Donations through Upstate Race Series Supports 30 local non profits through the Giving Series

Old-fashioned things like fresh air & sunshine are hard to find

$48

$32

8:00AM EDT 10:00AM EDT

Price increases after March 31, 2027 at 11:59pm EDT

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Upstate Race Series Website

Lakeside Park 8k

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

Join us at Lakeside Park for an unforgettable race experience and awesome giveaways! 🌿

Upstate Race Series

Lakeside Park 8K Run/Walk

Lakeside Park · Piedmont, SC

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks 🌿

“

An eight-kilometer loop on soft, natural trails, with some single-track mountain biking sections and a hub in the center of the park that takes you deep into the forest. An 8:00 AM start on a Sunday in May, when the woods are still cool and the light is coming in low through the trees. Old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to find.

This is the same trail system as the Ice Breaker, run in a different season and a different direction of feeling — where January is about getting through it, May is about staying out in it. The surface is soft underfoot, the singletrack sections give the route some texture, and the central hub means you are never disoriented even when you are deep in the trees.

Afterward there are post-race pancakes, music, and a relaxed hangout, plus event-themed giveaways, a race sticker, a custom race tattoo, and free professional race photos. Every finisher receives a custom medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

Race Day Details

What	Lakeside Park 8K Run/Walk
When	Sunday, May 2, 2027 — 8:00 AM start
Where	Lakeside Park, Piedmont, SC
Address	1500 Piedmont Hwy, Piedmont, SC 29673
Packet Pickup	At Lakeside Park about an hour prior to the event — look for the green tent and green arch. No proxy pickups. You can also register from your phone until the race starts.
Time Limit	90 minutes.

Course

A five-mile loop through soft, natural trails, including some single-track mountain biking sections, with a nice hub in the center of the park that takes you deep into the forest.

View Course Map →

Parking

At Lakeside Park, within 100 meters of the start/finish line. Parking is free on race day, but Greenville County Parks and Rec requires a $5 special use permit, which you pay during registration.

Aid Stations

No aid station on the course. Water and refreshments are at the finish line.

Available snacks:

Post-race pancakes

Hydration:

Water at the finish

What's Included

Custom Race Tattoo

Wear the moment proudly.

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.

Wildly Charged Hydration Sample

A little extra refresh after you've conquered the trail.

Post-Race Vibes

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

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

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.

Good to Know

Are dogs allowed on the course?

Yes.

Are headphones or earbuds allowed?

Yes.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

No.

Is there race-day registration?

Yes, you can register on your mobile device until the race starts.

Where are the start and finish lines?

At Lakeside Park, between the bathrooms and the baseball fields. Look for the green tent and green arch.

Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?

No, but parking is within 100 meters of the start/finish line for quick access to your gear before and after the race.

Are there restrooms near the start/finish?

Yes, at the start/finish line.

Will I get a medal or a shirt?

All finishers receive a medal. Shirts can be purchased during registration or through the apparel store with direct shipping.

Managing Your Registration

Everything about your entry lives in your RunSignUp profile. Sign in, find this race under your upcoming events, and make the change yourself — there is no need to email us first. From there you can:

•	Transfer your entry to another runner
•	Switch to a different distance at this race
•	Transfer your entry to a different Upstate Race Series event
•	Update your personal details — name, address, emergency contact, shirt size
•	Manage add-ons, store items, and apparel purchases

All entries are final. We do not offer refunds or deferrals — but every option above stays open to you right up to race day, so a change of plans does not have to mean a wasted entry.

Manage My Registration →