Sassafras 8 Mile
- Date Sun 8th March 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Sunset, South Carolina
- Price $38.10 - $107.00
- Races 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for the ultimate adventure at the Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge! On Sunday, March 8th, 2026, join fellow runners in Sunset, South Carolina, for an exhilarating race that will take you to the highest point in the state. This 8-mile challenge features a demanding uphill climb that leads to breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, followed by a thrilling trail descent that will leave you feeling accomplished and exhilarated.
Starting at the Rocky Bottom Retreat Center, the race kicks off at 9:00 AM, with packet pickup available from 8 AM. Participants can look forward to a day filled with stunning natural beauty, a supportive community, and a delicious post-race pancake celebration. Whether you're a seasoned runner or an adventurous spirit, the Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge promises an unforgettable experience in South Carolina's picturesque upstate. Don’t miss your chance to conquer this epic climb and enjoy the scenic trails—sign up today and prepare for a race like no other!
Starting at the Rocky Bottom Retreat Center, the race kicks off at 9:00 AM, with packet pickup available from 8 AM. Participants can look forward to a day filled with stunning natural beauty, a supportive community, and a delicious post-race pancake celebration. Whether you're a seasoned runner or an adventurous spirit, the Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge promises an unforgettable experience in South Carolina's picturesque upstate. Don’t miss your chance to conquer this epic climb and enjoy the scenic trails—sign up today and prepare for a race like no other!
Organiser's Description
SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN 8-MILE CHALLENGE
CONQUER THE CLIMB. TAKE IN THE VIEW. MALE SIGN
READY TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE? THE SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN 8-MILE CHALLENGE IS AN EPIC RACE TO THE HIGHEST POINT IN SOUTH CAROLINA. WITH STEEP CLIMBS, STUNNING VIEWS, AND A FAST TRAIL DESCENT, THIS RACE BLENDS GRIT WITH GRANDEURPERFECT FOR SEASONED RUNNERS AND BOLD ADVENTURERS ALIKE.
RACE OVERVIEW
START LINE: ROCKY BOTTOM RETREAT CENTER
COURSE: A STEEP & WINDING ROAD CLIMB LEADING TO THE SUMMIT OF SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN, FOLLOWED BY A SCENIC TRAIL DESCENT BACK TOWARD THE FINISH.
ELEVATION GAIN: EXPECT A SIGNIFICANT CLIMBTHIS IS A TRUE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE.
COURSE MAP: [CLICK HERE FOR STRAVA MAP] [https://www.strava.com/routes/3270740896365868198]
WHAT MAKES THIS RACE UNIQUE
A DEMANDING UPHILL ROAD SECTION TO SASSAFRAS' ICONIC SUMMIT
PANORAMIC BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN VIEWS AT THE PEAK
BEAUTIFUL, VARIED TRAIL DESCENT WITH NATURAL TERRAIN
IDEAL FOR TRAIL RUNNERS, MOUNTAIN GOATS, AND NATURE LOVERS
A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE IN SOUTH CAROLINAS UPSTATE WILDERNESS
RACE DAY DETAILS
DATE: MARCH 8TH, 2026 (SUNDAY)
TIME: RACE BEGINS AT 9:00 AM
LOCATION: ROCKY BOTTOM RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER
ADDRESS: 123 HANCOCK RD, SUNSET, SC 29685
PACKET PICKUP: BEGINS AT 8AM
AID STATION: NO ON-COURSE AID STATION. WATER AVAILABLE AT THE START/FINISH LINE
POST-RACE PANCAKES: CELEBRATE YOUR SUMMIT WITH FRESH HOT PANCAKES AND MOUNTAIN AIR MOUNTAIN
AWARDS: TOP FINISHERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED AFTER THE RACE AT THE SUMMIT GATHERING
ACCOMMODATIONS
LOOKING TO MAKE IT A MOUNTAIN GETAWAY?
STAY THE WEEKEND AT ROCKY BOTTOM
PRIMITIVE CAMPING SPOTS AVAILABLE
CABINS WITH MULTIPLE BEDROOMS ON-SITE
WATER ACCESS & BATHROOM FACILITIES
RESERVATIONS:
*
:E-MAIL: EMAIL: [email protected]
*
CALL: 803-331-3344 (ASK FOR THOM SPITTLE)
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
FROM SUMMIT SELFIES TO FINISH LINE TRIUMPHS, THIS RACE IS PACKED WITH PHOTO-WORTHY VIEWS. BE SURE TO BRING YOUR CAMERAOR YOUR CREWTO CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF THE MOUNTAINS!
READY TO RACE TO THE TOP?
DONT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BE PART OF THIS EPIC CLIMB AND UNFORGETTABLE DESCENT. SIGN UP TODAY FOR THE SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN 8-MILE CHALLENGE AND EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF RUNNING ABOVE IT ALL.
UPSTATE RACE SERIES REGISTRATION POLICIES & OPTIONS
CHECK MARK BUTTON TRANSFERS
* Registered participants may transfer their entry to another person through their RunSignUp profile
* Transfer & Manage Registration HERE [https://runsignup.com/Profile]
CHECK MARK BUTTON DISTANCE CHANGES
* Participants may switch to a different race distance (e.g., drop from Half Marathon to 5K).
