The Snowbird Challenge (13.1 - 26.2 - 50k & Relay)

  • Date Sat 23rd January 2027
  • Time 9:00AM EST
  • Location Greenville, South Carolina
  • Price $38.10 - $54.00
  • Races 2 races
  • Distances Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating day of running at The Snowbird Challenge on Saturday, January 23, 2027! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Riverwest Preserve in Greenville, South Carolina, this event invites runners of all levels to tackle a thrilling race day filled with options. Choose from a variety of distances including the 5-mile, half marathon, full marathon, 50K, or join forces with friends in a relay. The course features a scenic 2.62-mile paved loop that winds through a beautiful 240-acre nature preserve, complete with rolling cart paths, charming wooden bridges, and breathtaking riverfront views.

Kick off the festivities with packet pickup starting at 8:00 AM before the races commence at 9:00 AM. Laps are timed every 45 minutes, allowing participants to enjoy a supportive atmosphere as they push their limits. This event not only promises personal achievements with custom medals for all finishers but also contributes to local nonprofits through the Upstate Giving Series. Join us for a day of camaraderie, music, and post-race celebrations that will leave you buzzing with joy! Don’t miss out on this fantastic winter running experience in Greenville!

Organiser's Description

[The Snowbird Challenge logo]
Upstate Race Series / Upstate Road Series / Upstate Ultra Series

THE SNOWBIRD CHALLENGE





50K26.213.15 MI
Relay available
Waddle, waddle, welcome, pals





Sat, Jan 23
2027
9:00 AM
start
Riverwest Preserve
Greenville, SC

Register [https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=95368]

Course map [https://www.strava.com/routes/3348006299127139040]Directions [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=2959+New+Easley+Hwy+Greenville+SC+29611]Race groups [https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/95368]Donate [https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/SC/Greenville/SnowBirdChallenge]Results [https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/95368]Race photos [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/SC/Greenville/SnowBirdChallenge]Apparel [https://upstateraceseries.myshopify.com/collections/the-snowbird-challenge]



A 2.62-mile paved loop through a 240-acre nature preserve that used to be a golf course, run as many times as you have the legs for. Five miles, a half, a full, 50K, or twelve laps split across a relay team of friends you decide how deep into January you want to go. Rolling cart paths, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and riverfront views, over and over, until you are done.

Runner Feedback



RACE DAY DETAILS

Saturday, January 23, 2027 at Riverwest Preserve, 2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville, SC 29611. Get directions [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=2959+New+Easley+Hwy+Greenville+SC+29611].

8:00 AM


Packet pickup opens
An hour before the race at the start/finish area. All runners attend packet pickup 60 minutes prior to race start to receive their race bib and timing tag.

9:00 AM


All races start
Laps set off every 45 minutes from 9:00 AM, and you have those 45 minutes to complete each one. Finish early and you wait for the next bell with everyone else there are no early starts.

On course


The 2.62-mile loop
Every 2.62 miles you come back through the start/finish, past the aid station, past your drop bag, past whoever came to cheer for you.

5:15 PM


Final lap sets off
45 minutes to complete each loop. Laps set off at 45-minute intervals from 9:00 AM through 5:15 PM.

Finish


Medal and hangout
Afterward, stick around for music and a post-race hangout with chill vibes and cool tunes. Every finisher receives a medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

After


Results and photos
Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 4872 hours on our Facebook page.



COURSE OR RACE HIGHLIGHT

The loop format is what makes this race work in the middle of winter. Every 2.62 miles you come back through the start/finish, past the aid station, past your drop bag, past whoever came to cheer for you. You are never committing to more than the next lap, which has a way of turning a distance that sounded unreasonable in December into something you find yourself finishing in January.

