Updates for the 2027 Races Coming Soon!
- Potential Updates: Course, Location, Time
- NEW Swag: Apparel, Medals, and MORE!
- Registration Open: September 1st
- First 100 Participants: Receive Custom Race Socks
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:
- Scenery: Serene lake views & sandy trails beneath towering pines
- Accessibility: Easy-access personal aid station zone in the open field
- Relaxation: Camp overnight or relax between laps – it's your race, your pace
- Community: Chill trail vibes + post-race hangs with fellow dirt-loving runners
- Goodies: Aid station snacks, cool drinks, and all the good trail feels
- Awards: 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
Course Highlights
- 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
- Beginner Friendly: Fast, runnable, and beginner-friendly
- Parking Info: 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.
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.
Race Email Recap
- Date/Time: Races Start at 9am / Packet Pickup Starts at 8am
- Address: 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
- Parking: Follow signs leading to the open field near the start/finish line.
- Personal Base Camp: Setup in the grass field at the start/finish line area.
- Early Setup: Permitted for your 10 x 10 on Friday with a day use fee.
- Aid Station: Fully stocked at the start/finish line of the 7.5 mile loop.
- Awards/Timing: Live results, with awards announced at various intervals based on estimated finish time per distance.
- Trail Series: All participants will be entered into the Age Group Trail Series awards.
- Weather: Rain in the forecast, but the event will be rain or shine. Participants will be notified of any severe weather concerns.
Learn More
For more information and to register, visit: Sandhills Trail Race Registration