🏞️ Welcome to the Sandhills Trail & Ultra Festival!
Are you ready to run wild in the heart of South Carolina? Lace up and hit the trails at Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC – where pine forests meet sandy ridges, and every step brings you closer to nature. 🌲 Whether you're tackling a single loop or testing your grit in the 30-hour challenge, the Sandhills Trail Race has something for every trail runner.
📏 Distance Options
- 7.5-Mile Fun Loop: One lap of sweet singletrack through forest and lakeside views.
- 25K (2 Laps): Perfect for those ready to push past comfort and into the challenge zone.
- 50K (4 Laps): A full day of adventure for ultrarunners craving miles and memories.
- 30-Hour Ultra: How far can you go? Push your limits under sun, stars, and soul.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It:
- Serene views: Serene lake views & sandy trails beneath towering pines.
- Personal aid station: Easy-access personal aid station zone in the open field.
- Race at your pace: Camp overnight or relax between laps – it's your race, your pace.
- Chill vibes: Chill trail vibes + post-race hangs with fellow dirt-loving runners.
- Snacks: Aid station snacks, cool drinks, and all the good trail feels.
- Belt buckles: Belt buckles for 100-mile finishers (13 laps).
- Location: Sesquicentennial State Park – 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.
- Race Start: 9:00 AM (All distances).
- Packet Pickup: 1 hour before your race at Shelter #1.
- Loop distance: 7.75-mile loop.
- Trail type: Soft pine needle-covered singletrack.
- Paved sections: A few smooth paved sections around the lake.
- Terrain: Rolling hills + lake breezes = chef’s kiss.
- Runner-friendly: Fast, runnable, and beginner-friendly (but the 30-hour? That’s another story).
- Parking Info: You’ll enter the park and head to the lake parking lot near the ranger station. Have a state park pass or bring a few bucks for a day pass. If you’re staying the day or overnight, feel free to pop up a 10x10 near the field by the start/finish.
⛺️ 30-Hour Runners:
Limited crew/aid support from 10PM–6AM. Timing continues overnight. Take a nap if needed — we get it. Just leave your chip at the table when you're done.
🍪 Aid Station Snacks May Include:
Pickles, cookies, candy, chips, fig newtons, pretzels, water, Coke, and ginger ale. Want something special? Bring it! This is a cupless event, so bring your own hydration gear.
🎉 Your Trail Experience Awaits!
Whether you're aiming for a PR, your first ultra, or just a fun day in the woods, the Sandhills Trail Race is your ticket to an unforgettable trail experience. Let the sandy paths guide you and the forest fuel your soul.
For more details, visit the official race page.