Dark Horse Trail Run & Ride

Dark Horse Ultra

Marathon - Half Marathon - 10k - Gravel Crit

Tryon Equestrian Center

Introducing our annual Dark Horse Ultra we are excited to bring runners to the amazing facilities that spread out over 200 acres of roaming land, trails, and equestrian activities. Escape your day-to-day life and enjoy a romantic getaway in South Carolina’s beautiful Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indulge your senses with the natural beauty our lands have to offer while the normal hustle and bustle of your life fades away.

Tryon, North Carolina is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which provides a beautiful and diverse natural setting. The area features rolling hills, forests, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape, which are popular for outdoor recreation. The town is known for its well-developed trail system, which offers a variety of hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, and they provide access to scenic vistas, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.

Tryon Equestrian Center is a premier equestrian facility located in Tryon, North Carolina. It is a world-class venue that features state-of-the-art facilities for equestrian events, including multiple indoor and outdoor arenas, stabling for horses, and a cross-country course. The center is well-known for hosting a variety of equestrian competitions and horse jumping. In addition to competition facilities, Tryon Equestrian Center also offers training and educational opportunities for riders and horses, as well as a range of amenities for competitors and spectators, such as dining and shopping options. The center is a destination for equestrian enthusiasts and competitors from around the world.
 

Upstate Race Series - Upcoming Events HERE

Join us for one of our 30 events throughout the year. With something for everyone we have races that extend throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. From Lake Hartwell through the Foothill Mountain Range. Locations that cover all of the State Park systems into the Streets of Anderson, Greenville, Travelers Rest, and Spartanburg. We have events that offer opportunity to every level of runner looking to take on their next challenge!

Events 

• What: Marathon - Half Marathon - 10k - Gravel Crit

• When: August 19th

• Where: Tryon Equestrian Center

• Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 

• Packet Pickup 1 Hour Prior to your race start time near starting line

• Overall Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the race

• Age Group Awards will be recognized in the results tab and our point series.

• Our Events Are

  • Youth 8 & Under Race for Free 

  • Walker Friendly

  • Dog Friendly

Volunteer for a FREE Race Entry or a Future Race Entry by Upstate Race Series - HERE

• Set-Up

• Packet Pickup

• Course Monitor

• Meal/Aid Station Prep

• Cleanup

• Parking

Participants Receive

• Finisher Medal

• Custom Race Logo Sticker

• Upstate Ultra Sticker

• Complimentary Race Photos

• Custom Race Bib

• Upstate Race Series Crew Socks

Schedule

• Saturday

  • 26.2mi - Saturday August 19th @ 7:30am

    • 4 Loops

  • 13.1 - Saturday August 19th @ 7:30am

    • 2 loops

  • 10k - Saturday August 19th @ 7:30am

    • 1 Loops

• Sunday

  • 4 Hour Crit Race Mountain/Gravel Cycling Event @ 8:00am

    Introducing our annual Dark Horse Psychlo-X we are excited to bring mtb/gravel riders to the amazing facilities that spread out over hundreds of acres of roaming land, trails, and equestrian activities. Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort is the ultimate international destination for all who love horses, outdoor living and an active lifestyle.  Tryon Resort is an iconic, year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment

The Course Description 

• All Trails - Course Map - HERE

• Strava Map - Course Map - HERE

• 10k Loop with 600 feet of climb per loop. The course consists of packed dirt, a few grass sections, and a series of service gravel paths around the lake. The course will have a series of directional arrows that will be placed at all intersections. Please follow all directional arrows to stay on course. 

Timing, Race Awards, & Results

• Top 3 Male and Female will receive a custom hand made award!

• Each finisher will receive a finisher medal that will be branded with the race logo and custom lanyard.

• This event will be chip timed with a reusable timing chip attached with an ankle strap. The timing chip will correspond with your bib number at packet pickup. The chip will be read by our timing hardware at the finish line and timing software. Results will be updated online periodically throughout the event. Please return your timing chip & strap at the conclusion of your event. 

• We will also publish our age group results that will coincide with our Race Series.

• To learn more about our race series and awards please visit our results page here: HERE

  • 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+

The Run Course Description

• Elevation Per 6 Mile Loop - 400 Feet HERE

The course consists of a 6 Mile loop that rolls through the equestrian center and has a combination of wide packed dirt paths, single track trails, and grassy meadows! The course is very scenic and is constantly changing. 

Aid Station

There is one aid station at the start and finish line. Items may include: pickles, cookies, chips, Little Debbie snacks, assorted candy, chicken/veggie broth, fig newtons, & pretzels. Liquids will include water, Tailwind Nutrition, coke, and ginger ale. If you would like to donate an aid station supply of something that we do not offer or that is homemade feel free! 

• Cup-less Event: Please provide your own hydration vessel for use at our aid stations 

Staging Area - Camping and Personal Aid Station

Camping is available for participants and crew members during registration. No water  or power, but plenty of space to spread out along the course and right next to the course! Drop Bags can be placed at the start/finish line area.  Please label your drop bag with your name and BIB number. This ensures that your drop bag is at the finish line ready for you as soon as you finish. 

Race Partners

Upcoming Events with Upstate Race Series - See Upcoming Races HERE

• 25 Annual Races with a wide variety of events including 5ks, Relays, Youth Events, and Ultra Marathons

Without Limits Coaching - Contact Our Coaches HERE

• Coaching Services that include training plans and/or race specific race plans and consultations for your next event

Upstate Running Club - Join & Donate for $5 OFF 100+ Local Races HERE

• Non-Profit club that funds the Youth Running Club in the upstate with a variety of events and club runs for adult

South Carolina Ultra Marathon Club - Join for 25% OFF Races HERE

• Trail & Ultra running club that helps support its members and races throughout the state of South Carolina

Jay Baker Photography Race Photos - See Photos HERE

• Complimentary race photos, music, and of course engagement with the crowd to bring you to the finish

Go Green Events Timing & Registration - More Info HERE

• Partnering with RunSignUp to bring you an easy registration process and accurate timing on race day. 

Refund Policy

• Our staff at Upstate Race Series, Upstate Ultra, and Go Green Events is proud to produce 28 events a year for the Upstate Running Club and the South Carolina Ultra Marathon Club. Any participants that are unable to attend, their registration will be donated to our Youth Running Program that offers free training services and racing opportunities for over 200 kids in the upstate.