Upstate Race Series

Alright, quick Giving Series update to kick us off. Through the first month of 2026, our Giving Series has raised $516 for our local nonprofit partners. That might sound like a small number on paper, but I want you to remember what it represents: runners showing up, people choosing to add a donation, and local races powering local impact. We’ll keep updating that total each month as we advocate for the events and organizations doing the hard work right here in our community. So thank you for donating, thank you for toeing the line, and thank you for running your own journey. The finish line of this mission isn’t close, but the vision is long, and we’re in it for the miles.Now, speaking of winter miles, I’ve got to give you a weather update. Unfortunately, we did have to cancel two of our annual events for 2026, the Snowbird Challenge and the Ice Breaker 8K. That decision is never fun, but safety has to win. All participants have been deferred to 2027, and for our other events affected by snow, we’ve established make-up dates. We’ll be sending updated details as soon as the snow melts and we can get eyes on the course conditions next week.Alright, shifting gears from weather to people, because I want to give a big shoutout where it’s due. Huge thanks to Josh and Samantha Snyder for their continued support of the Upstate Running Club, our members, the races we support, and especially our competitive youth team.Alright, let’s look ahead, because February is coming in hot, even if the weather isn’t. We’ve got a mix of make-up races and some marquee events that always pull a big crowd.Next weekend we’ll be making up some snow-canceled events with the Battle of the Run Club Trail Series down in Aiken, plus the Cocoa for Children Foundation 5K in Anderson. And on my end, my boots will be on the ground at the Pink 5K, benefiting the Play for Kay cancer foundation.Then as we get closer to Valentine’s Day, you’ve got options. Three solid ones locally: the Cupid Shuffle 5K, the Cupid Chase 5K at Unity Park, and the Lovers Lane 2 Mile at Bridgeway Station. So whether you’re racing, jogging, walking, or just there for the vibes, there’s a start line with your name on it.And then we roll straight into Super Bowl Sunday with one of my favorites, the Super Cannoli 5K. This one finishes with a free beer and a free cannoli, which honestly feels like the most honest type of race award. Registration stays open through race day, and it’ll be held at Bridgeway Station, so come run hard and then celebrate properly.Now if that’s still not enough miles under your feet, let’s talk about the big one. The Greenville Half Marathon and 5K is one of the Upstate’s premier events, and it brings out thousands of runners. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s a great day to PR or just soak up the energy. We’ll have Upstate Running Club pacers leading pace groups down the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and I’ll be at the finish handing out cheers, beers, water, and finisher medals. I can’t wait to see you out there.Alright, one more key date to put on your calendar, because this one’s been a long time coming. Awards Night is back on for March 21st. This is a completely free event that will celebrate our 2025 award winners, but it’s also a thank-you to every club member, volunteer, and person behind the scenes who keeps this thing moving. Join us at the Nature Preserve on March 21st for a few laughs, some stories, and a little celebration of the miles and memories that got us from the start line to the finish.

Updates on: Local RacesYouth TeamUpcoming EventsAwards NightWelcome to the Upstate Race Series Podcast. I’m Matthew Hammersmith, and this is your trailhead for running in the Upstate of South Carolina. Here we talk races, training, community, and the stories that happen between the start and the finish lines. Whether you’re chasing a PR, chasing a sunrise, or just chasing your friends down the trail, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.First up, congrats to everyone who showed up and threw down at the Downtown News 5K this past weekend. That race is special to me because it was my very first race in Greenville about thirteen years ago when I moved here. Getting to be out there again with roughly 800 running friends felt like a full-circle moment. And yes, I’m making a slow return to running. Still “retired,” technically. But I laced them up and remembered something important. It felt good to hurt.Now if you’re like most of us, you’re probably still playing catch up after the holidays. The calendar flips, goals come back online, and suddenly the easy pace feels a little less easy. But here’s the good news. The Upstate doesn’t really do an off season. Even with winter sitting on our shoulders, there are plenty of chances to race, train, and build momentum heading into spring.Speaking of chances, this weekend is loaded. We’ve got three local opportunities worth talking about.First is the annual Snowbird Challenge. This one is for the folks who like to go long, or for the people who want to team up and share the load in a relay. If the forecast does what January forecasts do, the relay might be the move. Find a fellow snowbird, huddle up for warmth, and take turns chipping away at the distance.Next is the Cocoa 5K, and this one matters for a couple reasons. One, it’s a fun event. Two, it supports an organization doing real work through our Giving Series, benefiting Homes for Children. This is a thread we’ll keep weaving into the podcast this year. In 2026, the Upstate Race Series Giving Program is in full swing. When you donate through our events, you’re directly supporting one of 30 local nonprofit partners right here in the Upstate. Every dollar goes to organizations serving families, supporting kids, promoting health, caring for animals, protecting the environment, and doing the behind-the-scenes work that holds a community together.And last but not least, we’ve got the Battle of the Run Clubs down in Aiken. It’s a perfect excuse to escape the cold snap rolling into the Upstate, and it’s a great chance to settle the score between all the amazing run clubs that make up our running community. Friendly competition, loud cheer sections, and bragging rights. What could possibly go wrong?Quick community highlight: the Upstate Running Club Youth Team showed up big this weekend. We headed up to Tryon, North Carolina for our second indoor meet of the season at the Tryon Equestrian Center, and the crew came ready. We rolled in with 35 athletes and left with fresh PRs, podium hardware, and the best kind of finish line photos, big smiles and tired legs. Proud of the athletes, proud of the families, and proud of everyone helping build the next generation one lap at a time.A couple quick updates before we close. We’ve gotten great feedback on the quarterly URC and URS newsletter, and we’re keeping it going. If you’d like to contribute or nominate a runner for a spotlight, email us at UpstateRaceSeries@gmail.com and we’ll connect you with Sticky McGoo, our newsletter editor.