Laps go off every 45 minutes, and you have 45 minutes to complete each one a rhythm that keeps the field together and makes the whole day feel less like a solo grind and more like a group that keeps setting out again. Afterward, stick around for music and a post-race hangout with chill vibes and cool tunes. Every finisher receives a medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

[On the course at The Snowbird Challenge]

THE COURSE

A paved 2.6-mile loop with plenty of shade, winding through the 240-acre Riverwest Nature Preserve once a golf course, now rolling cart paths, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and riverfront views. The surface is forgiving enough to hold a pace on and scenic enough that the repetition never quite gets old. You have 45 minutes to complete each loop.
View the course map [https://www.strava.com/routes/3348006299127139040]



LAP SCHEDULE

Laps set off every 45 minutes from 9:00 AM, and you have those 45 minutes to complete each one. Finish early and you wait for the next bell with everyone else there are no early starts. Your distance ends on its final lap, marked below.

LAP
STARTS


Lap 1
9:00 AM
All races start

Lap 2
9:45 AM
5 Mile final lap

Lap 3
10:30 AM


Lap 4
11:15 AM


Lap 5
12:00 PM
Half marathon final lap

Lap 6
12:45 PM


Lap 7
1:30 PM


Lap 8
2:15 PM


Lap 9
3:00 PM


Lap 10
3:45 PM
Marathon final lap

Lap 11
4:30 PM


Lap 12
5:15 PM
50K & Relay final lap

Reindeer Relay teams split the twelve laps between them, with a cap on how many any one runner can take:

RELAY TEAM SIZE
MAXIMUM LAPS PER RUNNER

2-person
6 laps

3-person
4 laps

4-person
3 laps



PARKING

Parking is at Riverwest Preserve, allocated in the open driving range grass field. Note that there is a $5 special use permit fee that will gain you entry into the facilities on race day plan for it so it is not a surprise at the gate.



AID STATIONS

One aid station at the start/finish, hit once per lap. There is no aid station out on the course, and three portable toilets at the start/finish line.

AVAILABLE SNACKS

PicklesCookiesChipsLittle Debbie snacks

HYDRATION

WaterTailwindCokeGinger ale
Wildly Charged is our official hydration sponsor look for the orange 5-gallon jugs at aid stations.



WHAT'S INCLUDED

PICK YOUR OWN DISTANCE
Five miles to 50K, or split it twelve ways as a relay team.

CUSTOM RACE BIB
Your badge of the journey.

CHIP TIMING & LIVE RESULTS
Track your effort, splits included.

RACE BRANDED FINISHER MEDAL
To commemorate the triumph.

CUSTOM RACE TATTOO
Wear the moment proudly.

EVENT-THEMED GIVEAWAYS
A little extra swag for finishing strong.

RACE STICKERS
Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop.

POST RACE VIBES AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory hang around at the finish line and celebrate.

[Runner at The Snowbird Challenge]
[Runner at The Snowbird Challenge]
[Runner at The Snowbird Challenge]

From past races. See all race photos [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/SC/Greenville/SnowBirdChallenge]



RACE AWARDS

TOP 3 OVERALL (MALE & FEMALE)

The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack.

AGE GROUP AWARDS (MALE & FEMALE)

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each of 15 age categories will earn an age group medal a custom piece to add to your finisher's lanyard at the end of the event.

SERIES RECOGNITION

This race counts toward season-long age group recognition in these two series:

Upstate Road Series [https://runsignup.com/Series/RunInPointSeries]Upstate Ultra Series [https://runsignup.com/Series/UpstateUltraSC]

Age Group Categories

09
1012
1316
1719
2029
3034
3539
4044
4549
5054
5559
6064
6569
7079
80+



GIVING BACK



This race supports
SC Spinal Cord Injury Association
A Columbia nonprofit offering peer support, education and supplies to South Carolinians living with spinal cord injuries. They host their own race too: Superheroes in Motion. Visit SC Spinal Cord Injury Association [https://www.scspinalcord.org/]Superheroes in Motion [https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Greenville/SCSuperHerosInMotionWalkRunRoll]Donate [https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/SC/Greenville/SnowBirdChallenge]

Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, which connects our 30 races with 30 nonprofit organizations serving communities across the Upstate. Your registration and any donation you add at checkout go to work close to home you are not just running a race, you are funding the work of a neighbor. Upstate Giving Series [https://upstategivingseries.com/].



