Welcome to the Upstate Race Series Podcast. I’m Matthew Hammersmith, and this is your trailhead for running in the Upstate of South Carolina. Here we talk races, training, community, and the stories that happen between the start and the finish line. Whether you’re chasing a PR, chasing a sunrise, or just chasing your friends down the trail, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.
Our youth program supports more than 100 athletes each year, focused on ages 7 to 13. Each season includes weekly practices, local and regional competitions, and team-building socials that strengthen both athletic skill and personal growth. Because of your memberships and donations, we keep the program affordable while still offering real coaching and a real team experience.
Now, group runs. If you’re looking for people to run with, we’ve got options all over. Greenville has crews like Monday Milers downtown and Paris Mountain trail meetups. Spartanburg has Hub City, New Groove, Rockers, and Southside runs. Anderson rotates meetups and has early morning and brewery runs. Clemson and Central have midweek groups and a Friday morning crew. You’ll also find consistent meetups in Greer, Easley, Tri-Town, Fountain Inn, and Greenwood and Laurens. Same goal everywhere: show up, move together, and leave a little better than you arrived.
Let’s talk highlighted races. Lovers Lane 2 Mile and Relay is coming up at Bridgeway Station, built for connection, community, and a fun weekend race vibe. Run it solo, tag-team it, or bring your better half and make it a Valentine’s weekend memory.
And if you want dirt under your shoes, the Sandhills Trail Race Series at Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia is calling. Pine forest, sandy ridges, and plenty of room to test your grit. If you’ve been thinking about stepping up, there’s a 50K option and a 30-hour event. You can always find the full list of Upstate Race Series events and member discounts on our race calendar.
Quick reminder: volunteers keep this whole machine running. If you want to help at any URS event, hit the Volunteers tab on the race page and choose a shift. One specific need: Ville to Ville is looking for six volunteers on April 11 from 11:20 a.m. to 5:25 p.m.
Runner spotlights are rolling too, featuring stories from Brian Grice, Ben Risko, Lauren Forrest, and Corey Bredderman. Different backgrounds, different paths, and the same reminder that progress comes in a lot of forms.
In running news, we’ve got a great local Greenville story: WR@D took a respectful swing at marathon history by turning 26.2 miles into a relay of 200-meter sprints. One baton, one clock, one community effort. That’s what happens when runners decide to do something big together.
Sticky’s Corner is back with two truths: yes, you can eat the cookies even if you didn’t bring any, and yes, Uncrustables belong at aid stations. And remember, runners wave for kindness, reassurance, and sometimes a little competitive theater. Whatever the reason, keep waving.
Coaching tip of the month: keep your resolution by making it small and stacking days, scheduling your runs like meetings, living by the “never miss twice” rule, creating accountability through people and start lines, and tracking the process instead of obsessing over the outcome.
Quote of the month: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.”
Member benefits reminder: URC members get discounts with local partners like Run In, Swamp Rabbit Physio, GUTS, The Nutrition Store, Fit Body Boot Camp Simpsonville, Atlas Chiropractic, plus savings across Upstate Race Series events.