Welcome back to the Upstate Race Series Podcast. I’m Matthew Hammersmith, and this is your Giving Series spotlight for a race that turns a simple Saturday morning run into real support for kids and families in our community.Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Anderson. It’s the New Foundations Home for Children Cocoa 5K, a timed 5K on mostly paved paths around the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center complex, with the start area at 3027 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. This is an approachable course whether you’re chasing a PR, running your first 5K, pushing a stroller, or just rolling in with friends for the vibes. And yes, cocoa is part of the plan.Here’s why this one matters. New Foundations Home for Children is based in Anderson and has served South Carolina since 1974, originally founded as the Anderson Youth Association. Their work supports foster and at-risk children and helps families work through trauma and mental health challenges through a full continuum of care: residential services, foster care, in-home family preservation and intervention, and transportation services.On the residential side, New Foundations serves youth ages 10 to 21 in a structured, staff-intensive setting in Anderson County, using strength-based, trauma-informed approaches with a focus on well-being and family permanency. In the community, they recruit, license, and support foster homes, and they provide in-home case management designed to strengthen and preserve families. Their motto says it plainly: “Whatever it takes.”They’re also licensed through the South Carolina Department of Social Services and nationally accredited through COA, with accreditation dating back to 1995. That combination of local roots and high standards is exactly what the Giving Series is about: showing up for organizations doing steady, meaningful work all year long.A few quick race notes so you can plan: this event is rain or shine, but severe weather like thunderstorms could cause a cancellation. And if you want a guaranteed race shirt, make sure you register by January 9, 2026.So here’s the invitation: come run, jog, or walk the Cocoa 5K and turn your miles into momentum for children and families across South Carolina. Bring a friend. Bring the family. Bring that “new year, new habits” energy and aim it at a cause that matters.To learn more about New Foundations Home for Children, visit their website. And to register for the Cocoa 5K, hop on the race page and lock it in before the shirt deadline.I’ll see you in Anderson on January 24th. Let’s run for warmth, run for community, and run for the future, whatever it takes.

Welcome to the Upstate Race Series Podcast. I’m Matthew Hammersmith, and this is your trailhead for running in the Upstate of South Carolina. Here we talk races, training, community, and the stories that happen between the start and the finish line. Whether you’re chasing a PR, chasing a sunrise, or just chasing your friends down the trail, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.Our youth program supports more than 100 athletes each year, focused on ages 7 to 13. Each season includes weekly practices, local and regional competitions, and team-building socials that strengthen both athletic skill and personal growth. Because of your memberships and donations, we keep the program affordable while still offering real coaching and a real team experience.Now, group runs. If you’re looking for people to run with, we’ve got options all over. Greenville has crews like Monday Milers downtown and Paris Mountain trail meetups. Spartanburg has Hub City, New Groove, Rockers, and Southside runs. Anderson rotates meetups and has early morning and brewery runs. Clemson and Central have midweek groups and a Friday morning crew. You’ll also find consistent meetups in Greer, Easley, Tri-Town, Fountain Inn, and Greenwood and Laurens. Same goal everywhere: show up, move together, and leave a little better than you arrived.Let’s talk highlighted races. Lovers Lane 2 Mile and Relay is coming up at Bridgeway Station, built for connection, community, and a fun weekend race vibe. Run it solo, tag-team it, or bring your better half and make it a Valentine’s weekend memory.And if you want dirt under your shoes, the Sandhills Trail Race Series at Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia is calling. Pine forest, sandy ridges, and plenty of room to test your grit. If you’ve been thinking about stepping up, there’s a 50K option and a 30-hour event. You can always find the full list of Upstate Race Series events and member discounts on our race calendar.Quick reminder: volunteers keep this whole machine running. If you want to help at any URS event, hit the Volunteers tab on the race page and choose a shift. One specific need: Ville to Ville is looking for six volunteers on April 11 from 11:20 a.m. to 5:25 p.m.Runner spotlights are rolling too, featuring stories from Brian Grice, Ben Risko, Lauren Forrest, and Corey Bredderman. Different backgrounds, different paths, and the same reminder that progress comes in a lot of forms.In running news, we’ve got a great local Greenville story: WR@D took a respectful swing at marathon history by turning 26.2 miles into a relay of 200-meter sprints. One baton, one clock, one community effort. That’s what happens when runners decide to do something big together.Sticky’s Corner is back with two truths: yes, you can eat the cookies even if you didn’t bring any, and yes, Uncrustables belong at aid stations. And remember, runners wave for kindness, reassurance, and sometimes a little competitive theater. Whatever the reason, keep waving.Coaching tip of the month: keep your resolution by making it small and stacking days, scheduling your runs like meetings, living by the “never miss twice” rule, creating accountability through people and start lines, and tracking the process instead of obsessing over the outcome.Quote of the month: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.”Member benefits reminder: URC members get discounts with local partners like Run In, Swamp Rabbit Physio, GUTS, The Nutrition Store, Fit Body Boot Camp Simpsonville, Atlas Chiropractic, plus savings across Upstate Race Series events.

