Light the Trail 5K
- Date
- September 17, 2026
- Distance
- 1-Mile Fun Run · Light the Trail 5K
From the Organizer
Benefiting the Green Crescent Trail and a more walkable, bikeable greater Clemson area!
Join us for a lively evening of movement, community and celebration at the inaugural Light the Trail 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run in Clemson’s Patrick Square community.
Held just before Clemson University’s Parents Weekend, this family-friendly event invites area runners and walkers, University students and their parents, alumni, neighbors and trail supporters of all ages to move together and support the Green Crescent Trail and its bold 15×30 vision: creating 15 connected miles of trail across Clemson, Central and Pendleton by 2030.
Participants will enjoy a scenic evening course through the streets of Patrick Square, followed by a lively post-race community gathering on the Village Green featuring local food, drinks, music and family activities. Professional timing provided by XX
Whether you are chasing a personal best, walking with friends or pushing a stroller under the fall lights, every step helps raise awareness and support for safer, more connected and more active communities across the region.
Event Highlights
- Evening 5K race through Patrick Square
- 1-mile Family Fun Run open to all ages and abilities
- Awards for various ages and groups, costume contest, and raffle prizes
- Post-race community gathering at the Village Green
- Breakfast-for-dinner specials at Sunnyside Cafe
- Food and beer specials at Kite Hill Brewing Co.
- Music, dancing, family activities and community partner booths
- Green Crescent Trail and 15×30 campaign information
- Opportunity to support future trail connectivity in the Clemson area
Why We Run
The Green Crescent Trail connects neighborhoods, schools, parks, campuses and downtowns across the greater Clemson region through safe, accessible multi-use trails. The new 15×30 campaign is focused on expanding that vision into a connected 15-mile regional network by the year 2030.
Light the Trail is more than a race. It is a celebration of movement, connectivity, and a bright, active future for our community.
Every mile matters. GO. CONNECT! Let’s light the trail together!
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in SC
GTC Paris Mountain Trails 12K
12K
End Alzheimer’s 5K
5K
Carolina Reaper Challenge (50k - 13.1 - 10k & Relay)
Half Marathon · 50K · 10K
The Peoples Bank Midnight Flight
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Light the Trail 5K?
- Light the Trail 5K is a running event held in Clemson, SC. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Light the Trail 5K?
- Thursday, September 17, 2026 in Clemson, SC at 108 Thomas Green Blvd, Clemson, SC. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Light the Trail 5K?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Light the Trail 5K
Sep 17, 2026