In 16 days · Sat, Jul 18, 2026
When
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Where
2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville SC
Distances
Ultra · Half
About this race
Welcome to the Hottest Race This Side of the Grave
The Carolina Reaper Challenge!
Are you brave enough to survive the Carolina Reaper Challenge? 🌶️
The Reaper awaits. 😈🔥
Get ready to feel the burn as you lace up for the Carolina Reaper Running Race, where scorching heat meets extreme endurance. Whether you're tackling the 5-mile, half marathon, 50k, or the team relay, you're about to test your grit in the fiery heat of South Carolina this July. ☀️🌡️
🏃♂️🏃♀️ As you navigate the 2.62-mile loop at Riverwest Nature Preserve, you'll be embraced by the intense Southern heat, winding through rolling hills, wooden bridges, and scenic views that might just make you wish you were anywhere but here — unless you’re a true heat-seeker! 🏞️
💀 It's not just a race... it’s a battle for survival. Conquer the loop within 45 minutes per lap, or risk being left behind in the flames! 😈 You’ll need every ounce of your endurance, but don’t worry — each lap you conquer brings you closer to victory... and a refreshing taste of sweet, sweet survival! 🏅
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned speed demon, test your limits in the heat with like-minded souls who share your desire to conquer the sun. 🌞 Come for the race. Stay for the heat. 🔥 And remember, the Reaper's always watching.
Race Day Details
- When: All event distances start at 8:00am. Packet pickup begins at 7:00am.
- Where: Riverwest Nature Preserve
- Address: 2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville, SC 29611
Attention: Be careful when crossing the median at New Easley Hwy, located across the street from "Home Fur A While" animal boarding facility.
Parking
All participants will park in the old driving range area, approximately 150 meters from the start/finish line. Parking is limited, (carpooling when possible) so please follow volunteer instructions upon arrival. NO UNLOADING Prior to Parking — your vehicle will be directed to its parking space on arrival. Athlete drop-offs will take place in the side lot shortly after entering the facility on the left-hand side. This will also be the day use lot for spectators and 5-mile participants.
Athlete Village / Staging Area
We're providing chair and cooler space under a 60' x 120' rental tent located at the finish line, where you’re welcome to hang out between laps. The Athlete Village sits between the start and finish lines in the designated parking area, serving as a central hub for all runners.
Feel free to bring a 10x10 canopy, cooler, chair, or anything else that helps you recover between laps — this is where the party lives, so share a tent, make some friends, and set up camp! Note: while runners may stage gear at their vehicles, parking is 150 meters away, so setting up a tent on-site is the best way to stay close to the action.
Course
The route runs on a paved 2.6-mile loop with plenty of shade and participant setup right at the start/finish line. Riverwest Nature Preserve is a 240-acre property that was once a golf course and now offers rolling cart paths, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and riverfront views as you race toward glory. 🌳
Distances: Choose Your Own Hell
- 🔥😈 5 Miles — Short & fiery
- 🔥👿 Half Marathon — Devilishly tough
- 🔥💀😈 50K — Ultra pain, ultra evil
- 🔥😈🔄 Relay — Pass the torch... straight from hell
👻 Loops by Distance
- 50K: 12 loops (Conquer the Reaper!)
- Relay: 12 loops (team of 2–4 runners)
- Half Marathon: 5 loops
- 5 Mile: 2 loops
🔔 Loop Schedule
The bell rings every 45 minutes, and it's your race against time!
| Lap | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Lap 1 | 8:00am — The Reaper's Call 🔥 |
| Lap 2 | 8:45am |
| Lap 3 | 9:30am |
| Lap 4 | 10:15am |
| Lap 5 | 11:00am |
| Lap 6 | 11:45am |
| Lap 7 | 12:30pm |
| Lap 8 | 1:15pm |
| Lap 9 | 2:00pm |
| Lap 10 | 2:45pm |
| Lap 11 | 3:30pm |
| Lap 12 | 4:15pm |
Race & Timing Format
You’ll receive your timing chip at packet pickup. After each lap, we’ll record your lap split — but remember, the Reaper isn’t patient. ⏱️ Each lap must be completed within 45 minutes, or you’ll be left in the heat. The last lap counts the most!
Aid Stations
- Fuel up: snacks at the start/finish, including pickles, cookies, chips, and pretzels.
- Hydration: water, coke, and ginger ale. 💧
- Cup-less event: bring your own hydration vessel — no cups, only your vessel of survival! 💀
For more information, visit Carolina Reaper Challenge.
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Greenville to train with before race day.
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