Join us for a lively evening of movement, community and celebration at the inaugural Light the Trail 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run presented by Indigo Advisors & Partners in Clemson’s Patrick Square community.

Held just before Clemson University’s Parents Weekend, this family-friendly event invites area runners and walkers, University students and their parents, alumni, neighbors and trail supporters of all ages to move together and support the Green Crescent Trail and its bold 15×30 vision: creating 15 connected miles of trail across Clemson, Central and Pendleton by 2030.

Participants will enjoy a scenic evening course through the streets of Patrick Square, followed by a lively post-race community gathering on the Village Green featuring local food, drinks, music and family activities. Professional timing provided by Upstate Race Series.

Whether you are chasing a personal best, walking with friends or pushing a stroller under the fall lights, every step helps raise awareness and support for safer, more connected and more active communities across the region.

Times are based on the start times above.

• Evening 5K race through Patrick Square
• 1-mile Family Fun Run open to all ages and abilities
• Awards for various ages and groups, costume contest, and raffle prizes
• Post-race community gathering at the Village Green
• Breakfast-for-dinner specials at Sunnyside Cafe
• Food and beer specials at Kite Hill Brewing Co.
• Music, dancing, family activities and community partner booths
• Green Crescent Trail and 15×30 campaign information
• Opportunity to support future trail connectivity in the Clemson area

. Last year’s pickup ran at these spots:

• Two days before race day and the day before, 8-10 AM, Sunnyside Cafe
• Two days before race day and the day before, 4-6 PM, Kite Hill Brewing
• Race Day! 5-6 PM, Village Green

The 3.1-mile course winds through the scenic Patrick Square community. The race begins and ends by the Village Green retail district and loops twice around the neighborhood, with a gentle, gradual topography that is ideal for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Race course elevation ranges from a minimum 721 feet to a maximum 825 feet.

Pershing Avenue at Issaqueena Trail will be closed to traffic when the race is taking place. Neighborhood entrances at Keller Boulevard and Chapman Hill Road, along with access to retail parking, will remain open during the duration of the Light the Trail event.

The 1-mile fun run/walk starts and ends on Market Street and covers a well-marked half-mile loop two times along the scenic sidewalks and streets of Patrick Square.

Top 3 Male and Female Overall.

1st place (Male and Female) in the following age groups:

The Green Crescent Trail connects neighborhoods, schools, parks, campuses and downtowns across the greater Clemson region through safe, accessible multi-use trails. The new 15×30 campaign is focused on expanding that vision into a connected 15-mile regional network by the year 2030.

Light the Trail is more than a race. It is a celebration of movement, connectivity, and a bright, active future for our community.

Every mile matters. GO. CONNECT! Let’s light the trail together!

• Rain or shine: the race goes on in any weather. If lightning or severe weather makes it unsafe, the start may be delayed.
• No refunds: all registrations are final.
• Race-day registration: open on your phone until the race starts.