Sandhills Trail Race Series

Sandhills Trail & Ultra Festival

The Sandhills Trail Race Series takes place February 21-22, 2026 at Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223. The event offers multiple race options on a looped trail course through pine forest and around a lake.

Distances

• 7.5-Mile Fun Loop - one lap of singletrack and lakeside sections
• 25K - two laps
• 50K - four laps
• 30-Hour Ultra - continuous laps over an extended time window

Course and race services

The course includes soft pine needle singletrack, a few smooth paved sections around the lake, rolling hills, and lake views. The route runs through campsite locations in the park. Registration includes chip timing with split tracking, a finisher medal, custom race bib, complimentary race photos, race sticker, event-themed giveaways, and a guided park tour. Belt buckles are offered for 100-mile finishers (13 laps). Packet pickup is at Shelter #1 one hour before the race.

Aid, camping and logistics

Aid stations are stocked with items such as pickles, cookies, chips, pretzels, water, Coke, and ginger ale. This is a cupless event; participants should bring personal hydration gear. Camping and day-use options are available at the state park. Limited crew and aid support is noted overnight for the 30-hour event.

Awards and policies

Trophies are given to the top three overall male and female finishers. Age-group medals are awarded to the top three in each age category (0-9 through 80+). Registrations may be transferred and distances may be changed. No refunds or deferrals are offered unless the event sells out. Club and referral discounts are mentioned. Donations and some race proceeds support the Upstate Running Club youth team. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.