Light the Trail 5K and Fun Run 2026

Description

Benefiting the Green Crescent Trail and a more walkable, bikeable greater Clemson area!

Join us for a lively evening of movement, community and celebration at the inaugural Light the Trail 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run in Clemson’s Patrick Square community, Thursday, September 17, 2026. (Rain date: September 24, 2026.)

Held just before Clemson University’s Parents Weekend, this family-friendly event invites area runners and walkers, University students and their parents, alumni, neighbors and trail supporters of all ages to move together and support the Green Crescent Trail and its bold 15×30 vision: creating 15 connected miles of trail across Clemson, Central and Pendleton by 2030.

Participants will enjoy a scenic evening course through the streets of Patrick Square, followed by a lively post-race community gathering on the Village Green featuring local food, drinks, music and family activities. Professional timing provided by Upstate Race Series .

Whether you are chasing a personal best, walking with friends or pushing a stroller under the fall lights, every step helps raise awareness and support for safer, more connected and more active communities across the region.

Event Highlights

Evening 5K race through Patrick Square 1-mile Family Fun Run open to all ages and abilities Awards for various ages and groups, costume contest, and raffle prizes Post-race community gathering at the Village Green Breakfast-for-dinner specials at Sunnyside Cafe Food and beer specials at Kite Hill Brewing Co. Music, dancing, family activities and community partner booths Green Crescent Trail and 15×30 campaign information Opportunity to support future trail connectivity in the Clemson area

Why We Run

The Green Crescent Trail connects neighborhoods, schools, parks, campuses and downtowns across the greater Clemson region through safe, accessible multi-use trails. The new 15×30 campaign is focused on expanding that vision into a connected 15-mile regional network by the year 2030.

Light the Trail is more than a race. It is a celebration of movement, connectivity, and a bright, active future for our community.

Every mile matters. GO. CONNECT! Let’s light the trail together!

Race Packet Pickup

Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 15-16, 8-10 a.m. Sunnyside Cafe

Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 15-16, 4-6 p.m., Kite Hill Brewing

Thursday, Sept. 17 Race Day! 5-6 p.m, Village Green

Registration prices increase beginning Sept. 2, 2026!

Race Course

This 3.1-mile course winds through the scenic Patrick Square community. The race begins and ends by the Village Green retail district and loops twice around the neighborhood, with a gentle, gradual topography that is ideal for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Pershing Avenue at Issaqueena Trail will be closed to traffic when the race is taking place. Neighborhood entrances at Keller Boulevard and Chapman Hill Road, along with access to retail parking, will remain open during the duration of the Light the Trail event. Race course elevation ranges from a minimum 721 feet to a maximum 825 feet.