Alright y’all, quick Upstate Race Series podcast update. We’ve got a lot moving, and it’s all the good stuff.

First up, our Giving Series. Through the first two months of 2026, we’ve raised $1,537 directly through the Giving Series program, and we’ve also helped our nonprofit partners bring in over $92,000 in registrations and local support. That’s a big start to the year. Our goal is simple but ambitious: help 30 nonprofits raise a million dollars by the end of the year, and right now… we’re tracking right where we need to be. Thank you for showing up, donating, volunteering, and making “local impact” more than just a slogan.

Now, Greenville Half Marathon. What an incredible weekend. Nearly 4,000 runners storming down the Swamp Rabbit Trail, chasing PRs, and collecting first-time half marathon finishes. I’ve been part of this event since the very beginning, and I’ll just say it: watching the growth has been unreal. I even won the half back in 2014, so I’ve had a front row seat to what this race has become. It’s not just a big event, it’s an engine for confidence. You can feel the momentum in the community.

And there’s no rest for the wicked, because March is coming in hot. Between March 7th and March 14th, we’ve got 10+ events across the trail, road, and brew series to choose from. If you’re itching to pin a bib again, go check the schedule and jump in.

For me personally, I’ll be out at Table Rock State Park with about 300 runners for our annual 25K and 50K, and yes, it’s the one that climbs close to 15,000 feet of elevation. It’s gritty. It’s beautiful. It’s the kind of race that makes your legs file a formal complaint.

Then we switch gears and go full festive mode on March 14th at BridgeWay Station for Chase the Rainbow, with over 500 runners celebrating St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Same community, totally different vibe, and I love that we can offer both.

Next, mark your calendars for our Club Social and Awards Night. We’re hosting the 2025 Upstate Race Series Age Group Award Night at Lakewood Nature Preserve on Saturday, March 21st. We kick things off at 4:00 PM and we’ll wrap up at 10:00 PM, and you can roll in anytime. This is our chance to celebrate the year: the miles, the muddy shoes, the finish-line photos, and the people that keep this community moving.

We’re recognizing our Age Group award winners, giving real appreciation to our volunteers, and honestly just enjoying a night together. Because races don’t happen without runners, but they also don’t happen without the folks showing up early, staying late, filling cups, directing traffic, and somehow still smiling at the end of it.

It’s potluck-style, we’ll have drinks and finger food to help fill the gaps, we’ve got an optional group run, awards, volunteer recognition, and we’ll finish with a raffle that’s absolutely worth sticking around for. And yes, the first 100 registered are getting a custom Award Night koozie, bib number, and commemorative sticker. Also: bring a chair. I’m not asking. I’m telling you. Bring a chair.

Quick reminder on club member perks: as a club member, you get discounts on 150+ races listed on our site at UpstateRaceSeries.com. And on the club member page, you’ll also find local store discounts at places like Run In, GUTS, Swamp Rabbit Physio, and more.

Volunteer program: y’all already know our weekends are full speed. But the truth is, the nonprofits we support are out there Monday through Friday doing the heavy lifting for our communities, whether that’s supporting veterans, caring for animals, or creating structure and opportunity for kids and young adults with special needs. When race day comes around, they need our help to keep the mission rolling. So stay tuned, because we’re working on bringing on a dedicated Upstate Running Club board member to lead the volunteer program and really take it to the next level.