Carolina Reaper Challenge (13.1 - 26.2 - 50k & Relay)

  Upstate Race Series Carolina Reaper Challenge Riverwest Preserve · Greenville, SC

The hottest race above the ground 🌶

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Mid-July in South Carolina, on a paved 2.62-mile loop, with a 45-minute cutoff on every single lap. Five loops for the Half, twelve for the 50K, or split those twelve across a relay team of up to four. There is a 10K in the mix too, for anyone who wants the heat without the whole day of it. As you navigate the loop at Riverwest Nature Preserve, you'll be embraced by the intense Southern heat, winding through rolling hills, wooden bridges, and scenic views.

The heat is the race. The course itself is genuinely pleasant — a 240-acre former golf course with rolling cart paths, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and riverfront views, and plenty of shade — but in July none of that changes the fact that you are asking your body to keep going out into it, lap after lap, on a schedule that does not care how you feel. Conquer the loop within 45 minutes per lap, or risk being left behind in the flames.

Participant setup is right at the start/finish line, and there is a 60-by-120-foot rental tent where you are welcome to hang out between laps. Bring a canopy, a cooler, a chair — this is where the party lives, so share a tent, make some friends, and set up camp. Afterward there is music, a post-race hangout, and war stories with the other survivors. Every finisher receives a medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

Race Day Details

What	Carolina Reaper Challenge — 50K (12 loops), Half Marathon (5 loops), 10K, and the Reaper Relay (12 loops, teams of 2–4)
When	Saturday, July 18, 2026 — all distances start at 8:00 AM
Where	Riverwest Preserve, Greenville, SC
Address	2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville, SC 29611
Packet Pickup	Begins at 7:00 AM, right on site at the big green Upstate Race Series tent. You can't miss it.
Time Limit	Each lap must be completed within 45 minutes, or you'll be left in the heat. All runners stick to the posted lap schedule — no early start times.

Course

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. One note on getting there: be careful crossing the median at New Easley Hwy, across the street from the Home Fur A While animal boarding facility.

View Course Map →

Lap Schedule

Every lap sets off 45 minutes after the last, from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM, and each one must be completed inside that window or you are done for the day. All runners stick to the posted schedule — no early start times. Your distance ends on its final lap, marked below.

Lap	Starts
Lap 1	8:00 AM	The Reaper's Call — all races start
Lap 2	8:45 AM
Lap 3	9:30 AM
Lap 4	10:15 AM
Lap 5	11:00 AM	Half marathon final lap
Lap 6	11:45 AM
Lap 7	12:30 PM
Lap 8	1:15 PM
Lap 9	2:00 PM
Lap 10	2:45 PM
Lap 11	3:30 PM
Lap 12	4:15 PM	50K & Relay final lap

Parking

All participants park in the old driving range area, approximately 150 meters from the start/finish line. Parking is limited, so carpool when possible and follow volunteer instructions on arrival. Do not unload before parking — your vehicle will be directed to its space when you arrive. Athlete drop-offs happen in the side lot shortly after entering the facility on the left, which is also the day use lot for spectators and 10K participants. Parking is $5, paid during registration; nothing is owed on race day.

Aid Stations

One aid station at the start/finish, hit once per 2.62-mile lap. There is no aid out on the loop. Restrooms are right at the start line next to packet pickup.

Available snacks:

Pickles Cookies Chips Pretzels

Hydration:

Water Coke Ginger ale Wildly Charged hydration sample

Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel.

What's Included

A 60' x 120' Athlete Village A rental tent at the finish line with chair and cooler space, open between laps. Custom Race Bib Your badge of the journey. Chip Timing & Live Results Track your effort, splits included. Custom Finisher Medal To commemorate the triumph. Custom Race Tattoo Wear the moment proudly. Event-Themed Giveaways A little extra swag for finishing strong. Race Sticker Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop. Wildly Charged Hydration Sample A little extra refresh after you've conquered the trail. Bring Your Own Canopy A 10x10, a cooler, a chair — whatever helps you recover between laps. Post-Race Vibes

Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory — hang around at the finish line and celebrate.

Race Awards

Top 3 Overall (Male & Female) The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack. Age Group Awards (Male & Female) The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each of 15 age categories will earn an age group medal — a custom piece to add to your finisher's lanyard at the end of the event. Series Recognition This race counts toward season-long age group recognition in these two series: Upstate Road Series Upstate Ultra Series Giving Back

Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, which connects our 30 races with 30 nonprofit organizations serving communities across the Upstate. Your registration and any donation you add at checkout go to work close to home — you are not just running a race, you are funding the work of a neighbor.

Upstate Giving Series Age Group Categories 0–9 10–12 13–16 17–19 20–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–49 50–54 55–59 60–64 65–69 70–79 80+

Groups & Teams

$5 Discount & Refund for Groups with 5+ Members

The Upstate Running Club welcomes all local and regional running clubs to our events — the more the merrier. Calling all running clubs and social run groups: Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we've got an event for you.

Sign up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more.

Good to Know

Are dogs allowed on the course? Yes, but on a short six-foot leash. This is a narrow cart path course, so be mindful of other runners. Are headphones or earbuds allowed? Absolutely. Jam on. Can someone else pick up my packet for me? Negative, Ghost Rider. Is there race-day registration? Yes, but the race will be sold out by then. Where are the start and finish lines? The start line sits between our packet pickup tent and the Tent City tents. The big green arch less than 100 meters away is the finish. You can't miss it once you are on site. Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items? Tent City is the official party of the event and where runners can set up a 10x10 tent for shade and leave belongings between laps. Are there restrooms near the start/finish? Yes, right at the start line of each lap, next to the packet pickup area. Will I get a medal or a shirt? All finishers receive a medal. Shirts can be ordered through our Apparel Now store or the registration store.

Managing Your Registration

Everything about your entry lives in your RunSignUp profile. Sign in, find this race under your upcoming events, and make the change yourself — there is no need to email us first. From there you can:

•	Transfer your entry to another runner
•	Switch to a different distance at this race
•	Transfer your entry to a different Upstate Race Series event
•	Update your personal details — name, address, emergency contact, shirt size
•	Manage add-ons, store items, and apparel purchases

All entries are final. We do not offer refunds or deferrals — but every option above stays open to you right up to race day, so a change of plans does not have to mean a wasted entry.

Manage My Registration →  

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