Snowbird Challenge (50k - 13.1 - 5.2 - Relay)

❄️ Snowbird Challenge: A Run for the True Winter Wanderers 🦩

Brrr... if only I could stay bundled up indoors and sip hot cocoa instead of hitting the chilly paths, but here we are with the Snowbird Challenge – the race for those of us who’d rather be warm in Florida! ☀️🏃‍♂️ Even if you're like me—dodging frostbite and dreaming of tropical breezes—this 2.62-mile loop offers a mini escape from the winter grind. Ready to push through for that taste of “almost-summer”? Let's do this!

☀️ Race Options to Warm You Up!

Solo Snowbird Challenge:

• Flexibility: Hop from lap to lap (2.62 miles each) and cover anywhere from 5 miles to 50K. Each lap completed adds a little warmth to your heart (and earns you a finisher medal worthy of any snowbird brag)!
• Awards: Awards for finishing at least 2 laps, with extra kudos for reaching 5 and 12 laps.
• Milestone distances:
  • 5 Miles
  • 13.1 Miles
  • 31 Miles

Relay Teams (2–4 People):

• Team Effort: Join forces with fellow warm-blooded run enthusiasts as you complete 12 laps together—because misery loves company, especially when it ends in a break!

⏰ Race Day Details

• When: 8:00 AM sharp – yes, it’s early, but the sooner you run, the sooner you can dream of Florida beaches!
• Where: Riverwest Preserve
• Address: 2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville SC 29611
• Packet Pickup: An hour before the race at the start/finish area. Grab your gear, bundle up, and brace yourself!

🏕️ Athlete Village / Staging Area

The Athlete Village will be located between the Start and Finish lines, serving as a central hub for all runners. You’re welcome to bring a 10x10 canopy, cooler, chair, and whatever else helps you recover between laps. This is where the party lives—so share a tent, make some friends, and set up camp! Please note: While runners may stage gear at their vehicles, all parking is 150 meters away, so on-site tent setup is the best way to stay close to the action.

🗺️ Course

On an old golf course, the route is run on a paved 2.6 mile loop with plenty of shade and participant setup right at the start/finish line! The 240-acre Riverwest Nature Preserve was once a golf course, but now it’s the perfect place to test your limits. Rolling cart paths, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and riverfront views all surround you as you race toward glory.

• COURSE MAP

🥤 Aid Stations & Support

• Need a pick-me-up? There’s an aid station at the start/finish brimming with:
• Treats: Pickles, cookies, chips, Little Debbie snacks, and more goodies to warm your insides.
• Drinks: Water, Tailwind, Coke, and ginger ale.
• Note: No cups provided—bring your own to avoid the frostbite of disposable plastic!

⌛ Race Format Rules – For the Reluctant Cold Conqueror

• The Loop: You’re running a 2.62-mile loop on sidewalks and paved paths (with a bit of trail action for variety).
• Lap Start: A cheerful kettle bell sound marks the beginning of each lap. When you hear it, it's time to beat the clock!
• Timed Laps: You have 45 minutes to complete each loop. Get it done fast, or the cold will have the last laugh and you'll be disqualified.
• Rest Intervals: Once you finish a lap, wait until the full 45 minutes are up for the next one.
  • Finish in 25 minutes? Enjoy a 20-minute break to warm up your muscles.
  • Finish in 40 minutes? That gives you a quick 5-minute breather before the next lap.

So, while I'd much rather be lounging in flip-flops and soaking up the sun, I know some of us brave souls can’t resist a challenge—even in the cold. Lace up, keep that timer close, and let’s run our way from the winter blues toward a little Florida fantasy! 🏃‍♀️🌴

📜 Upstate Race Series Registration Policies & Options

✅ Transfers

• Registered participants may transfer their entry to another person through their RunSignUp profile.
• Transfer & Manage Registration HERE

✅ Distance Changes

• Participants may switch to a different race distance (e.g., drop from Half Marathon to 5K).
• Switch Distance & Manage Registration HERE

✅ Club & Referral Discounts

• Join the Upstate Running Club and receive 15% OFF registration.
• Refer 2+ runners and receive $5 OFF.

✅ Race Shirts & Swag

• Race shirts are sold and shipped separately.
• Finisher medals and awards (age group & overall) are not shipped.

✅ Refunds & Deferrals

• No refunds or deferrals will be offered (unless the event sells out).
• If the race sells out, you may request a 50% OFF code for a future Upstate Race Series event.