New Year, New Me? Or the same story retold in every chapter of every unfinished runner book?Every January 1st, goals and motivation show up wearing their brightest, most enthusiastic outfits. But as the year unfolds, those same goals start collecting baggage: complacency, distractions, and the quiet delusion that we can “make it up later.”Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series PodcastRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesSo how do we actually stick to those lofty New Year resolutions?Here are five simple practices that keep your running goals alive long after the confetti is gone.First, make it laughably small, and then stack days.Instead of saying, “I’m going to run 30 miles a week,” start with something like, “I’m going to run for 10 minutes, three days a week.” Consistency beats ambition when motivation gets unpredictable.Right now, my personal focus is getting my feet underneath me by running two miles a day. And for some of you, that might sound too small. I get it. There was a time when I would have laughed at the idea of “only” running two miles, especially when I was knocking out ten-mile runs before sunrise.But the journey is different for every runner, and every season of life changes the way we approach progress. If your goal is to stay consistent all year, you have to set yourself up early with measured, achievable milestones you can actually repeat.Second, put it on the calendar like a meeting.Pick your run days and your time slots. Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 a.m. Saturday at 9:00 a.m. Whatever works. Because if it’s not scheduled, it’s not a plan, it’s a wish.If you’re a parent, a working professional, a dog mom, or you just have a chaotic schedule and an even more chaotic mind, it matters that you carve out a realistic 30 to 60 minute window where fitness has a place in your life.And here’s the truth: thirty minutes of movement is a whole lot better than zero minutes of movement.Putting it on your calendar is how you meet your future expectations halfway. And remember this: if you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re one curveball away from being late. And if you’re late, you’re probably lost.Third, live by the “never miss twice” rule.Missing a run is human. Life happens. Weather happens. Work happens. Kids happen. The only rule is this: don’t let one miss become a streak.Your next planned run becomes non-negotiable.Because let’s be honest, life has a funny way of convincing you that everything else is more urgent than your goals. Sometimes that’s true. But if you want a better version of yourself, you build it with habits, and habits are built through consistency, not perfection.Fourth, create accountability that’s hard to dodge.This part is simple. There are over 100 local run clubs in the Upstate alone. Join a group run. Text a running buddy your plan the night before. Sign up for a spring race.A start line is a persuasive life coach.Most of us don’t struggle because we don’t know what to do. We struggle because we get in our own heads. We talk ourselves out of it. We predict failure before we even start. Accountability doesn’t guarantee you won’t fail, but it closes the gap between where you are and where you want to be.Sometimes all it takes is one person expecting you to show up.And fifth, track the process, not just the outcome.

