Sassafras Struggle

Sassafras 8k

Sassafras Mountain - Rocky Bottom Retreat Center

Join us for a Sunrise at the Sassafras Struggle! Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina, with an elevation of 3,560 feet. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the border of Pickens and Oconee counties, and is part of the Jocassee Gorges region. The mountain is a popular spot for hiking and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. Sassafras Mountain is also home to the Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, which provides a panoramic view of the Jocassee Gorges & Table Rock. 

Come run a scenic 8k race that summits Sassafras Mountain!  From the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center we will climb 5 miles to the HIGHEST PEAK in South Carolina! Sassafras Mountain stands at 3,554 feet above sea level and edges the North/South Carolina state line border! This will serve as the toughest road race in the state and you will get a front row view of the most beautiful overlooks in the entire state as you reach the lookout tower! Shuttles will be available and will depart every 10 minutes from the Sassafras mountain top back down the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center.

Referral Program

Invite your running buddies! When you register you will be assigned a link/code that you can share with your friends & family. The link will appear in your confirmation message, your email, and in your RunSignUp profile! Use your unique referral code to share with your running buddies! For every every 2 participants that use your referral code/link to register you will receive a $5 refund to your registration! Refer enough runners and RUN FOR FREE! 

• Share Your Referral Codes - HERE

Race Information

• What: Sassafras 8k

• Where: Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center - 123 Hancock Rd, Sunset, SC 29685

• When: March 23rd, 2024

• Packet Pickup: 1 Hour Prior to your race start time at the Rocky Bottom Retreat Center

• Event Shirts - Our local apparel vendor (Graphic Cow) will be processing all shirt orders. Please follow the link below to pre-order a shirt from the list of races. All race specific shirts will be mailed directly to your home address after the event to commemorate your race experience! The store link will be open until the Monday after each race.

  • SHIRT ORDER FORM HERE

Event Schedule & Course Map

• Sassafras 8k 9:00am 

  • 5 Miles on ROAD all the way to the top of Sassafras Mountain! 

    • Course Map HERE - Elevation Gain - 2000 Feet

Participant Experience 

Join our race for an unforgettable running experience! All participants will receive a handcrafted finisher medal to commemorate an unforgettable course and race experience. At packet pickup your swag bag will be complete with custom stickers, race bib, and crew socks. There will be music at both the start and finish of your event to energize your experience. Make sure to smile because all of our runners will receive complementary race photos along the course. 

Finisher Medal - Complimentary Race Photos - Custom Bib - Race Specific Crew Socks - Event & Upstate Race Series Stickers - Sponsored Giveaways - Raffled Items during the awards ceremony for both Age Group Awards and Overall Winners - Music and Post Race Hot Cocoa and Pancakes while you hangout and cheer on other runners! 

Race Awards, Age Group Point Series, Chip Timing

• Top 3 Male and Female Overall

• Top 3 Male & Female Age Group

• 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+

• Upstate Road Series - Age Group Point Series Standings - HERE (8k Road)