Paris Mountain Half Marathon Run/Hike

Upstate Race Series

Paris Mountain Half Marathon Run/Hike

Paris Mountain State Park · Greenville, SC

What goes up must come down 🍂

Participant Feedback

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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. October on Paris Mountain is the best day of the year to be on this trail.

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.

Race Day Details

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

When Saturday, October 10, 2026 — 8:00 AM start

Where Paris Mountain State Park — start and finish at Shelter #3

Address 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609

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

Time Limit 5 hours.

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 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:

Pickles Cookies Chips Fig Newtons Pretzels

Hydration:

Water Coke Ginger ale

Wildly Charged is our official hydration sponsor — look for the orange 5-gallon jugs at aid stations.

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, 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.

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.

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+

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.

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

Good to Know

Are dogs allowed on the course?

Yes.

Are headphones or…

Community event in Greenville, Greenville County, SC 29609.