Sassafras 8 Mile Run/Hike Race Information
<h3><strong>Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge🌄 </strong></h3>
<h4> <br /><strong>Conquer the Climb. Take in the View. 🌲🏃♂️ </strong></h4>
<h5><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Ready to rise to the challenge? The Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge is an epic race to the highest point in South Carolina. With steep climbs, stunning views, and a fast trail descent, this race blends grit with grandeur—perfect for seasoned runners and bold adventurers alike.</span></h5>
<h4> <br /><strong>Race Overview🚩 </strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Start Line</strong>: Rocky Bottom Retreat Center</h5>
<h5><strong>Course</strong>: A steep & winding road climb leading to the summit of Sassafras Mountain, followed by a scenic trail descent back toward the finish.</h5>
<h5><strong>Elevation Gain:</strong> Expect a significant climb—this is a true mountain challenge.</h5>
<h5><strong>Course Map:</strong> <a href="https://www.strava.com/routes/3270740896365868198" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">[Click here for Strava Map]</a><br /> <br /><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )"></span></h5>
<h4><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )"><strong>What Makes This Race Unique🌟 </strong></span></h4>
<h5>🥵 A demanding uphill road section to Sassafras' iconic summit</h5>
<h5>🌄 Panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views at the peak</h5>
<h5>🌲 Beautiful, varied trail descent with natural terrain</h5>
<h5>🐐Ideal for trail runners, mountain goats, and nature lovers</h5>
<h5>🌿A one-of-a-kind experience in South Carolina’s Upstate wilderness</h5>
<h4> <br /><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )"><strong>Race Day Details🎉 </strong></span></h4>
<h5><strong>Date</strong>: March 8th, 2026 (Sunday)</h5>
<h5><strong>Time</strong>: Race begins at 9:00 AM</h5>
<h5><strong>Location</strong>: Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center</h5>
<h5><strong>Address</strong>: 123 Hancock Rd, Sunset, SC 29685</h5>
<h5><strong>Packet Pickup</strong>: begins at 8am</h5>
<h5><strong>Aid Station</strong>: No on-course aid station. Water available at the Start/Finish line</h5>
<h5><strong>Post-Race Pancakes</strong>: Celebrate your summit with fresh hot pancakes and mountain air 🥞⛰️</h5>
<h5><strong>Awards</strong>: Top finishers will be recognized after the race at the summit gathering</h5>
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<h4><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )"><strong>Accommodations </strong></span></h4>
<h5>Looking to make it a mountain getaway?</h5>
<h5>🏕️ Stay the Weekend at Rocky Bottom</h5>
<h5>🏕️ Primitive camping spots available</h5>
<h5>🛏️ Cabins with multiple bedrooms on-site</h5>
<h5>💧 Water access & bathroom facilities</h5>
<h5> </h5>
<h4><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )"><strong>Reservations:</strong></span></h4>
<ul><li>
<h5>📧 Email: <a href="mailto:rockybottominfo@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">rockybottominfo@gmail.com</a></h5>
</li><li>
<h5>📞 Call: 803-331-3344 (Ask for Thom Spittle)</h5>
</li></ul>
<h4> <br /><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )"><strong>Capture the Moment📸 </strong></span></h4>
<h5>From summit selfies to finish line triumphs, this race is packed with photo-worthy views. Be sure to bring your camera—or your crew—to capture the magic of the mountains!</h5>
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<h4><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )"><strong>Ready to Race to the Top?</strong></span></h4>
<h5>Don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic climb and unforgettable descent. Sign up today for the Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge and experience the thrill of running above it all.</h5>
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<h4><strong><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">Upstate Race Series Registration Policies & Options</span></strong></h4>
<h5><strong>✅ Transfers</strong></h5>
<ul><li>Registered participants may transfer their entry to another person through their RunSignUp profile</li><li><a href="https://runsignup.com/Profile" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Transfer & Manage Registration HERE</a></li></ul>
<h5><strong>✅ Distance Changes</strong></h5>
<ul><li>Participants may switch to a different race distance (e.g., drop from Half Marathon to 5K).</li><li><a href="https://runsignup.com/Profile" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Switch Distance & Manage Registration HERE</a></li></ul>
<h5><strong>✅ Club & Referral Discounts</strong></h5>
<ul><li>Join the Upstate Running Club and receive 15% OFF registration.</li><li>Refer 2+ runners and receive $5 OFF.</li></ul>
<h5><strong>✅ Race Shirts & Swag</strong></h5>
<ul><li>Race shirts are sold and shipped separately.</li><li>Finisher medals and awards (age group & overall) are not shipped.</li></ul>
<h5><strong>✅ Refunds & Deferrals</strong></h5>
<ul><li>No refunds or deferrals will be offered (unless the event sells out).</li><li>If the race sells out, you may request a 50% OFF code for a future Upstate Race Series event.</li></ul>
Race Organizerhttps://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Sunset/SassafrasStruggle
Sunset, SCSunsetSCUS29685
