Upstate Race Series

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Matthew Hammersmith

RACE DIRECTOR

Matt spends most of his time throughout the week behind the laptop planning, prepping, communicating! But what he loves most about his job is RACE DAY!

Anything can and will happen which is why an RD needs to adapt and modify. Matt loves to engage runners by showcasing the best parts of the Upstate trail systems.

As a runner he understands the peace we all find on the trail. This usually happens right before you trip on the smallest root and bloody your nose and rip a whole in your new hydration vest!

Bethany Lannon

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Bethany is the woman behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly! She has coordinated over 30 events and 150 volunteers in 2023 to make sure our runners "stay on course" and leave with a smile!

As a runner she just loves it! From the festive fun 5ks we host to her next big adventure running the Black Canyon 100k next year! You will always see her with a smile and a smart aleck remark early in the morning!

Her next challenge will be taking on a leading role as the Race Director of the Hot Pursuit 5k in Simpsonville this summer!

Jay Baker

MEDIA SPECIALIST

Jay "The Engager" Baker. He will never miss an opportunity to start a conversation as he juggles not only capturing the moment with his camera lens but also creating the moment with his music playlist and costume attire!

He is no stranger to running himself completing a 100 miler in 24 hours and also knocking out a 400 meter dash in under 60 seconds. Do not give him too much credit he only runs 4 times a year!

Jay has recently taken on the role as a media specialist who services the running community with music, photos, logo work, and the voice behind the mic!

Matthew Gregory

AWARDS

Matt not only competes for the SCUM Runner kickball team throughout the year you will see him in the middle of the pack just putting one foot in front of the other with a smile on his face.

While his running and kicking skills are not the best he makes up for it with some amazing finisher, age group, and overall awards through his company Hickory Handcrafted!

When you run an Upstate Race Series event you will receive one of his "handcrafted" medals to commemorate your efforts!

Georg Zimmer

HEAD TIMER

Georg works full time during the week as a software developer but on the weekends you can see him wearing green, standing under the green tent, next to the big green arch!

The "Magic Man" operates the timing table at over 30 events throughout the year to make sure they are well executed and start "on time"!

Georg works with race directors with their registration and timing systems to ensure that events can run smoothly!

Victoria Hammersmith

YOUTH COORDINATOR

You can see her at the top of most podium finishes. As an All-American in track and cross country she has experiences the highest level of competition and now her goals are to pass that experience onto the next generation

Coach Victoria works with several kids throughout the upstate as a distance coach for Christ Church High School, a strength coach for Without Limits, and our program coordinator for the Upstate Running CLub Youth Team that offers FREE training services to over 200 kids in the Upstate!