Welcome to the Upstate Race Series Podcast. I’m Matthew Hammersmith, and this is your trailhead for running in the Upstate of South Carolina. Here we talk races, training, community, and the stories that happen between the start and the finish lines. Whether you’re chasing a PR, chasing a sunrise, or just chasing your friends down the trail, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesSomehow, 365 days of 2025 came and went, and I’m sitting here with my lowest total mileage since I was about 13 years old.And honestly, that’s a weird sentence for me to say out loud. Because even though my personal running has taken the back seat in the Buick, I’m still in the driver’s seat, hands on the wheel, trying to help steer the running journeys of the Upstate Running Club, our race series, and, of course, my own family.This stage of life, the one where I’m sometimes without running shoes or a coach’s whistle, has been humbling. But I also know it’s where I’m needed right now, by the community I get to serve.I won’t drag out my love-hate relationship with running at the moment. I do think my “runner hat” makes a comeback at some point. But for now, I’ve got a few goals that matter a lot to me. One of the biggest is something we’re building through the Upstate Race Series called the Giving Series.In 2026, we’re launching a Giving Program through our personally owned events to help fund essential programs, provide education, and support outreach that directly impacts people right here in the Upstate.Here’s the simple version. When you donate through any one of our events, you’re not just supporting a race. You’re directly supporting one of our local nonprofit partners. Every dollar donated goes straight to a charity that’s already doing the hard work: serving families, supporting kids, caring for animals, improving health, protecting the environment, and a whole lot more.And here’s what I love most. Many of these organizations are led or staffed by runners. People like you. Real boots on the ground, making a difference every day.Last year, together with our participants, we helped generate over $500,000 in registrations and donations that went directly back into these nonprofits. In 2026, we’re formalizing and expanding that impact so that when you sign up, donate, or bring a friend to race, you’ll know exactly which organization you’re helping.So yeah, even if my personal mileage is down right now, my hat as a race director, race timer, and club manager is still very much on. And through the Giving Series, we have a real opportunity to give back to the organizations that keep giving to our community day after day.We do it the way we know how: timing, registration, marketing, logistics, and putting on well-oiled, cost-effective events that help these groups maximize donations and keep their missions moving.And I just want to say thank you. If you’ve run one of our races, volunteered, cheered someone on, or supported our events in any way, you’ve already been part of that impact. Heading into 2026, your participation and your donations will continue to help people who live right alongside all of us here in the Upstate.And that’s our trailhead chat for today. Whether you’re training with the Upstate Running Club or racing with the Upstate Race Series, remember: the little things add up. Stay consistent, stay curious, and I’ll see you somewhere between the start and the finish lines.

Welcome to the Upstate Race Series Podcast. I’m Matthew Hammersmith, and this is your trailhead for running in the Upstate of South Carolina. Here we talk races, training, community, and the stories that happen between the start and the finish lines. Whether you’re chasing a PR, chasing a sunrise, or just chasing your friends down the trail, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesOn quiet Sunday mornings, I find myself winding through the trails of Lake Conestee Nature Park. These recovery runs have turned into a rhythm for me, part ritual, part therapy. Early in the run, my mind tends to drift backward. I replay the past week: the miles I got in, the moments that mattered, the little setbacks, the small wins.And then, somewhere near the final stretch, my thoughts start leaning forward. Toward the races ahead. Toward the athletes I coach. Toward whatever challenge is waiting just beyond the horizon. It’s funny how that works, my legs follow my thoughts. My pace doesn’t pick up because I’m trying to run harder. It picks up because I’m starting to believe in what’s next.And the trail has a way of telling its own story, too.If you’ve ever been out on the Henderson Farm loop, you’ve seen it: young saplings standing beside towering older trees, the ones that look like they’ve been there forever. Trees that have taken their share of storms, droughts, heat, cold, and change, and they’re still standing.Sometimes I’ll look at them and wonder, did someone run past these same trees two hundred years ago? Lost in thought the same way I am. Dreaming forward, even back then.Because like those trees, runners get weathered.From the first stride, we start collecting seasons. Highs and lows. Injuries and comebacks. Confidence and doubt. And if you’ve been in this long enough, you know exactly what I mean when I say there are seasons where you feel like you fell away from the sport, like a tree that went down in the woods and got left behind.But then spring shows up.Not always on the calendar, but in your spirit. A little light. A reason to rise again. And in that rising, you find new life. Maybe not the same version of you that started, but a stronger one. A more honest one.To be a weathered runner is to be a survivor.Runners are resilient people. We keep showing up. We train through cold dawns and sweltering afternoons. We run in that bone-chilling rain that soaks you straight through. We move through the dark stillness of November when the world feels quiet and heavy. We grow in places nobody expects, and sometimes we surprise ourselves most of all.We root deep. We endure what we can’t control. And we keep pushing upward. Not because it’s easy, but because something in us needs it.And look, finisher medals shine. They’re cool, they’re meaningful, they look great hanging on a wall. But so do the struggles.I tell my athletes this all the time: the finish line is not the point. You might forget the exact moment your foot hits that final timing mat. What stays with you is everything that happened before it. The quiet grind. The early alarms. The runs you didn’t feel like doing. The people who showed up with you. The personal growth you didn’t even notice until later.That’s what imprints itself on you. That’s what builds you.I’ll be out on the Swamp Rabbit Trail sometimes and watch runners go by, and I’m not thinking about their pace or their form. I’m thinking about their resilience. Because every runner you pass, or who passes you, has been shaped by unseen forces. Life presses in from every direction, and still, there they are. Moving forward. Upright. Alive.

