Paris Mountain Half Marathon Run/Hike

Upstate Race Series  /  Upstate Trail Series Paris Mountain Half Marathon Run/Hike 13.1 What goes up must come down

Sat, Sep 18 2027

8:00 AM start

Paris Mountain State Park Greenville, SC

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A single 13.1-mile loop with 2,300 feet of elevation gain, from Lake Placid to the Sulphur Springs switchbacks and back. A mix of singletrack and wide switchbacks, past three lakes with waterfalls, over two challenging climbs, with vibrant fall foliage, peaceful lakesides, and panoramic summit views along the way. September on Paris Mountain is the best day of the year to be on this trail.

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Race Day Details

Saturday, September 18, 2027 at Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609. Get directions.

7:00 AM

Packet pickup opens Shelter #3 at 7:00 AM, starting 60 minutes prior to the race.

8:00 AM

Start Paris Mountain Half Marathon Run/Hike — a single 13.1-mile loop

On course

Sulphur Springs switchbacks The Sulphur Springs switchbacks are the signature stretch, and the descent off them is the reason people sign up again.

Finish

Pancakes and a medal Afterward there are post-race pancakes, music, and a relaxed hangout. Every finisher receives a medal and a custom race tattoo, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

2:00 PM

Time limit 6 hours.

After

Results and photos Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 48–72 hours on our Facebook page.

 

Course or Race Highlight

Paris Mountain State Park sits inside the Greenville city limits, which makes the scale of what it hands you slightly absurd — 2,300 feet of climbing in thirteen miles, on trails good enough that mountain bikers drive across the state for them. The Sulphur Springs switchbacks are the signature stretch, and the descent off them is the reason people sign up again.

Two aid stations sit at mile 4.6 and mile 10.4, which is a sensible spacing for a course this steep. The main gate opens at 6:30 AM; follow the parking arrows to the large field adjacent to the main parking lot. Afterward there are post-race pancakes, music, and a relaxed hangout. Every finisher receives a medal and a custom race tattoo, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

The Course

A single 13.1-mile loop starting and finishing at Shelter #3, on a mix of singletrack and wide switchbacks, taking in three lakes with waterfalls and two challenging climbs for a total of 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Expect vibrant fall foliage, peaceful lakesides, and panoramic summit views.

View the course map  

Parking

Park at Shelter #3 within Paris Mountain State Park. The main gate opens at 6:30 AM — follow the parking arrows to the large field adjacent to the main parking lot. A $5 special use permit is required and is paid during registration.

 

Aid Stations

Two aid stations, at mile 4.6 and mile 10.4.

Available snacks

PicklesCookiesChipsFig NewtonsPretzels

Hydration

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

What's Included

✓	2,300 Feet of Climbing Two challenging climbs, three lakes with waterfalls, and panoramic summit views.

✓	Custom Race Bib Your badge of the journey.

✓	Chip Timing & Live Results Track your effort.

✓	Race Branded Finisher Medal To commemorate the triumph.

✓	Custom Race Tattoo Wear the moment proudly.

✓	Event-Themed Giveaways A little extra swag for finishing strong.

✓	Race Stickers Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop.

✓	Post-Race Pancakes Because trails taste better with syrup.

✓	Post Race Vibes and Media Coverage Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory — hang around at the finish line and celebrate.

From past races. See all race photos

 

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 this series:

Upstate Trail 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+

 

Giving Back

This race supports The Champions Center An Anderson therapeutic day center giving children with special needs, up to age five, classroom learning, on-site therapy and nursing care. They host their own race too: The Champions Run. Visit The Champions CenterThe Champions RunDonate

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.

 

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.

