Snowbird Challenge (50k - 13.1 - 5.2 - Relay)
- Date Sat 24th January 2026
- Time 8:00AM EST
- Location Greenville, South Carolina
- Price $32.80 - $107.00
- Races 5 races
- Distances Ultra, Half Marathon, 5 Mile
Event summary
Get ready to embrace the chill and join the exhilarating Snowbird Challenge on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in the picturesque Greenville, South Carolina! This winter running event is designed for true winter wanderers who crave a taste of sunshine, even in the frosty months. Participants can choose to tackle a variety of distances, ranging from a fun 5-mile run to a challenging 50K, with a 2.62-mile loop that promises to keep your spirits high and your heart warm. Whether you’re running solo or forming a relay team of up to 24 members, this event is all about camaraderie and pushing your limits.
The race kicks off bright and early at 8:00 AM at the scenic Riverwest Preserve, a stunning 240-acre nature area that once served as a golf course. Runners will navigate through beautiful rolling paths, wooden bridges, and breathtaking riverside views as they chase their goals. With plenty of aid stations stocked with snacks and refreshments, you’ll be fueled and motivated to conquer each lap. So bundle up, lace up your shoes, and join fellow snowbirds at this exciting winter running celebration—because who says you can't chase glory and sunshine, even in the cold?
The race kicks off bright and early at 8:00 AM at the scenic Riverwest Preserve, a stunning 240-acre nature area that once served as a golf course. Runners will navigate through beautiful rolling paths, wooden bridges, and breathtaking riverside views as they chase their goals. With plenty of aid stations stocked with snacks and refreshments, you’ll be fueled and motivated to conquer each lap. So bundle up, lace up your shoes, and join fellow snowbirds at this exciting winter running celebration—because who says you can't chase glory and sunshine, even in the cold?
Organiser's Description
SNOWFLAKE SNOWBIRD CHALLENGE: A RUN FOR THE TRUE WINTER WANDERERS
SNOWFLAKE SNOWBIRD CHALLENGE: THE RACE THAT MAKES YOU CRAVE SUNSHINE
BRRR... IF ONLY I COULD STAY BUNDLED UP INDOORS AND SIP HOT COCOA INSTEAD OF HITTING THE CHILLY PATHS, BUT HERE WE ARE WITH THE SNOWBIRD CHALLENGE THE RACE FOR THOSE OF US WHOD RATHER BE WARM IN FLORIDA! SUN EVEN IF YOU'RE LIKE MEDODGING FROSTBITE AND DREAMING OF TROPICAL BREEZESTHIS 2.62-MILE LOOP OFFERS A MINI ESCAPE FROM THE WINTER GRIND. READY TO PUSH THROUGH FOR THAT TASTE OF ALMOST-SUMMER? LET'S DO THIS!
FEMALE SIGN RACE OPTIONS TO WARM YOU UP!
SOLO SNOWBIRD CHALLENGE:
* Hop from lap to lap (2.62 miles each) and cover anywhere from 5 miles to 50K. Each lap completed adds a little warmth to your heart (and earns you a finisher medal worthy of any snowbird brag)!
* Awards for finishing at least 2 laps, with extra kudos for reaching 5 and 12 laps.
* Milestone distances:
* 5 Miles
* 13.1 Miles
* 31 Miles
RELAY TEAMS (24 PEOPLE):
* Join forces with fellow warm-blooded run enthusiasts as you complete 12 laps togetherbecause misery loves company, especially when it ends in a break!
RACE DAY DETAILS
* When: 8:00 AM sharp yes, its early, but the sooner you run, the sooner you can dream of Florida beaches!
* Where: Riverwest Preserve
* Address: 2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville SC 29611
* Packet Pickup: An hour before the race at the start/finish area. Grab your gear, bundle up, and brace yourself!
ATHLETE VILLAGE / STAGING AREA
THE ATHLETE VILLAGE WILL BE LOCATED BETWEEN THE START AND FINISH LINES, SERVING AS A CENTRAL HUB FOR ALL RUNNERS. YOURE WELCOME TO BRING A 10X10 CANOPY, COOLER, CHAIR, AND WHATEVER ELSE HELPS YOU RECOVER BETWEEN LAPS. THIS IS WHERE THE PARTY LIVESSO SHARE A TENT, MAKE SOME FRIENDS, AND SET UP CAMP! PLEASE NOTE: WHILE RUNNERS MAY STAGE GEAR AT THEIR VEHICLES, ALL PARKING IS 150 METERS AWAY, SO ON-SITE TENT SETUP IS THE BEST WAY TO STAY CLOSE TO THE ACTION.
