Conquer the Rock 25k & 50k
Date and time
Saturday, March 6, 2027
Location
W. Gate Road, Pickens, SC
Date and time
Saturday, March 6, 2027
Location
W. Gate Road, Pickens, SC
Date and time
Saturday, March 6, 2027
Location
W. Gate Road, Pickens, SC
Upstate Race Series
Conquer the Rock 25K & 50K
Table Rock State Park · Pickens, SC
Not for the faint of heart, but the conquer is worth the climb ⛰️
Participant Feedback
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Steep, rocky, and relentless, over the summits of Pinnacle and Table Rock, with 16,000 feet of elevation change waiting for the runners who take on both laps. The Bear Crawl 25K is one brutal loop. The Foothills 50K is two soul-shaping laps. We call it the toughest trail race in South Carolina and nobody who has finished it has argued with us yet.
Course or Race Highlight
This is a race about vertical, not pace. The course takes you over two summits with jaw-dropping views of Table Rock and Pinnacle Mountain, and there is no section of it where you can switch off and cruise — the descents demand as much attention as the climbs, and the rock underfoot does not forgive a lazy foot placement. Plan your day in hours, not in miles per hour.
The 50K's five-hour cutoff at the end of lap one is a real gate, not a formality: miss it and you are scored as a 25K finisher, which is still a hard day out and nothing to apologize for. Afterward there are post-run pancakes, music, and a hangout that starts before the race and picks back up when you are done. So — are ya ready to Conquer the Rock?
Race Day Details
WhatConquer the Rock — Bear Crawl 25K (one loop) and Foothills 50K (two loops)WhenSaturday, March 6, 2027 — both races start at 8:00 AM sharpWhereTable Rock State Park — enter via West Gate RoadAddressW. Gate Road, Pickens, SC 29671Packet PickupPinnacle Pavilion, 90 minutes prior to the start. No proxy pickups. Once you enter Table Rock State Park from the West Gate entrance, follow the event parking signs.Time Limit11 hours. If you are running the 50K you have 5 hours to complete the first lap, or you will automatically be dropped to the 25K distance.
Course
Steep, rocky, and relentless, taking in the summits of Pinnacle and Table Rock with epic, jaw-dropping views along the way. The 25K is one loop; the 50K is two, for a total of roughly 16,000 feet of elevation change. This is a genuine mountain course and should be respected as one.
View Course Map →
Parking
Park at Pinnacle Pavilion. Once you enter Table Rock State Park from the West Gate entrance, follow the event parking signs. Racers pay a $5 special use permit fee during registration. Spectators pay the park day use fee at the gate: $6 for adults, $3.75 for SC seniors 65+, $3.50 for children 6–15, and free for ages 5 and under.
Aid Stations
Water-only aid at two locations on the loop, plus a fully stocked aid station at the 15.5 mile mark for 50K runners starting their second lap.
Available snacks:
Post-run pancakes
Hydration:
Water at two points on the loop Fully stocked station at mile 15.5 for 50K runners
Wildly Charged is our official hydration sponsor — look for the orange 5-gallon jugs at aid stations.
What's Included
Custom Race Socks
First 100 participants. They do not last.
Custom Race Bib
Your badge of the journey.
Chip Timing & Live Results
Track your effort, splits included.
Custom Finisher Medal
To commemorate the triumph.
Custom Race Tattoo
Wear the moment proudly.
Event-Themed Giveaways
A little extra swag for finishing strong.
Race Sticker
Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop.
Post Race Vibes and Media Coverage
Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory — hang around at the finish line and celebrate.
Race Awards
Top 3 Overall (Male & Female)
The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack.
Age Group Awards (Male & Female)
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each of 15 age categories will earn an age group medal — a custom piece to add to your finisher's lanyard at the end of the event.
Series Recognition
This race counts toward season-long age group recognition in these two series:
Upstate Trail Series Upstate Ultra Series
Age Group Categories
0–9
10–12
13–16
17–19
20–29
30–34
35–39
40–44
45–49
50–54
55–59
60–64
65–69
70–79
80+
Giving Back
Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, which connects our 30 races with 30 nonprofit organizations serving communities across the Upstate. Your registration and any donation you add at checkout go to work close to home — you are not just running a race, you are funding the work of a neighbor.
Upstate Giving Series
Groups & Teams
$5 Discount & Refund for Groups with 5+ Members
The Upstate Running Club welcomes all local and regional running clubs to our events — the more the merrier. Calling all running clubs and social run groups: Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we've got an event for you.
Sign up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more.
Good to Know
Are dogs allowed on the course?
Yes.
Are headphones or earbuds allowed?
Yes.
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
No.
Is there race-day registration?
Yes, you can register on race day using your mobile device.
Where are the start and finish lines?
Pinnacle Pavilion. Once you enter Table Rock State Park from the West Gate entrance, follow the event parking signs.
Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?
Yes — the Barn at Pinnacle Pavilion is open for anyone to store items in during the race.
Are there restrooms near the start/finish or on course?
There are bathrooms at the start/finish line only, so all other pit stops are on the mountain, in the woods, like the bears do.
Will I get a medal or a shirt?
All finishers receive a medal. Apparel can be purchased for pickup on race day, or through our Apparel Now online store for direct shipping.
What happens if there's bad weather?
Upstate Race Series races run rain or shine. In the event of lightning, extreme heat, or hazardous winter conditions, we'll post an update on this page and email registered runners as early as possible. Entry fees aren't refunded for weather delays — see Managing Your Registration below.
Can spectators come watch?
Spectators are welcome. Runner parking fills up race morning — if you're only here to cheer, plan for overflow parking nearby.
When will results and photos be available?
Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 48–72 hours on our Facebook page — we'll tag the album so it's easy to find.
Is there cell service at the venue?
Cell service is limited here — make a plan with anyone meeting you post-race before you lose signal.
Managing Your Registration
Everything about your entry lives in your RunSignUp profile. Sign in, find this race under your upcoming events, and make the change yourself — there is no need to email us first. From there you can:
•Transfer your entry to another runner•Switch to a different distance at this race•Transfer your entry to a different Upstate Race Series event•Update your personal details — name, address, emergency contact, shirt size•Manage add-ons, store items, and apparel purchases
All entries are final. We do not offer refunds or deferrals — but every option above stays open to you right up to race day, so a change of plans does not have to mean a wasted entry.
Manage My Registration →
Let's Stay Connected
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31.1 mi
15.5 mi
46.6 mi
15.0 mi
10.0 mi