Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike

Upstate Race Series

Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike

Harbison State Forest · Columbia, SC

A Thanksgiving trail celebration 

Participant Feedback

“

Thirteen miles of well-maintained trail through tall pines and hardwoods, crossing peaceful creeks, with crunching leaves underfoot and crisp autumn air. Harbison State Forest in late November is about as good as trail running gets in the Midlands, and this race exists to put you in it on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Course or Race Highlight

Harbison is 2,100 acres of working forest inside the Columbia city limits, laced with some of the best-maintained trail in the state. The elevation is varied without ever being brutal — enough to keep the legs honest across thirteen miles, not so much that it turns into a climbing day.

The post-race meal is the part people talk about: a Thanksgiving-style Southern meal, a hearty meat-and-three, with veggie options available, plus music and a hangout with tunes, food, and fellowship. Every finisher receives a medal, a custom event-branded race bib, a race tattoo, and a race sticker, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

Race Day Details

WhatBroad River Half Marathon Run/Hike — the Midland Mountain Trail RaceWhenSaturday, November 21, 2026 — 8:30 AM startWhereHarbison State Forest, Columbia, SC — start and finish at the gazeboAddress5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212Packet PickupRace morning starting at 7:00 AM under the gazebo at the start/finish area, 60 minutes prior to the start. All packet pickup is race day only.Time Limit5 hours.

Course

Well-maintained trails perfect for a fall celebration, running through tall pines and hardwoods and crossing peaceful creeks, with varied elevation throughout. Expect crunching leaves underfoot and crisp autumn air.

View Course Map →

Aid Stations

Three aid stations: mile 4.8, mile 11, and the start/finish area.

Available snacks:

Pickles Cookies Chips Fig Newtons Assorted candy Pretzels

Hydration:

Water Coke Ginger ale

Wildly Charged is our official hydration sponsor — look for the orange 5-gallon jugs at aid stations.

Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel.

What's Included

A Thanksgiving-Style Southern Meal

A hearty meat-and-three at the finish, with veggie options available.

Custom Race Bib

Your badge of the journey.

Chip Timing & Live Results

Track your effort, splits included.

Custom Finisher Medal

To commemorate the triumph.

Custom Race Tattoo

Wear the moment proudly.

Event-Themed Giveaways

A little extra swag for finishing strong.

Race Sticker

Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop.

Post Race Vibes and Media Coverage

Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory — hang around at the finish line and celebrate.

Race Awards

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 of 15 age categories will earn an age group medal — a custom piece to add to your finisher's lanyard at the end of the event.

Series Recognition

This race counts toward season-long age group recognition in this series:

Upstate Trail Series

Age Group Categories

0–9

10–12

13–16

17–19

20–29

30–34

35–39

40–44

45–49

50–54

55–59

60–64

65–69

70–79

80+

Giving Back

Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, which connects our 30 races with 30 nonprofit organizations serving communities across the Upstate. Your registration and any donation you add at checkout go to work close to home — you are not just running a race, you are funding the work of a neighbor.

Upstate Giving Series

Groups & Teams

$5 Discount & Refund for Groups with 5+ Members

The Upstate Running Club welcomes all local and regional running clubs to our events — the more the merrier. Calling all running clubs and social run groups: Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we've got an event for you.

Sign up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more.

Good to Know

Are dogs allowed on the course?

Yes, absolutely.

Are headphones or earbuds allowed?

Yes, just be mindful of your surroundings. Be careful at trail and road crossings, and be courteous of other runners who may need to pass on narrow trails.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

No — all packet pickup is race day only. If you are running late, we can assist you at that time.

Is there race-day registration?

Yes, you can register on your mobile device on race day up until the start.

Where are the start and finish lines?

Adjacent to the gazebo at Harbison State Forest. Following the parking signs will lead you there.

Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?

Yes, all drop bags can be placed inside the gazebo.

Are there restrooms near the start/finish or on course?

Plenty of portables at the start line, but none on the course — making do in the woods will have to suffice.

Will I get a medal or a shirt?

All finishers receive a medal, and age group awards are available. Shirts can be ordered through our Apparel Now site.

What happens if there's bad weather?

Upstate Race Series races run rain or shine. In the event of lightning, extreme heat, or hazardous winter conditions, we'll post an update on this page and email registered runners as early as possible. Entry fees aren't refunded for weather delays — see Managing Your Registration below.

Can spectators come watch?

Spectators are welcome. Runner parking fills up race morning — if you're only here to cheer, plan for overflow parking nearby.

When will results and photos be available?

Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 48–72 hours on our Facebook page — we'll tag the album so it's easy to find.

Managing Your Registration

Everything about your entry lives in your RunSignUp profile. Sign in, find this race under your upcoming events, and make the change yourself — there is no need to email us first. From there you can:

•Transfer your entry to another runner•Switch to a different distance at this race•Transfer your entry to a different Upstate Race Series event•Update your personal details — name, address, emergency contact, shirt size•Manage add-ons, store items, and apparel purchases

All entries are final. We do not offer refunds or deferrals — but every option above stays open to you right up to race day, so a change of plans does not have to mean a wasted entry.

Manage My Registration →

Let's Stay Connected

Follow along, gear up, and keep up with everything Upstate Race Series

✉[email protected]

IGInstagram@upstateraceseries

fFacebookUpstate Event Management

★Apparel Storeupstateraceseries.myshopify.com

⌂WebsiteUpstateRaceSeries.com