The Sand Monster
Columbia, United States • 21 Mar 2027
The Sand Monster 6 Hour Ultra
The Sand Monster is a six hour timed trail race held at Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, South Carolina (9564 Two Notch Road). The event uses a loop course of 3.5-mile laps with about 270 feet of vertical gain per lap. The route combines single track and double track, includes one longer sandy climb, and is primarily covered in pine needles with tree shade. The course will be well marked.
Athletes have six hours to run, hike, or walk as many laps as they choose. A finish requires completion of at least one full lap within the time limit. All laps must be completed by the six hour cutoff and the number of completed laps determines distance. If several participants complete the same number of laps, places are decided by the finish order of the last completed lap.
The event emphasizes the participant experience through pre‑event communication, a supportive on-course atmosphere, portable restrooms, and finishline elements such as a bell for milestone distances and finishline acknowledgements. Each starter and many volunteers receive a Boco Gear technical trucker hat, a personalized bib, and at least one inspiration card created by a local fifth grader. Awards include unique prizes for the top four overall male and female finishers, individual grand master awards for age 50 and over, and additional recognitions such as Spirit, Honey Badger, and Far Out awards. A raffle is held during awards.
Registration opens May 1, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.