Light the Trail 5K and Fun Run

Event Overview

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 Clemson’s Patrick Square community, Thursday, September 17, 2026. (Rain date: September 24, 2026.)

Held just before Clemson University’s 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 15×30 vision: creating 15 connected miles of trail across Clemson, Central and Pendleton by 2030.

Post-Race Activities

• Scenic Course: Participants will enjoy a scenic evening course through the streets of Patrick Square.
• Community Gathering: A lively post-race celebration on the Village Green featuring local food, drinks, music, and family activities.
• Professional Timing: Provided by Upstate Race Series.
• Awareness Raising: Every step helps raise awareness for safer, more connected communities.

Event Highlights

• 5K Race: Evening 5K race through Patrick Square.
• Family Fun Run: 1-mile Family Fun Run open to all ages and abilities.
• Awards: Awards for various ages and groups, costume contest, and raffle prizes.
• Food Specials: Breakfast-for-dinner specials at Sunnyside Cafe and food and beer specials at Kite Hill Brewing Co.

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 15×30 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! Let’s light the trail together!

Race Packet Pickup

• September 15-16: Tuesday and Wednesday, 8-10 a.m. at Sunnyside Cafe.
• September 15-16: Tuesday and Wednesday, 4-6 p.m. at Kite Hill Brewing.
• Race Day: Thursday, Sept. 17, 5-6 p.m. at Village Green.
• Price Increase: Registration prices increase beginning Sept. 2, 2026!

Race Course

This 3.1-mile course winds through the scenic Patrick Square community. 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 of 721 feet to a maximum of 825 feet.

Registration Link

For more information and to register, visit: Light the Trail 5K Registration.