COURSE
ON AN OLD GOLF COURSE THE ROUTE IS RUN ON A PAVED 2.6 MILE LOOP WITH PLENTY OF SHADE AND PARTICIPANT SETUP RIGHT AT THE START/FINISH LINE! THE PRESERVE: THE 240-ACRE RIVERWEST NATURE PRESERVE WAS ONCE A GOLF COURSE, BUT NOW ITS THE PERFECT PLACE TO TEST YOUR LIMITS. ROLLING CART PATHS, WOODEN BRIDGES, WATERFALLS, AND RIVERFRONT VIEWS ALL SURROUND YOU AS YOU RACE TOWARD GLORY.
*
COURSE MAP [https://www.strava.com/routes/3348006299127139040]
AID STATIONS & SUPPORT
* Need a pick-me-up? There's an aid station at the start/finish brimming with:
* Pickles, cookies, chips, Little Debbie snacks, and more goodies to warm your insides.
* Drinks like water, Tailwind, Coke, and ginger ale
* no cups providedbring your own to avoid the frostbite of disposable plastic!
STOPWATCH RACE FORMAT RULES FOR THE RELUCTANT COLD CONQUEROR
* THE LOOP: Youre running a 2.62-mile loop on sidewalks and paved paths (with a bit of trail action for variety).
* LAP START: A cheerful kettle bell sound marks the beginning of each lap. When you hear it, it's time to beat the clock!
* TIMED LAPS: You have 45 minutes to complete each loop. Get it done fast, or the cold will have the last laugh and you'll be disqualified.
* REST INTERVALS: Once you finish a lap, wait until the full 45 minutes are up for the next one.
* Finish in 25 minutes? Enjoy a 20-minute break to warm up your muscles.
* Finish in 40 minutes? That gives you a quick 5-minute breather before the next lap.
SO, WHILE I'D MUCH RATHER BE LOUNGING IN FLIP-FLOPS AND SOAKING UP THE SUN, I KNOW SOME OF US BRAVE SOULS CANT RESIST A CHALLENGEEVEN IN THE COLD. LACE UP, KEEP THAT TIMER CLOSE, AND LET'S RUN OUR WAY FROM THE WINTER BLUES TOWARD A LITTLE FLORIDA FANTASY! FEMALE SIGN
GEAR UP, COORDINATE WITH YOUR TEAMMATES, AND GET READY TO TACKLE EACH LAP WITH SPEED AND PRECISIONEVERY MINUTE COUNTS! HAPPY RACING AND MAY THE BEST SNOWBIRDS SOAR! SNOWFLAKEFEMALE SIGNMALE SIGN
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.
SNOWFLAKE SNOWBIRD CHALLENGE: THE RACE THAT MAKES YOU CRAVE SUNSHINE
BRRR... IF ONLY I COULD STAY BUNDLED UP INDOORS AND SIP HOT COCOA INSTEAD OF HITTING THE CHILLY PATHS, BUT HERE WE ARE WITH THE SNOWBIRD CHALLENGE THE RACE FOR THOSE OF US WHOD RATHER BE WARM IN FLORIDA! SUN EVEN IF YOU'RE LIKE MEDODGING FROSTBITE AND DREAMING OF TROPICAL BREEZESTHIS 2.62-MILE LOOP OFFERS A MINI ESCAPE FROM THE WINTER GRIND. READY TO PUSH THROUGH FOR THAT TASTE OF ALMOST-SUMMER? LET'S DO THIS!
FEMALE SIGN RACE OPTIONS TO WARM YOU UP!
SOLO SNOWBIRD CHALLENGE:
* Hop from lap to lap (2.62 miles each) and cover anywhere from 5 miles to 50K. Each lap completed adds a little warmth to your heart (and earns you a finisher medal worthy of any snowbird brag)!
* Awards for finishing at least 2 laps, with extra kudos for reaching 5 and 12 laps.
* Milestone distances:
* 5 Miles
* 13.1 Miles
* 31 Miles
RELAY TEAMS (24 PEOPLE):
* Join forces with fellow warm-blooded run enthusiasts as you complete 12 laps togetherbecause misery loves company, especially when it ends in a break!
