Carolina Reaper Challenge (50k - 13.1 - 10k & Relay)

💀 Welcome to the Hottest Race This Side of the Grave…💀  

 🔥The Carolina Reaper Challenge! 🔥

Are you brave enough to survive the Carolina Reaper Challenge? 🌶️ The Reaper awaits. 😈🔥

Get ready to feel the burn as you lace up for the Carolina Reaper Running Race, where scorching heat meets extreme endurance. 🔥 Whether you’re tackling the 5-mile, half marathon, 50k, or the team relay, you’re about to test your grit in the fiery heat of South Carolina this July. ☀️🌡️

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ As you navigate the 2.62-mile loop at the Riverwest Nature Preserve, you’ll be embraced by the intense Southern heat, winding through rolling hills, wooden bridges, and scenic views that might just make you wish you were anywhere but here—unless you're a true heat-seeker! 🏞️

💀 It’s not just a race… it’s a battle for survival. Conquer the loop within 45 minutes per lap—or risk being left behind in the flames! 😈 You’ll need every ounce of your endurance, but don’t worry… each lap you conquer brings you closer to victory... and a refreshing taste of sweet, sweet survival! 🏅

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned speed demon, test your limits in the heat with like-minded souls who share your desire to conquer the sun. 🌞 Come for the race. Stay for the heat. 🔥 And remember, the Reaper’s always watching.

🕰️ Race Day Details:

When: All event distances start at 8:00am and packet pickup begins at 7am

Where: Riverwest Nature Preserve

Address: 2959 New Easley Hwy, Greenville, SC 29611 *Attention: Be careful when crossing the median at New Easley Hwy which is located across the street from "Home Fur A While" animal boarding facility. 

🚗 Parking & Drop-Off Info: All participants will park in the old driving range area, approximately 150 meters from the Start/Finish line. Limited parking spots are available, so please follow volunteer instructions upon arrival. We will have a designated drop-off zone near the staging area for runners to unload gear (tents, coolers, chairs, etc.) before being directed to the parking area by our volunteer team along the perimeter.

 
🏕 Athlete Village / Staging Area - The Athlete Village will be located between the Start and Finish lines, serving as a central hub for all runners. You’re welcome to bring a 10x10 canopy, cooler, chair, and whatever else helps you recover between laps. This is where the party lives—so share a tent, make some friends, and set up camp! Please note: While runners may stage gear at their vehicles, all parking is 150 meters away, so on-site tent setup is the best way to stay close to the action.

Course: On an old golf course the route is run on a PAVED 2.6 mile loop with plenty of shade and participant setup right at the start/finish line! The Preserve: The 240-acre Riverwest Nature Preserve was once a golf course, but now it’s the perfect place to test your limits. Rolling cart paths, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and riverfront views all surround you as you race toward glory. 🌲

• COURSE MAP HERE

Distances: Choose Your Own Hell

🔥😈 5 Miles – Short & fiery

🔥👿 Half Marathon – Devilishly tough

🔥💀😈 50k – Ultra pain, ultra evil

🔥😈🔁 Relay – Pass the torch... straight from hell

Loop Schedule: The bell rings every 45 minutes, and it’s your race against time! 🔔

• Lap 1 - 8:00am - The Reaper's Call 🔥

• Lap 2 - 8:45am

• Lap 3 - 9:30am

• Lap 4 - 10:15am

• Lap 5 - 11:00am

• Lap 6 - 11:45am

• Lap 7 - 12:30pm

• Lap 8 - 1:15pm

• Lap 9 - 2:00pm

• Lap 10 - 2:45pm

• Lap 11 - 3:30pm

• Lap 12 - 4:15pm

💀 Race Distances:

• 50k: 12 Loops (Conquer the Reaper!) 🏃‍♂️💨

• Relay: 12 Loops (A Team of 2-4 Runners) 👯‍♂️👯‍♀️

• Half Marathon: 5 Loops 🔥🏅

• 5 Mile: 2 Loops 😈🏃

Race and Timing Format:

You’ll receive your timing chip upon packet pickup. After each lap, we’ll record your lap split—but remember, the Reaper isn’t patient. ⏱️ Complete each lap in 45 minutes or you’ll be left in the heat. The last lap counts the most!

Aid Stations:

Fuel Up: Aid station at the start/finish with snacks like pickles, cookies, chips, pretzels.

Hydration (water, coke, ginger ale). 💧

Cup-less Event: Bring your own hydration vessel—no cups, only your vessel of survival! 💀

Upstate Race Series Registration Policies & Options

✅ Transfers

• Registered participants may transfer their entry to another person through their RunSignUp profile
• Transfer & Manage Registration HERE

✅ Distance Changes

• Participants may switch to a different race distance (e.g., drop from Half Marathon to 5K).
• Switch Distance & Manage Registration HERE

✅ Club & Referral Discounts

• Join the Upstate Running Club and receive 15% OFF registration.
• Refer 2+ runners and receive $5 OFF.

✅ Race Shirts & Swag

• Race shirts are sold and shipped separately.
• Finisher medals and awards (age group & overall) are not shipped.

✅ Refunds & Deferrals

• No refunds or deferrals will be offered (unless the event sells out).
• If the race sells out, you may request a 50% OFF code for a future Upstate Race Series event.