented by Indigo Advisors & Partners

  • Date Tue 15th September 2026 - Sun 20th September 2026
  • Time 6:00PM EDT
  • Location Clemson, South Carolina
  • Price $11.60 - $27.50
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 1 Mile, 5km

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Event summary

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of community and fitness at the inaugural Light the Trail 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run, taking place from September 15 to September 20, 2026, in the picturesque Patrick Square community of Clemson, Pickens. This exciting event is designed to benefit the Green Crescent Trail, aiming to create a more walkable and bikeable Greater Clemson area. Join runners, walkers, families, and supporters of all ages on Thursday, September 17, for an enchanting evening 5K race through the charming streets, followed by a lively post-race gathering at the Village Green.

Participants can look forward to a fun-filled evening featuring local food, drinks, music, and family activities, along with awards, a costume contest, and exciting raffle prizes. The scenic 3.1-mile course is perfect for everyone, from seasoned runners chasing personal bests to families enjoying a leisurely stroll. The 1-mile fun run is open to all ages and abilities, making it an inclusive experience for the entire community. Together, let’s light the trail and support the vision of connecting 15 miles of trails across the greater Clemson area by 2030. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part

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 presented by Indigo Advisors & Partners 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!_



RACE COURSE

This 3.1-mile course winds through the scenic Patrick Square community [https://www.strava.com/routes/3499072566178988588]. The race begins and ends by the Village Green retail district and loops twice around the neighborhood, with a gentle, gradual topography that is ideal for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Pershing Avenue at Issaqueena Trail will be closed to traffic when the race is taking place. Neighborhood entrances at Keller Boulevard and Chapman Hill Road, along with access to retail parking, will remain open during the duration of the Light the Trail event. Race course elevation ranges from a minimum 721 feet to a maximum 825 feet.

The 1-mile fun run/walk [https://www.strava.com/routes/3518257781602248586]starts and ends on Market Street and covers a well-marked half-mile loop two times along the scenic sidewalks and streets of Patrick Square.

Races

  • 1-Mile Fun Run

    Incl. $1.60 Fee

    Thu 17th September 2026 (6:00PM EDT)

    $11.60

    Fun run for all ages!
  • Light the Trail 5K

    Incl. $2.50 Fee & Race Socks

    Thu 17th September 2026 (7:00PM EDT)

    $27.50

    Official timing provided by Upstate Race Series
  • Virtual Run or Walk 5k

    Incl. $1.90 Fee

    $16.90

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Location

108 Thomas Green Blvd, Clemson, 29631, SC, United States

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