The Dirt Dash

The Dirt Dash - September 12, 2026

The Dirt Dash is a trail running event organized by Palmetto Ultras at Johns Island County Park in Johns Island, SC. The event offers multiple race distances on a repeated loop course that runs through open meadows, single and double track trails, and a short grassy section.

The course is a roughly 3.3 mile loop. Runners return to the start/finish after each loop, and a designated drop bag area near the aid station allows restocking between loops. The organizers note that participants should carry any items they require during each loop.

Distances

• Marathon: eight loops of the 3.3 mile circuit
• Half marathon: four loops of the 3.3 mile circuit
• 10K: two loops of the 3.3 mile circuit
• 5K: one loop of the 3.3 mile circuit

There is one aid station at the start/finish line stocked with snacks such as gummy candy, chips, pretzels, water and an electrolyte drink. The event is cupless, so participants should bring a cup, bottle or bladder to refill.

Packet pickup is available Thursday September 10 at THE FOOT STORE in Mount Pleasant, and on race morning at the Palmetto Ultras tent at the venue. Camping by tent or RV is available on site the night before and the park has restrooms and showers.

Registrations completed by August 19 include a race t-shirt. Finishers receive a custom finisher's medal and the top three male and female finishers in each distance earn awards. A 15 percent youth discount is available for runners aged 14 and younger; request details from the organizer. The event is scheduled to proceed rain or shine unless the park deems conditions unsafe. No refunds are offered, but transfers or deferrals are available under the organizer's stated policy.

Volunteers can earn reduced or free race entry credits; six volunteer hours earn a 50 percent discount and twelve hours earn a full discount on a future entry. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.