Welcome to the Upstate Race Series Podcast. I’m Matthew Hammersmith, and this is your trailhead for running in the Upstate of South Carolina. Here we talk races, training, community, and the stories that happen between the start and the finish lines. Whether you’re chasing a PR, chasing a sunrise, or just chasing your friends down the trail, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesAs a coach with the Without Limits Endurance Team, I talk with athletes all across the Southeast about training and racing. We start with the basics: your history, your current fitness, and the goals you’re aiming at. Then we talk commitment, obstacles, and that internal spark that keeps you showing up when motivation is running late.A long-term plan takes real thought, but once we land on the right plan for the person, it comes down to execution. And execution requires trust. As a coach, I have to trust that you’re doing the work, not just the highlight-reel workouts. As an athlete, you’ve got to trust that your coach is building something that fits your ability, your schedule, and your life.My coach, yes, even coaches need coaches, reminds me of something simple but powerful: personal awareness. Focus on today’s task. Not the whole season, not the whole mountain, just the next step. Because every little thing you do adds up. And those little things are what carry you toward the big goal, whether that goal is your first mile, your first 5K, or your first marathon.Breaking training into smaller segments keeps it from swallowing you. You don’t have to “get fit right now” or “run fast right now” or “fix everything right now.” You build a structure of daily wins. And when you look back, you won’t see one magical leap. You’ll see a trail of small victories that happened in small moments.So today I want to talk about the little things, the simple habits you can do before, during, and after your run that make the main workout work better.First: warm up.I know warming up can feel like the part you want to skip. But I’d argue the “before” and “after” can be just as important as the workout itself. A warm up is you sending a message to your body: wake up, we’re about to work. You’re preparing your muscles, your joints, your breathing, and your nervous system for the demand that’s coming. And for most runners, dynamic movement beats standing still and yanking on a stretch. A good warm up doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be consistent....

Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesEvery summer, it happens again.I tell myself, “Alright… this is it. The schedule slows down a little, I’m going to train consistently, I’m going to roll into fall feeling strong, prepared, and ready.”And then summer does what summer does.The heat shows up like it owns the place. A tropical storm rolls through. The humidity turns every run into a wet blanket. And suddenly that perfect little training plan I had in my head starts slipping through my fingers.For a long time, I used to believe that one bad run could ruin everything.One rough day, one scattered week, one missed long run, and I’d start thinking, “Well… there it goes. The goal race is months away, but I already messed it up.”I used to think success required perfection. Like training had to be spotless, and then race week had to be spotless, and then the day before the race had to be spotless, and then race morning had to be spotless… and if anything went sideways, the whole thing was doomed.But the longer I’ve been running, and the longer I’ve been coaching, the more I’ve realized something.Running is a mirror.It reflects whatever we’re carrying.And I tell my athletes that all the time, especially the younger ones, because they’re still learning what pressure feels like, what doubt feels like, what frustration feels like. Honestly… I’m still learning too.And sometimes I don’t have the perfect words for them in the moment.But I do know this: most of what we wrestle with is temporary.And a lot of the “problems” we feel in running aren’t even out on the course.They’re between our ears.I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at a start list before a race and thought, “Okay… who’s in my age group?”Or worse… “Is that person showing up again?”You know the one. The person you’ve built into this big rival in your head. The “arch nemesis.” The one you swear always catches you in the last quarter mile like they’ve got a personal grudge.And after enough races, I’ve learned something humbling.My arch nemesis has never been them.It’s been me.Because when we start fighting that uphill battle in our heads, we don’t just make excuses… we build them into terrain.We make the hills steeper than they are.We make the valleys deeper than they need to be.And eventually we create this war between what we imagined training should look like and what training actually is. And the gap between those two gets so frustrating that we’d rather quit than feel “behind.”That’s why I love studying the psychology side of sport.Because athletes don’t always succeed or fail based on fitness alone.They succeed or fail based on their ability to clear the hurdle in their own mind.I remember the first time I thought about a marathon. It felt impossible. Like something other people did.And then I ran one.And what happened next surprised me. I didn’t think, “Never again.”I thought, “Wow… I could go faster.”And then my mind immediately followed it up with, “Wow… I could go further.”That’s the power of perspective. And it changes everything.And if there’s one coaching piece I wish I focused on even more with my athletes, it’s this:When your mind is aimed at the goal instead of the obstacle, your actions start lining up.Things start falling into place.Not perfectly. Not magically....