* Switch Distance & Manage Registration HERE [https://runsignup.com/Profile]
CHECK MARK BUTTON CLUB & REFERRAL DISCOUNTS
* Join the Upstate Running Club and receive 15% OFF registration.
* Refer 2+ runners and receive $5 OFF.
CHECK MARK BUTTON RACE SHIRTS & SWAG
* Race shirts are sold and shipped separately.
* Finisher medals and awards (age group & overall) are not shipped.
CHECK MARK BUTTON REFUNDS & DEFERRALS
* No refunds or deferrals will be offered (unless the event sells out).
* If the race sells out, you may request a 50% OFF code for a future Upstate Race Series event.
CONQUER THE CLIMB. TAKE IN THE VIEW. MALE SIGN
READY TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE? THE SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN 8-MILE CHALLENGE IS AN EPIC RACE TO THE HIGHEST POINT IN SOUTH CAROLINA. WITH STEEP CLIMBS, STUNNING VIEWS, AND A FAST TRAIL DESCENT, THIS RACE BLENDS GRIT WITH GRANDEURPERFECT FOR SEASONED RUNNERS AND BOLD ADVENTURERS ALIKE.
RACE OVERVIEW
START LINE: ROCKY BOTTOM RETREAT CENTER
COURSE: A STEEP & WINDING ROAD CLIMB LEADING TO THE SUMMIT OF SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN, FOLLOWED BY A SCENIC TRAIL DESCENT BACK TOWARD THE FINISH.
ELEVATION GAIN: EXPECT A SIGNIFICANT CLIMBTHIS IS A TRUE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE.
COURSE MAP: [CLICK HERE FOR STRAVA MAP] [https://www.strava.com/routes/3270740896365868198]
WHAT MAKES THIS RACE UNIQUE
A DEMANDING UPHILL ROAD SECTION TO SASSAFRAS' ICONIC SUMMIT
PANORAMIC BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN VIEWS AT THE PEAK
BEAUTIFUL, VARIED TRAIL DESCENT WITH NATURAL TERRAIN
IDEAL FOR TRAIL RUNNERS, MOUNTAIN GOATS, AND NATURE LOVERS
A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE IN SOUTH CAROLINAS UPSTATE WILDERNESS
RACE DAY DETAILS
DATE: MARCH 8TH, 2026 (SUNDAY)
TIME: RACE BEGINS AT 9:00 AM
LOCATION: ROCKY BOTTOM RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER
ADDRESS: 123 HANCOCK RD, SUNSET, SC 29685
PACKET PICKUP: BEGINS AT 8AM
AID STATION: NO ON-COURSE AID STATION. WATER AVAILABLE AT THE START/FINISH LINE
POST-RACE PANCAKES: CELEBRATE YOUR SUMMIT WITH FRESH HOT PANCAKES AND MOUNTAIN AIR MOUNTAIN
AWARDS: TOP FINISHERS WILL BE RECOGNIZED AFTER THE RACE AT THE SUMMIT GATHERING
ACCOMMODATIONS
LOOKING TO MAKE IT A MOUNTAIN GETAWAY?
STAY THE WEEKEND AT ROCKY BOTTOM
PRIMITIVE CAMPING SPOTS AVAILABLE
CABINS WITH MULTIPLE BEDROOMS ON-SITE
WATER ACCESS & BATHROOM FACILITIES
RESERVATIONS:
*
:E-MAIL: EMAIL: [email protected]
*
CALL: 803-331-3344 (ASK FOR THOM SPITTLE)
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
FROM SUMMIT SELFIES TO FINISH LINE TRIUMPHS, THIS RACE IS PACKED WITH PHOTO-WORTHY VIEWS. BE SURE TO BRING YOUR CAMERAOR YOUR CREWTO CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF THE MOUNTAINS!
READY TO RACE TO THE TOP?
DONT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BE PART OF THIS EPIC CLIMB AND UNFORGETTABLE DESCENT. SIGN UP TODAY FOR THE SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN 8-MILE CHALLENGE AND EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF RUNNING ABOVE IT ALL.
UPSTATE RACE SERIES REGISTRATION POLICIES & OPTIONS
CHECK MARK BUTTON TRANSFERS
* Registered participants may transfer their entry to another person through their RunSignUp profile
* Transfer & Manage Registration HERE [https://runsignup.com/Profile]
CHECK MARK BUTTON DISTANCE CHANGES
* Participants may switch to a different race distance (e.g., drop from Half Marathon to 5K).
* Switch Distance & Manage Registration HERE [https://runsignup.com/Profile]
CHECK MARK BUTTON CLUB & REFERRAL DISCOUNTS
* Join the Upstate Running Club and receive 15% OFF registration.
* Refer 2+ runners and receive $5 OFF.
CHECK MARK BUTTON RACE SHIRTS & SWAG
* Race shirts are sold and shipped separately.
* Finisher medals and awards (age group & overall) are not shipped.
CHECK MARK BUTTON REFUNDS & DEFERRALS
* No refunds or deferrals will be offered (unless the event sells out).
* If the race sells out, you may request a 50% OFF code for a future Upstate Race Series event.
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Sassafras 8 Mile