Create or join a race group  

Good to Know

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

No

Are dogs allowed on the course? Yes. State park rules require a leash no longer than six feet. Start at the back and clean up after your dog. Are headphones or earbuds allowed? Yes — jam away. Is there race-day registration? Yes, you can register on your personal mobile device. There are no paper forms and no cash at the tent. Where are the start and finish lines? Shelter #3. Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items? Yes — you can place your things inside Shelter #3. Are there restrooms near the start/finish? Yes, there are bathrooms at Shelter #3 and at the main ranger station. Will I get a medal or a shirt? All finishers receive a medal and the chance to compete for an age group placement. Shirts can be purchased during registration or from our Apparel Now store and shipped directly to you. What happens if there's bad weather? Upstate Race Series races run rain or shine. In the event of lightning, extreme heat, or hazardous winter conditions, we'll post an update on this page and email registered runners as early as possible. Entry fees aren't refunded for weather delays — see Managing Your Registration below. Can spectators come watch? Spectators are welcome, and pay the state park admission fee at the gate. Runner parking fills up race morning — if you're only here to cheer, plan for overflow parking nearby. When will results and photos be available? Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 48–72 hours on our Facebook page — we'll tag the album so it's easy to find. What time should I arrive? Plan on 45 to 60 minutes before the 8:00 AM start. The main gate opens at 6:30 AM, packet pickup opens at Shelter #3 at 7:00 AM, and the pre-race briefing is at 7:45 AM. There is one road into the park, so give yourself the full hour. What do I need to bring to packet pickup? Just yourself. We look you up by name and assign your bib on the spot with the check-in app, so there is nothing to print and no confirmation email to bring. Can I hike or walk it? Yes. Hikers get the same bib, timing, and results as runners. The 6-hour time limit works out to about 27 minutes per mile. Start toward the back and let faster runners by on the single-track. What is different about a trail race? Roots, rocks, mud, climbs, and single-track. Expect to run one to three minutes per mile slower than on the road, and expect your GPS to read a little short or long; trail distances are approximate. Trail shoes help. On single-track, call “on your left” to pass, and if someone faster is behind you, step aside at the next wide spot. Walking the steep sections is normal. Will there be mountain bikes on the trail? No. Paris Mountain State Park closes its trails to bikes on Saturdays. Can I run with a stroller? No. This is a trail course with roots, rocks, and single-track, and it is not stroller-friendly. How should I wear my bib? On the front of your torso, outside every layer, flat and unfolded, pinned at all four corners. Not on your back, leg, or hat, and not under a jacket or hydration vest. Do not bend or fold the chip. How is the race timed? With a disposable timing chip on the back of your bib, read by timing mats at the finish. Chip time or gun time: which one counts? Gun time runs from the start signal; chip time runs from the moment you cross the start mat. Most of our races use a gun start; chip start is used when the start and finish share one spot and the field is large. Top 3 overall always go by gun time, so the first runner across the line wins. When chip start is on, age group awards go by chip time. What if I get hurt or need to drop out on the course? Tell the nearest volunteer or aid station (mile 4.6 and mile 10.4); they radio the race director. If you leave the course for any reason, check in at the timing tent so we know you are off the course and stop looking for you. In an emergency call 911 first, then let the timing tent know. My result is missing or wrong. What do I do? Tell the timing tent before you leave if you can. Otherwise use the Contact Us form with your name, bib number, and approximate finish time, and we will fix it. The usual cause is a bib worn on the back or under a layer. How do the Upstate Trail Series standings work? This race scores in the Upstate Trail Series, linked under Race Awards above. Points are awarded by finishing place within your age group, your best finishes over the season count, and standings update on the series page on RunSignUp once results are final. There is nothing to sign up for; running the race enters you. Do I have to be present to receive my award? Awards are handed out at the post-race ceremony at Shelter #3. If you have to leave early, email us and we will arrange pickup at a future Upstate Race Series event. Can I volunteer? Yes, and we always need help at check-in, on the course, at aid stations, and at the finish line. Sign up on the Volunteer page and we will find you a spot.  

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

✓	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

Let's Stay Connected

Follow along, gear up, and keep up with everything Upstate Race Series

This race Register Course map Directions Race groups Results Race photos Race apparel Manage my registration Series & giving Upstate Trail Series Upstate Giving Series The Champions Center The Champions Run Donate Upstate Race Series UpstateRaceSeries.com Questions? Use the contact form below or tap the chat button in the corner. Instagram @upstateraceseries Facebook: Upstate Event Management Apparel store