Prisoner of War Trail Race (50k - 25k - 8mi)
Date and time
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location
450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC
Date and time
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location
450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC
Date and time
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location
450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC
Upstate Race Series
Prisoner of War Trail Race
Croft State Park · Spartanburg, SC
Honor. Endurance. Never retreat.
Participant Feedback
“
Figure-eight loops across 7,000 acres of the old Camp Croft, on roots, rocks, and real elevation. The Semper Fi 8 Mile takes the northern section, the Infantry 25K runs one full loop, and the POW 50K runs two. A central checkpoint and aid station sit at the Activity Center, and you report there each loop.
Course or Race Highlight
Croft State Park was Camp Croft, an infantry training center that put tens of thousands of soldiers through these woods in the 1940s, and the terrain has not gotten any friendlier since. This is South Carolina's backcountry — genuinely rugged trail with roots, rocks, and climbing that adds up over a long day.
The figure-eight design means you come back through base camp every loop, which makes crewing simple and gives the day a rhythm. Afterward there is a post-race barracks bash with good tunes, good food, and good people, plus hearty pancakes and soup. Every finisher receives a medal, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series.
Race Day Details
WhatPrisoner of War Trail Race — POW 50K (two figure-eight loops), Infantry 25K (one loop), and the Semper Fi 8 Mile (northern section)WhenSaturday, October 24, 2026 — all races start at 9:00 AMWhereCroft State Park, Spartanburg, SC — base camp at the Activity CenterAddress450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302Packet PickupBegins at 0800 hours at the Activity Center (base camp) on race day. Parking is available on site.Time Limit10 hours for all races. The 50K has a 4-hour cutoff on the first lap.
Course
Figure-eight loops across 7,000 acres of trail: roots, rocks, and real elevation through South Carolina's backcountry. The 50K runs two full figure-eights, the 25K runs one, and the 8 Mile takes the northern section. A central checkpoint and aid station sit at the Activity Center — report there each loop.
View Course Map →
Parking
Park at Croft State Park and follow the event parking signs. There is an admission fee to enter the State Park unless you hold an annual State Park pass.
Aid Stations
One centralized aid station at the start/finish, plus an aid station at the trail intersection every 8 miles.
Available snacks:
Pickles Cookies Chips Fig Newtons Pretzels Assorted candy
Hydration:
Water Coke Ginger ale
Wildly Charged is our official hydration sponsor — look for the orange 5-gallon jugs at aid stations.
Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel.
What's Included
Hearty Pancakes and Soup
Waiting at base camp when you report in for the last time.
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.
Homemade Ration Donations Welcome
Bring something for the aid station if you are so inclined.
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, just be mindful of your surroundings. Be careful at trail and road crossings, and be courteous of other runners who may need to pass on narrow trails.
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
No — all packet pickup is race day only, so there is no need for anyone else to manage your registration. If you are running late, we can assist you at that time.
Is there race-day registration?
Yes, you can register on your mobile device until the race starts.
Where are the start and finish lines?
Both are in the same place, near the horse show ring and activity center. Look for the big green arch.
Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?
Yes, drop bags can be left on the picnic tables near the activity center.
Are there restrooms near the start/finish?
Restrooms and showers are available pre- and post-race, and there is plenty of woods when nature calls during the event.
Is camping offered?
Yes — contact the park directly.
Will I get a medal or a shirt?
All finishers receive a medal, and age group awards are available too. Shirts can be ordered through our Apparel Now site.
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
Follow along, gear up, and keep up with everything Upstate Race Series
✉EmailInfo@UpstateRaceSeries.com
IGInstagram@upstateraceseries
fFacebookUpstate Event Management
★Apparel Storeupstateraceseries.myshopify.com
⌂WebsiteUpstateRaceSeries.com
31.1 mi
15.5 mi
8.0 mi
7.5 mi
100.0 mi