Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon
- Date
- September 12, 2026
- Distance
- Jones Gap Half Marathon
From the Organizer
Jones Gap Half Marathon – A Scenic Journey Through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area 🌲
The Upstate Race Series invites you to the breathtaking Jones Gap State Park for the Annual Jones Gap Half Marathon! Get ready for an unforgettable 13.1-mile adventure through one of South Carolina’s most serene natural settings 🌿. This year’s course takes you on an awe-inspiring route that showcases the stunning Rainbow Falls 🌈, a section of the Rim of the Gap Trail 🌄, and the iconic Little Pinnacle Mountain 🏔️—all set against the backdrop of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Jones Gap State Park offers a peaceful retreat deep within the mountains 🏞️. Nestled within 13,000 acres of pristine woodlands 🌳, the park is part of the larger Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which connects with Caesar’s Head State Park. The trails here invite you to explore the beauty of nature 🍃, with connections to the Foothills Trail and Palmetto Trail—two of the most beloved hiking paths in South Carolina 🥾. Along the way, you’ll pass Rainbow Falls, experience the rush of the Middle Saluda River 🌊, and be immersed in a wilderness that feels both untamed and timeless.
As you journey through this incredible landscape, you’ll be treated to the sights of waterfalls 💦, miles of untouched hiking trails 🛤️, and a variety of wildlife 🦅. The rugged terrain will challenge you, while the natural beauty will keep you moving forward with awe and inspiration.
Race Day Details
What: Jones Gap Half Marathon 🏃♂️
When: Race starts at 8:00 AM ⏰
Where: River Falls Lodge (just outside Jones Gap State Park) 🏕️
Address: River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661 📍
Packet Pickup: River Falls Lodge (Start/Finish Line) @ 7:00 AM 🎽
Course Map: Strava Course Map - HERE
With a total elevation gain of 2,000 feet ⛰️, the course begins with a stretch of road leading into Jones Gap before it ascends onto a series of challenging single-track trails 🏞️. Prepare for stunning views, including Rainbow Falls 🌈💦, and a climb to Little Pinnacle Mountain 🏔️. The trail’s breathtaking beauty and the uphill climbs will test your endurance 💪, but the scenery will make every step worthwhile 🌄.
Parking & Address
Runners can park at River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661 🚗. We recommend carpooling to reduce congestion 🚙. Packet pickup will also take place at this location 📦.
Aid Stations
There will be ONLY 2 aid stations at Mile 2 and Mile 11
Available items may include: pickles 🥒, cookies 🍪, chips 🥨, assorted candy 🍬, fig newtons 🍪, and pretzels 🥨. Hydration options: water 💧, coke 🥤, and ginger ale 🥤. Cup-less Event: Please bring your own hydration vessel 🏞️. We also accept aid station donations of food items you’d like to see at the race! 🍫
Prepare for a day filled with scenic beauty 🌿, a challenging course 🏃♀️, and the spirit of adventure 🌟. The Jones Gap Half Marathon is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature 🌲 while testing your endurance 💪.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
72°
Typical Low
59°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Caesars Head, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Marietta, SC
Elevation
1,081 ft
Nearest Airport
GSP
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport · 90 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
96
Days to train
- Race
- Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon
- Date
- September 12, 2026
Coming Up
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon?
- Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon is a running race held in Marietta, South Carolina on September 12, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon?
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Marietta, South Carolina at River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon
Sep 12, 2026