Choosing a Half Marathon in Upstate South Carolina
Serious runners are gearing up for a 2013 season of half marathons in the Upstate of South Carolina. Runners will have several races to choose from this spring. Location and topography of the course are major considerations in deciding on a race to run. Terrain and course elevation can be flat or hilly. Running surfaces can be paved, or trails of dirt and gravel. Trail races are becoming more popular and usually attract more experienced competitors. Here are the highlights of four races to consider this spring.
The GHS Centennial Half Marathon is scheduled for March 9 in Greenville. The race is sponsored by Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center. The course begins at Gateway Park in Travelers Rest, north of Greenville. The race is run mostly on the paved Swamp Rabbit Trail into downtown Greenville, where it finishes on Cleveland Park Drive. The course is flat, fast, and USA Track and Field certified. Entry fee is $60 before March 2 and $70 for registration after that date. A $10 shuttle service will transport participants from the finish of the race back to the starting area.
The City of Seneca, South Carolina, located 40 miles west of Greenville in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, will hold its 3rd annual half marathon on March 16. The course is an out and back route that begins and ends at Shaver Recreation Complex on South 4th St. Runners will head southwest out of town to Wells Highway, and then run back into town and north to the south shore of Lake Keowee. Online pre-registration for the race is $50. Entry fee is $60 on race day. The race benefits the Seneca Police Department's K9 Unit.
The ASC Greenway Trail Run Half Marathon will take place April 6 in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The event is organized by the Rock Hill Striders running club. The race is run on rolling dirt and gravel hiking and horse trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway, off the Hwy 21 Bypass. The out and back course begins at Rush Pavilion. Advance registration fee is $25 if paid by March 6, $30 from March6-April 3, and $40 on race day.
The Kings Mountain Marathon and Half Marathon are scheduled for April 27 near Blacksburg, South Carolina. Both races wind through Kings Mountain State Park and the adjacent Kings Mountain National Military Park. The marathon is a 26.2 mile loop route and the half marathon is an out and back route. The courses are run on a combination of dirt, gravel, and paved roads. The routes are scenic and peaceful, with plenty of rolling terrain. Entry fees are $40 for the half marathon and $80 for the marathon. Participants are limited to 400 runners.
The GHS Centennial Half Marathon is scheduled for March 9 in Greenville. The race is sponsored by Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center. The course begins at Gateway Park in Travelers Rest, north of Greenville. The race is run mostly on the paved Swamp Rabbit Trail into downtown Greenville, where it finishes on Cleveland Park Drive. The course is flat, fast, and USA Track and Field certified. Entry fee is $60 before March 2 and $70 for registration after that date. A $10 shuttle service will transport participants from the finish of the race back to the starting area.
The City of Seneca, South Carolina, located 40 miles west of Greenville in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, will hold its 3rd annual half marathon on March 16. The course is an out and back route that begins and ends at Shaver Recreation Complex on South 4th St. Runners will head southwest out of town to Wells Highway, and then run back into town and north to the south shore of Lake Keowee. Online pre-registration for the race is $50. Entry fee is $60 on race day. The race benefits the Seneca Police Department's K9 Unit.
The ASC Greenway Trail Run Half Marathon will take place April 6 in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The event is organized by the Rock Hill Striders running club. The race is run on rolling dirt and gravel hiking and horse trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway, off the Hwy 21 Bypass. The out and back course begins at Rush Pavilion. Advance registration fee is $25 if paid by March 6, $30 from March6-April 3, and $40 on race day.
The Kings Mountain Marathon and Half Marathon are scheduled for April 27 near Blacksburg, South Carolina. Both races wind through Kings Mountain State Park and the adjacent Kings Mountain National Military Park. The marathon is a 26.2 mile loop route and the half marathon is an out and back route. The courses are run on a combination of dirt, gravel, and paved roads. The routes are scenic and peaceful, with plenty of rolling terrain. Entry fees are $40 for the half marathon and $80 for the marathon. Participants are limited to 400 runners.
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