The Upstate Running Club officially kicked off in June of 2020. It started the way a lot of good running things start, a few local leaders realizing we all wanted the same thing: more community, more consistency, and a place where anybody in the Upstate could belong.Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesSince then, URC has grown into chapters across Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Easley, and Greenwood, and the mission has stayed simple even as we’ve gotten bigger: promote running and overall wellness in the Upstate through group runs, meaningful partnerships, and races that don’t feel like they’re priced for superheroes only.If you’ve joined us anytime over the last few years, you’ve probably felt it. The Tuesday night crew that knows your name. The long run that turns into coffee. The volunteers who show up early, stay late, and somehow still manage to cheer the loudest. The youth athletes learning what it means to work, to race, to improve, and to support each other. That’s the heartbeat of this thing.And now, stepping into 2026, we’re in one of those “new chapter” moments. Not because we’re leaving behind what made URC special, but because we’re building a stronger framework around it so it lasts. More structure. More leadership. More opportunity for members to plug in and actually shape what the club becomes next.Here’s what we’re trying to accomplish in 2026.First, we want to make URC feel more connected, even across different cities. Chapters matter, but so does the feeling that you’re part of one bigger team. Whether you run in Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, or anywhere in between, we want it to feel like the same family with different front porches.Second, we’re doubling down on the idea that running is for everyone, and I mean everyone. This sport isn’t reserved for the fast and fearless. It’s for the working mom squeezing in miles before sunrise. It’s for the walker finding momentum again. It’s for the couch-to-5K runner who’s equal parts nervous and excited. It’s for the night nurse, the weekend warrior, the gear nerd, the introvert who shows up quietly, and the extrovert who high-fives strangers at mile one.It’s for the course marshal, the back-of-the-packer, and yes, the Boston qualifier too.The spectrum of runners is wide, and URC exists to make sure there’s a place for every single one of them.Third, we’re continuing to invest in youth development. Our youth programs aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re part of the long game. We’re helping young athletes build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging, and we’re doing it with coaches, mentors, and volunteers who genuinely care.And fourth, we want to keep building a club that gives back. In 2026, it’s not just about logging miles and collecting medals. It’s about being a positive force in the Upstate, supporting local partners, showing up for causes that matter, and using this running community for something bigger than ourselves.So if you’re a current member, thank you. Seriously. Whether you’ve been here since the early days or you just joined last week, you’re part of what makes this work.And if you’re listening to this and thinking, “I want in,” it’s easy. Jump over to UpstateRaceSeries.com and you’ll find the club membership page, a list of local races, and the different ways you can get involved, whether that’s as a runner, a volunteer, a sponsor, or the person who simply shows up and becomes part of the story.Because that’s what this is.It’s not just a club. It’s a community, stitched together one run at a time.

Welcome back, runners. This is your local race director and club aficionado, Matthew Hammersmith, and today I’m handing the mic to the next generation, because we’re talking about the Upstate Youth Series.Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesIf you’ve got a young runner in your house who can’t stop sprinting to the mailbox, racing you to the car, or “accidentally” doing strides through the grocery store, this series is for them. The Upstate Youth Series is our first annual age group competition built specifically for up and coming youth runners right here in the Upstate.And I want you to picture what this really is. It’s a season-long adventure where kids get to show up, pin a bib on, line up with other young athletes, and learn what it feels like to chase a finish line with confidence. It’s structured, it’s exciting, and it’s built to keep it fun and approachable, with race distances under ten K.Now here’s the best part. Joining the series is effortless.There’s no special registration or extra step to “enter” the Youth Series. If your athlete registers for any included Upstate Race Series event using the same RunSignUp profile each time, they’re automatically entered and scored automatically. No extra forms. No confusion. Just sign up, race, and let the season build.Alright, let’s talk scoring, because this is where the series gets really fun in a friendly, chase-your-buddy kind of way.Your athlete’s series age group is based on their age on December thirty-first of the year. They can still place in their current age group at each individual race, but the series standings are scored based on end of year age, so it stays consistent all season.Points are awarded by age group finish like this. First place gets ten points. Second gets nine. Third gets eight. Then it steps down from there, until tenth place and all remaining finishers receive one point. And that means something important. If your athlete shows up and finishes, they’re on the board. Effort counts, consistency counts, and that’s exactly the kind of lesson we love teaching through sport.And for parents juggling schedules, school calendars, and a household that runs on snack time and sprint time, here’s the built-in flexibility. Only the top five races count. A maximum of five races can score, and if your athlete competes in more than five, we take their best five finishes. So you can chase the series hard, or you can pick the events that fit your life and still be right in the mix.Now, who is this for?The Youth Series is scored across these age group categories: six and under, seven to eight, nine to ten, eleven to twelve, thirteen to sixteen, and seventeen to nineteen. So whether your athlete is just getting started or already dreaming big, they’ve got a spot on the leaderboard.And yes, there are awards, because finishing a season deserves a moment.At the end of the year, we recognize the top three finishers in each age group at our annual awards ceremony, with awards made by Hickory Handcrafted. That’s not just a medal you toss into a drawer. It’s the kind of award that lives on a shelf and reminds a young runner, “I earned that.”So what kinds of races are included?The Youth Series pulls from a wide mix of Upstate Race Series events, which makes it fun because you can find the style that fits your athlete. There are shorter road efforts, some longer youth-friendly challenges, and even a few iconic events that feel like a big stage, with big energy.A few highlights from the included events in 2026 look like this.

