The Best Events for Running in Greenville SC

Are you a runner? Do 5ks fill you with joy? Or do you just enjoy meeting others who also like to lace up their running shoes? If yes, then you’re in luck because there are some great events for running in Greenville, SC.

I’ve listed the best running events (in my opinion) below. But if you just want to lace up your sneakers and take to the pavement, then there are plenty of places to choose from. Some of my favorite place to go running in Greenville:

• Swamp Rabbit Trail
• Conestee Nature Preserve
• Paris Mountain State Park
• Furman Universtiy
• Legacy Park
• Cleveland Park
• Doodle Trail (near Easley)

You can also join the Upstate Running Club to stay informed of running events and meet other runners. Check out the Upstate Running Club Facebook page for more information!

Brewery 85 also hosts a weekly run club on Wednesdays from 6pm-8pm. All experiences levels are welcome and you can walk/jog/run. Plus your first beer afterwards is only $3.

I also like to head to Pangaea Brewing on Saturday Mornings for their Weekend Walkers. Starting at 10:30am, a group heads out on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. You can walk or run and bring dogs and strollers. Follow their Instagram for their weekly schedule.

The Local’s Guide to Greenville, SC

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Annual Running Events in Greenville, SC

The races below are what I believe to be the standout races and events for Greenville. If you’d like to see a list of all upcoming races, check out localraces.com.

The Greenville Half Marathon & 5k | February | 5k or Half Marathon | Race from Traveler’s Rest to downtown Greenville along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. If doing the 5k, you’ll start at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. All downhill. (Similar to the Mountains to Main Street race in April.)

Ville to Ville: Craft Brew Relay | April | ~70 miles | This relay race will take you from Asheville to Greenville in one day. Teams of 3-6 runners will start in Asheville at 5am and race through 12 legs (3-9 miles each) until they reach Greenville. This is a popular race and registration often sells out quickly.

Reedy River Run | April | 5k or 10k | Race through downtown Greenville and join one of the oldest road races in the south. Registrations are limited and the 5k and 10k have separate starting times.

Mutt Strut | April | 2 miles | This walk/run through downtown Greenville supports the Greenville Humane Society. Register with or without your dog to support this dog shelter.

Find out what to expect from the Mutt Strut on my Dog Friendly Greenville site.

Tails & Trails 5k | May | 5k | Walk/run through Conestee Nature Preserve to support Greenville County’s Animal Care. Race with or without your dog to support the shelter. All proceeds go to helping the animals at Animal Care.

Mountains to Main Street | May | 5k or Half Marathon | Race from Traveler’s Rest to downtown Greenville (ending on the TD Stage) along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. If doing the 5k, you’ll start at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. All downhill. (Similar to the Greenville Half Marathon & 5k in February.)

Downville Mile | June | 1 mile | This one mile race starts at Brewery 85 and descends 150 feet to the Confluence Center. This fast race is open to runners, walkers, and those with strollers or dogs. All finishers receive a free beer! (Part of the Brewery 85 Race Series.)

Red White & Brew 5k | July | 5k | Celebrate July 4th with running and beer! This walk/run race starts and finishes at Brewery 85 and all finishers receive a free beer! The race is dog friendly as well, but make sure your four-legged friend stays hydrated (and doesn’t get overheated) since the race starts at 7pm. (Part of the Brewery 85 Race Series.)

UltiMutt Race | October | 5k | Race with or without your dog through this 5k obstacle course desgined to challenge a dog+owner team. They have a competitive and a fun run wave, so this race is perfect for everyone.

Beer & BBQ 5k | October | 5k | This walk/run race starts and finishes at Brewery 85 and all finishers receive a free beer! (Part of the Brewery 85 Race Series.)

Rivalry Fan 5k | November | 5k | Prior to the Clemson vs USC football game, runners can race it out at Brewery 85 to determine which fan base is the fastest. Scoring will be a little different with various categories including picking a team to support. (Part of the Brewery 85 Race Series.)

Zoom Through the Zoo | November | 5k | This race in Greenville makes a loop through the Greenville Zoo. Includes a Kids Fun Run. Plus it’s an important fundraiser for the Greenville Zoo.