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Event Tiles
Sassafras Struggle (8mi)
150 spots left. Price increases after December 2, 2025 at 11:59pm EST
Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities
The Upstate Race Series Presented by Snyder Construction Introduces
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The Sassafras 8 Mile
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Sassafras MountainÂ
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Rocky Bottom Retreat CenterÂ
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🎉 What You Get at the Sassafras 8-Mile Challenge 🎉
🏅 Finisher Medal â for conquering the climb!
🎽Â Custom Race Bib â Your badge of mountain courage
â°ď¸Â Epic Views â Snap a pic at the tallest point in SC!
🎁Â Event-Themed Giveaways â Fun surprises
🧷Â Race Sticker â Slap it on your bottle, car, or cooler!
📸Â Complimentary Race Photos â Capture every gritty moment
🎶Â Music & Post-Race Party â Celebrate with pancakes, tunes, and good vibes
🦶 Scenic & Challenging Course â Not your average 8-miler⌠this one climbs sky-high! 🌄💪
Information
🌄 Sassafras Mountain 8-Mile Challenge
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🏃ââď¸ Conquer the Climb. Take in the View. 🌲
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 grandeurâperfect for seasoned runners and bold adventurers alike.
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🚩 Race Overview
Start Line: Rocky Bottom Retreat Center
Course: A steep & winding road climb leading to the summit of Sassafras Mountain, followed by a scenic trail descent back toward the finish.
Elevation Gain: Expect a significant climbâthis is a true mountain challenge.
Course Map: [Click here for Strava Map]
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🌟 What Makes This Race Unique
- A demanding uphill road section to Sassafras' iconic summit
- Panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views at the peak
- Beautiful, varied trail descent with natural terrain
- Ideal for trail runners, mountain goats, and nature lovers
- A one-of-a-kind experience in South Carolinaâs Upstate wilderness
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🎉 Race Day Details
- Date: March 8th, 2026
- Time: Race begins at 9:00 AM
- Location: Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center
- 123 Hancock Rd, Sunset, SC 29685
- Packet Pickup: begins at 8am
- Aid Station: No on-course aid station. Water available at the Start/Finish line
- Post-Race Pancakes: Celebrate your summit with fresh hot pancakes and mountain air 🥞â°ď¸
- Awards: Top finishers will be recognized after the race at the summit gathering
AccommodationsÂ
- 🏕ď¸ Stay the Weekend at Rocky Bottom
- Looking to make it a mountain getaway?
- 🏕ď¸ Primitive camping spots available
- 🛏ď¸ Cabins with multiple bedrooms on-site
- 💧 Water access & bathroom facilities
Reservations:
📧 Email: rockybottominfo@gmail.com
📞 Call: 803-331-3344 (Ask for Thom Spittle)
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📸 Capture the Moment
From summit selfies to finish line triumphs, this race is packed with photo-worthy views. Be sure to bring your cameraâor your crewâto capture the magic of the mountains!
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Ready to Race to the Top?
Donât 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.
🏆 Race Awards & Age Group Trail Series
🎖ď¸ 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 age group will earn an Age Group Series Medal 🏅âa custom piece to add to your finisherâs lanyard at the end of the event.
🌲 Upstate Trail Series Recognition
Our Age Group Trail Series highlights consistency and performance across the season!🏆 The Top 3 Male & Female in each age group will be recognized for total points earned throughout the series at our annual awards ceremony.
Age Group Categories:
- 👶 0â9
- 🧒 10â12
- 🧑â🎓 13â16
- 🎓 17â19
- 🧑 20â29
- 👱 30â34
- 🧔 35â39
- 🧑â🦰 40â44
- 🧓 45â49
- 👴 50â54
- 👵 55â59
- 🦳 60â64
- 🧙 65â69
- 🧝 70â79
- 🦄 80+
Rocky Bottom Retreat Center
123 Hancock Rd
Sunset, SC 29685 US
View Location on Map
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