Welcome back, runners. This is your local race director and club aficionado, and today I’m giving you a quick, five-minute trailhead style briefing, but with more pavement and a lot more cheers, on the Upstate Brew Series.Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesIf you’ve ever looked at a race calendar and thought, “I love running… and I love a good post-race hang,” the Brew Series is your kind of year.The Upstate Brew Series welcomes all runners and, of course, beer drinkers alike. This is the fourth annual Upstate Brew Series, and the goal is simple: bring the running community a little closer with some liquid courage. It’s a competitive point series built around a lineup of events right here in the Upstate, and every stop is designed to feel like a race and a reunion at the same time.Here’s what I love about it. It’s a series that works whether you’re a seasoned runner hunting for age group wins, or you’re brand new and just want a fun reason to show up, run hard, and celebrate the finish with friends. The whole thing is about community, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation for craft brews and good miles.Now, how do you get “in” to the Brew Series?You don’t have to do anything extra. When you register for any included race, you’re automatically entered into the series and scored automatically. The key is to use the same RunSignUp profile each time so your points follow you from race to race. No extra forms, no guessing, no spreadsheets on your end. Just sign up, race, repeat.Alright, let’s talk scoring, because this is where the friendly competition starts to bubble up.For the series, you’re entered in the age group category based on your age on December thirty first of the year. You can still place in your current age group for the individual races, but the series is scored based on your end-of-year age. That keeps your category consistent from the first race to the last.At each race, points are awarded by age group finish like this. First place gets ten points. Second gets nine. Third gets eight. So on and so forth.And here’s the best part for busy humans with jobs, families, and calendars that look like a plate of spaghetti. A maximum of five races can score. If you compete in more than five, we take your top five finishes. So you can chase points hard, or you can pick the races that fit your schedule and still be right in the mix.So what races are included?The series is built around a set of events that bring their own flavor and their own vibe. The Brew Series kicks off with events like Hare of the Dog two mile, Lovers Lane two mile and relay, Chase the Rainbow five K, The Downville Mile, Red White and Brew five K, and Beer and Barbecue five K. Each one is a little different, but they all deliver that same combination of fun competition and post-race celebration energy.For the two thousand twenty-six included events, here’s what’s on the calendar.Hare of the Dog two mile, on Saturday, January third, in Simpsonville.Lovers Lane two mile and four mile relay, on Saturday, February fourteenth, in Simpsonville.Chase the Rainbow five K run and walk, on Saturday, March fourteenth, in Simpsonville.The Downville Mile, on Saturday, May thirtieth, in Greenville.Cottonmouth eight mile and Beerlay, on Saturday, June sixth, in Greenville.Red White and Brew five K run and walk, on Saturday, June twenty-seventh, in Simpsonville.And Beer and Barbecue five K, on Saturday, October third, in Fountain Inn.That’s your lineup. A year of reasons to lace up, race your friends, meet new ones, and keep the running community close.

