Lakeside Park 8k Run/Walk

Upstate Race Series

Lakeside Park 8K Run/Walk

Lakeside Park · Piedmont, SC

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks 

Participant Feedback

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An eight-kilometer loop on soft, natural trails, with some single-track mountain biking sections and a hub in the center of the park that takes you deep into the forest. An 8:00 AM start on a Sunday in May, when the woods are still cool and the light is coming in low through the trees. Old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to find.

Course or Race Highlight

This is the same trail system as the Ice Breaker, run in a different season and a different direction of feeling — where January is about getting through it, May is about staying out in it. The surface is soft underfoot, the singletrack sections give the route some texture, and the central hub means you are never disoriented even when you are deep in the trees.

Afterward there are post-race pancakes, music, and a relaxed hangout, plus event-themed giveaways, a race sticker, a custom race tattoo, and free professional race photos. Every finisher receives a custom medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.

Race Day Details

WhatLakeside Park 8K Run/WalkWhenSunday, May 2, 2027 — 8:00 AM startWhereLakeside Park, Piedmont, SCAddress1500 Piedmont Hwy, Piedmont, SC 29673Packet PickupAt Lakeside Park about an hour prior to the event — look for the green tent and green arch. No proxy pickups. You can also register from your phone until the race starts.Time Limit90 minutes.

Course

A five-mile loop through soft, natural trails, including some single-track mountain biking sections, with a nice hub in the center of the park that takes you deep into the forest.

View Course Map →

Aid Stations

No aid station on the course. Water and refreshments are at the finish line.

Available snacks:

Post-race pancakes

Hydration:

Water at the finish

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

What's Included

Custom Race Tattoo

Wear the moment proudly.

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.

Are headphones or earbuds allowed?

Yes.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

No.

Is there race-day registration?

Yes, you can register on your mobile device until the race starts.

Where are the start and finish lines?

At Lakeside Park, between the bathrooms and the baseball fields. Look for the green tent and green arch.

Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?

No, but parking is within 100 meters of the start/finish line for quick access to your gear before and after the race.

Are there restrooms near the start/finish?

Yes, at the start/finish line.

Will I get a medal or a shirt?

All finishers receive a medal. Shirts can be purchased during registration or through the apparel store with direct shipping.

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 →

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