GROUPS & TEAMS

$5 Discount & Refund for Groups with 5+ Members
The Upstate Running Club welcomes all local and regional running clubs to our events the more the merrier. Calling all running clubs and social run groups: Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we've got an event for you.

Sign up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more.
Create or join a race group [https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/95368]



GOOD TO KNOW

Are dogs allowed on the course?
Yes

Are headphones or earbuds allowed?
Yes

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
No all runners attend packet pickup 60 minutes prior to race start to receive their race bib and timing tag.

Is there race-day registration?
Yes, you can register on your mobile device up until the first race goes off.

Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?
Yes we have a sponsored Tent City area where you can set up personal tents, tables, coolers, and race gear you want access to between laps.

Are there restrooms near the start/finish?
Yes, there are three portable toilets at the start/finish line.

Will I get a medal or a shirt?
All finishers receive a medal. Shirts can be purchased during registration or from our Apparel Now store, shipped directly to you.

What happens if there's bad weather?
Upstate Race Series races run rain or shine. In the event of lightning, extreme heat, or hazardous winter conditions, we'll post an update on this page and email registered runners as early as possible. Entry fees aren't refunded for weather delays see Managing Your Registration below.

Can spectators come watch?
Spectators are welcome. Runner parking fills up race morning if you're only here to cheer, plan for overflow parking nearby. You'll see your runner pass by every lap.

When will results and photos be available?
Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 4872 hours on our Facebook page we'll tag the album so it's easy to find.



MANAGING YOUR REGISTRATION

Everything about your entry lives in your RunSignUp profile. Sign in, find this race under your upcoming events, and make the change yourself there is no need to email us first. From there you can:

Transfer your entry to another runner

Switch to a different distance at this race

Transfer your entry to a different Upstate Race Series event

Update your personal details name, address, emergency contact, shirt size

Manage add-ons, store items, and apparel purchases

ALL ENTRIES ARE FINAL. We do not offer refunds or deferrals but every option above stays open to you right up to race day, so a change of plans does not have to mean a wasted entry. Manage my registration [https://runsignup.com/Profile]

LET'S STAY CONNECTED

Follow along, gear up, and keep up with everything Upstate Race Series

This race
Register [https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=95368]
Course map [https://www.strava.com/routes/3348006299127139040]
Directions [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=2959+New+Easley+Hwy+Greenville+SC+29611]
Race groups [https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/95368]
Results [https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/95368]
Race photos [https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/SC/Greenville/SnowBirdChallenge]
Race apparel [https://upstateraceseries.myshopify.com/collections/the-snowbird-challenge]
Manage my registration [https://runsignup.com/Profile]

Series & giving
Upstate Road Series [https://runsignup.com/Series/RunInPointSeries]
Upstate Ultra Series [https://runsignup.com/Series/UpstateUltraSC]
Upstate Giving Series [https://upstategivingseries.com/]
SC Spinal Cord Injury Association [https://www.scspinalcord.org/]
Superheroes in Motion [https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Greenville/SCSuperHerosInMotionWalkRunRoll]
Donate [https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/SC/Greenville/SnowBirdChallenge]

Upstate Race Series
UpstateRaceSeries.com [https://www.upstateraceseries.com]
Info@UpstateRaceSeries.com
Instagram @upstateraceseries [https://www.instagram.com/upstateraceseries]
Facebook: Upstate Event Management [https://www.facebook.com/UpstateEventManagement]
Apparel store [https://upstateraceseries.myshopify.com/]

Races

  • Snow Bird Challenge (13.1 - 26.2 - or 50k)

    Incl. $4.00 Fee & Event Socks

    Sat 23rd January 2027 (9:00AM EST)

    $54.00

  • Reindeer Relay (12 X 2.62)

    Incl. $3.10 Fee & Event Socks

    Sat 23rd January 2027 (9:00AM EST)

    $38.10

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Location

2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville, 29611, SC, United States

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Jan 23, 2027

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