Welcome back, runners. This is your local race director and club aficionado, Matthew Hammersmith, and today I’m giving you a quick road-racing briefing on the Upstate Road Series.Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesIf you’ve ever looked at your year and thought, “I love racing… I just need a reason to show up more often,” the Road Series is that season.The Upstate Road Series is our age group race series built around a lineup of road events across Upstate South Carolina, and it’s built to keep things fun, competitive, and community-driven. This is the sixth annual age group competition, and it’s made up of thirteen different events throughout the year. Upstate Race Series has been hosting a wide range of trail and road events since 2013, so this series is the greatest hits album of what our road community loves.Here’s what you can expect. A dynamic schedule. Scenic routes across the Upstate. A mix of distances that welcomes beginners, challenges experienced runners, and keeps everyone coming back for one more start line. Some races are fast and snappy, some are endurance-flavored, and all of them are designed to give you a distinctive racing experience.Now, how do you get “in” to the series?You don’t have to do anything extra. When you register for any included race and you use the same RunSignUp profile each time, you’re automatically entered into the series and scored automatically with our timing software. No extra forms. No guessing. Just sign up, race, repeat.Alright, let’s talk scoring, because this is where the friendly competition starts to simmer.You’re entered into the age group category based on your age on December thirty first of the series year. You can still place in your current age group for the individual races, but the series standings are scored based on your end of year age. So the scoreboard stays consistent all season long.At each race, points are awarded by age group finish like this. First place gets ten points. Second gets nine. Third gets eight. Then it keeps stepping down until tenth place gets one point. And here’s the key detail: all finishers receive one point. So if you show up and finish, you’re on the board. The top ten in each age group just gets rewarded with bigger points.And here’s the best part for busy humans with jobs, families, and calendars that look like a spilled bowl of spaghetti.A maximum of five races can score. If you compete in more than five, we take your top five finishes. That means you can chase points hard all year, or you can pick the events that fit your life and still be right in the conversation.Now, what sets the Upstate Road Series apart isn’t only the pursuit of personal bests. It’s also the purpose behind it. By participating, you’re supporting the Upstate Running Club’s non profit youth team, helping develop young talent and grow a love for running in the next generation. So yes, you’re racing for points, but you’re also racing for something bigger than a finish time.So what races are included?Here’s the thirteen-event schedule:We kick things off with the three, six, and twelve hour Resolution Run. Then the Snowbird Challenge. Then the Greenville Half Marathon and 5K. Sassafras Struggle. Chase the Rainbow 5K run and walk. Take Flight 5K and one mile. Mountains to Main Half Marathon and 5K. The Downville Mile. The Carolina Reaper Challenge. Lake Summit ten mile. Run2Overcome 5K and 10K. Electric City Gobbler 5K and one mile. And then we close it out with Holiday Hustle 5K.It’s a full year of opportunities to line up, test yourself, and stay connected to the running community that makes the Upstate such a special place to lace up.

Important Club LinksClub Membership PageClub Store PageRace Discounts on ALL EventsClub Member BenefitsStrava Club - Kudos KornerRun Club ScheduleFacebook GroupFacebook PageRace Series Pages Upstate Trail SeriesUpstate Road SeriesUpstate Brew SeriesUpstate Youth SeriesUpstate Giving SeriesUpstate Ultra SeriesWelcome back, runners. This is your local race director and club aficionado, and today I’m giving you a quick trailhead briefing on the Upstate Trail Series.If you’ve ever looked at a race calendar and thought, “I love trails… I just need a reason to show up more often,” the Trail Series is that reason.The Upstate Trail Series is our annual age group race series built around a curated lineup of trail events across the Upstate of South Carolina. The concept is simple. Run a handful of the included races, earn points based on your age group finish, and stack those points across the season for standings, bragging rights, and end of year awards.And the best part is you don’t have to do anything extra to join. When you register for any included race using the same RunSignUp profile, you’re automatically entered into the series and scored automatically. No extra forms, no secret handshake. Just sign up, race, repeat.Now let’s talk about how the scoring works, because this is where the friendly competition starts to simmer.Your Trail Series age group is based on your age on December thirty first of the series year. You can still place in your normal age group at an individual race, but for series standings, we use your end of year age.At each race, points are awarded by age group finish like this. First place gets ten points. Second gets nine. Third gets eight. And it steps down from there, until tenth place and everyone after that receives one point.And here’s the part I really love for busy humans with jobs, families, and knees that occasionally send strongly worded emails. Only your top five races count. A maximum of five races can be scored, and if you run more than five, we simply take your best five finishes. That means you can chase points hard, or you can race what fits your life and still be in the conversation.So what kinds of races are included? This series is a true sampler platter of Upstate terrain, from runnable park trails to routes that add a little spice to your quads.Here’s the schedule lineup in order. Sandhills Trail Race Series. Sassafras Struggle. Knock On Woodstock. Lakeside Park Eight K Trail Race. Dark Horse Trail Series. Lake Conestee Trail Eight K Race. Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon. Paris Mountain Half Marathon. Sadlers Creek Stumble. Prisoner of War Trail Race. Broad River Half Marathon. And Tacky Sweater Five K.Now, the Trail Series isn’t only about standings. It’s also about community impact. This series supports the Upstate Running Club’s non profit youth team, helping empower young athletes to pursue running and competition. So yes, you’re chasing points, but you’re also helping fuel the next generation of runners right here in our community.And at the end of the season, we celebrate it properly. The series recognizes the top three finishers in each age group at the annual awards ceremony, with awards made by Hickory Handcrafted. Translation, not a flimsy participation trinket, but something worthy of a shelf and a little “what’s that from” conversation.So if you want to jump in, here’s your quick checklist. Pick your first Trail Series race and register. Use the same RunSignUp profile for every race you do in the series so your points track automatically. Aim for five races across the year to maximize your scoring. And bring a friend, because trails are better when the start line has familiar faces and the finish line has loud ones.Alright, that’s your trail map. Until next time, stay smooth on the climbs, light on the descents, and don’t forget to look up once in a while. The Upstate has some spectacular views when you’re not staring at your feet.