Events
Memorial Day Mile
$24
$22
7:00AM EDT
- 8:30AM EDT
200 spots left. Price increases after May 7, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
200 spots left. Price increases after May 7, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
Description
The third annual GTC Memorial Day Mile will be held next Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2026).
As a serious 1-mile race (rather than a "fun run"), it is in good alignment with a national movement afoot - to Bring Back the Mile - America's distance (1-2). The event also acknowledges our fallen service members on Memorial Day for their sacrifice in protecting the United States.
The race route is the same as it has been for each year prior. It is flat, USATF certified, and will begin in groups based on runners' estimated finish times.
John Hart
Race Director
Email: MDMdirector@greenvilletrackclub.com
References
1. Bring Back the Mile: America's Distance. Available at: https://www.bringbackthemile.com/home
2. NPR. A Campaign To Bring Back 'America's Distance': The 1-Mile Race. Available at: https://www.npr.org/2014/06/06/319512432/a-campaign-to-bring-back-americas-distance-the-1-mile-race
The plane in the background photo above is part of a memorial in Greenville, South Carolina honoring Major Rudolf Anderson Jr., United States Air Force for his service and ultimate sacrifice during the Cuban Missle Crisis (1962). Major Anderson, from Greenville, was the only combat casualty during the standoff, as told here:
How the death of a U.S. Air Force pilot prevented a nuclear war. History. Available at: https://www.history.com/news/the-cuban-missile-crisis-pilot-whose-death-may-have-saved-millions
Place
The Kroc Center
424 Westfield Street
Greenville, SC US 29601
424 Westfield Street
Greenville, SC US 29601
Course map
Start at the east end of the Kroc Center overflow parking lot
Go west toward S. Hudson Street but don't cross it
Turn right on the sidewalk along S. Hudson
Turn right (east) on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
Turn around on Reedy View Drive, before River Street, just after the first manhole cover
Reverse route return to complete the mile
Video #1 on navigating the route (by the race director): https://youtu.be/Nky2SP5XZIU
Video #2 on navigating the route (by video-photographer John Olson from the Greenville Journal, assisted by the race director): https://sc.milesplit.com/videos/714931/ride-the-greenville-track-club-memorial-day-mile-course
View certified course documentation (best viewed on a computer) at: https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?ctype=r&id=5816
Turnaround
There will be a cone and a white line to mark the turnaround spot, as shown in the photo below. The turnaround spot is the halfway point (0.5 miles). Runners may choose which type of turnaround they want to do, eg, stepping on the line while continuing to run and turn around; or stop on the line, then go back.
Map for parking, etc.
P = Parking
Packet = packet pick up
R = Restrooms: Portable ones on the soccer field. The Kroc Center has graciously agreed to open its doors early for us that morning, at 6:15 AM. A third option is the Unity Park restrooms.
S / F = start finish of race
Packet pick up
Packet pick up will be held in the parking lot of the Kroc Center along S. Hudson Street ("Kroc lot") on Sunday afternoon, May 24, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
It will also be held on race day morning from 6:00 - 6:30 in the Kroc lot.
Group starts
The race will start in groups according to estimated finish time. This will help prevent congestion that typically occurs in the first 30 seconds of a race.
5 minutes or less
5-6 minutes
6-7 minutes
7-8 minutes
8-9 minutes
9 minutes or more
Group times will will be called out beginning at 6:45.
Here is a video from the 2025 race, courtesy of the Greenville Journal: https://greenvillejournal.com/photos-videos/photos-2025-memorial-day-mile-by-greenville-track-club/
Awards
Chip time and clock time will be used but chip time is what all awards are based on, including overall awards. There will be a chip timing mat for both start and finish. Here are the categories:
Top three:
Overall
Masters (40+)
Grandmasters (50+)
Senior grandmasters (60+)
9 and under
10-14
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
The award ceremony will begin around 7:30 AM in the Kroc parking lot.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Q & A
Q. Is there a participant cap?
A. Yes, 200.
Q. Are dogs allowed?
A. Unfortunately, our insurance coverage does not allow for this.
Q. Are strollers allowed?
A. For safety reasons, including safety of the child, strollers are not recommended. However, parents and caregivers with strollers should gravitate toward the back at the starting area.
Q. Will the race be held if there's rain?
A. Yes
Q. Is there a speed limit for runners?
A. Yes, 55 MPH by order of the Greenville Police Department (attempt at comic relief).