RACE DAY DETAILS
* When: 8:00 AM sharp yes, its early, but the sooner you run, the sooner you can dream of Florida beaches!
* Where: Riverwest Preserve
* Address: 2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville SC 29611
* Packet Pickup: An hour before the race at the start/finish area. Grab your gear, bundle up, and brace yourself!
ATHLETE VILLAGE / STAGING AREA
THE ATHLETE VILLAGE WILL BE LOCATED BETWEEN THE START AND FINISH LINES, SERVING AS A CENTRAL HUB FOR ALL RUNNERS. YOURE WELCOME TO BRING A 10X10 CANOPY, COOLER, CHAIR, AND WHATEVER ELSE HELPS YOU RECOVER BETWEEN LAPS. THIS IS WHERE THE PARTY LIVESSO SHARE A TENT, MAKE SOME FRIENDS, AND SET UP CAMP! PLEASE NOTE: WHILE RUNNERS MAY STAGE GEAR AT THEIR VEHICLES, ALL PARKING IS 150 METERS AWAY, SO ON-SITE TENT SETUP IS THE BEST WAY TO STAY CLOSE TO THE ACTION.
COURSE
ON AN OLD GOLF COURSE THE ROUTE IS RUN ON A PAVED 2.6 MILE LOOP WITH PLENTY OF SHADE AND PARTICIPANT SETUP RIGHT AT THE START/FINISH LINE! THE PRESERVE: THE 240-ACRE RIVERWEST NATURE PRESERVE WAS ONCE A GOLF COURSE, BUT NOW ITS THE PERFECT PLACE TO TEST YOUR LIMITS. ROLLING CART PATHS, WOODEN BRIDGES, WATERFALLS, AND RIVERFRONT VIEWS ALL SURROUND YOU AS YOU RACE TOWARD GLORY.
*
COURSE MAP [https://www.strava.com/routes/3348006299127139040]
AID STATIONS & SUPPORT
* Need a pick-me-up? There's an aid station at the start/finish brimming with:
* Pickles, cookies, chips, Little Debbie snacks, and more goodies to warm your insides.
* Drinks like water, Tailwind, Coke, and ginger ale
* no cups providedbring your own to avoid the frostbite of disposable plastic!
STOPWATCH RACE FORMAT RULES FOR THE RELUCTANT COLD CONQUEROR
* THE LOOP: Youre running a 2.62-mile loop on sidewalks and paved paths (with a bit of trail action for variety).
* LAP START: A cheerful kettle bell sound marks the beginning of each lap. When you hear it, it's time to beat the clock!
* TIMED LAPS: You have 45 minutes to complete each loop. Get it done fast, or the cold will have the last laugh and you'll be disqualified.
* REST INTERVALS: Once you finish a lap, wait until the full 45 minutes are up for the next one.
* Finish in 25 minutes? Enjoy a 20-minute break to warm up your muscles.
* Finish in 40 minutes? That gives you a quick 5-minute breather before the next lap.
SO, WHILE I'D MUCH RATHER BE LOUNGING IN FLIP-FLOPS AND SOAKING UP THE SUN, I KNOW SOME OF US BRAVE SOULS CANT RESIST A CHALLENGEEVEN IN THE COLD. LACE UP, KEEP THAT TIMER CLOSE, AND LET'S RUN OUR WAY FROM THE WINTER BLUES TOWARD A LITTLE FLORIDA FANTASY! FEMALE SIGN
GEAR UP, COORDINATE WITH YOUR TEAMMATES, AND GET READY TO TACKLE EACH LAP WITH SPEED AND PRECISIONEVERY MINUTE COUNTS! HAPPY RACING AND MAY THE BEST SNOWBIRDS SOAR! SNOWFLAKEFEMALE SIGNMALE SIGN
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.
Races
-
Snow Bird Challenge 50k
Incl. $3.70 Fee
Sat 24th January 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$48.70
-
Snowbird Challenge Half Marathon
Incl. $3.40 Fee
Sat 24th January 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$43.40
-
Snowbird Challenge 5 Miler
Incl. $2.80 Fee
Sat 24th January 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$32.80
-
Reindeer Relay (12 X 2.62)
Incl. $2.80 Fee
Sat 24th January 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$32.80
-
Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities
Incl. $7.00 Fee
Sat 24th January 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$107.00
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