HalfRuns
Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike

Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike

Broad River Half Marathon offers a Thanksgiving trail run through Harbison State Forest.

Race Date

Nov 21, 2026

Location

Columbia, SC

Solid Pick49

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Location
Columbia, South Carolina
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
255

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat Post Race

Course

Shaded

The Experience

This Thanksgiving, the Broad River Half Marathon invites runners to celebrate community and gratitude amidst the vibrant autumn colors of Harbison State Forest. The course winds through shady woodlands, crosses tranquil streams, and navigates rolling hills, offering a challenging yet inspiring trail experience.

With a growing field that has recently seen around 298 finishers from approximately 14 states, the event fosters a welcoming atmosphere for all levels, from first-timers to seasoned trail runners. The race, now in its second edition, is set within a scenic forest environment, promising a festive day of camaraderie and a post-race Thanksgiving-style Southern meal.

Runners can expect a course that blends natural beauty with a rewarding challenge. The event's focus on community and gratitude makes it a unique way to celebrate the holiday season on the trails.

Race-provided description

Upstate Race Series  /  Upstate Trail Series Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike

 

 

13.1 A Thanksgiving trail celebration

 

 

Sat, Nov 21 2026

8:30 AM start

Harbison State Forest Columbia, SC

Register   Course mapDirectionsRace groupsDonateResultsRace photosApparel

 

“ Thirteen miles of well-maintained trail through tall pines and hardwoods, crossing peaceful creeks, with crunching leaves underfoot and crisp autumn air. Harbison State Forest in late November is about as good as trail running gets in the Midlands, and this race exists to put you in it on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Runner Feedback

  Race Day Details Saturday, November 21, 2026 at Harbison State Forest, 5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Get directions.

7:00 AM  

Packet pickup opens Race morning starting at 7:00 AM under the gazebo at the start/finish area, 60 minutes prior to the start. All packet pickup is race day only.

8:30 AM  

Start Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike — the Midland Mountain Trail Race

On course  

Pines, hardwoods and creeks Well-maintained trails perfect for a fall celebration, running through tall pines and hardwoods and crossing peaceful creeks, with varied elevation throughout.

Finish  

A Thanksgiving-style meal The post-race meal is the part people talk about: a Thanksgiving-style Southern meal, a hearty meat-and-three, with veggie options available, plus music and a hangout with tunes, food, and fellowship.

1:30 PM  

Time limit 5 hours.

After  

Results and photos 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.

  Course or Race Highlight Harbison is 2,100 acres of working forest inside the Columbia city limits, laced with some of the best-maintained trail in the state. The elevation is varied without ever being brutal — enough to keep the legs honest across thirteen miles, not so much that it turns into a climbing day. The post-race meal is the part people talk about: a Thanksgiving-style Southern meal, a hearty meat-and-three, with veggie options available, plus music and a hangout with tunes, food, and fellowship. Every finisher receives a medal, a custom event-branded race bib, a race tattoo, and a race sticker, and your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series. The Course Well-maintained trails perfect for a fall celebration, running through tall pines and hardwoods and crossing peaceful creeks, with varied elevation throughout. Expect crunching leaves underfoot and crisp autumn air. View the course map

  Parking Park in the area adjacent to the gazebo near the start/finish line. If you end up parking alongside the road, please stay on the LEFT side and park directly behind the car in front of you. You will be required to pay a parking fee when you enter the park — bring exact cash, or scan the QR code to pay.

  Aid Stations Three aid stations: mile 4.8, mile 11, and the start/finish area. Available snacks PicklesCookiesChipsFig NewtonsAssorted candyPretzels Hydration WaterCokeGinger ale Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel.

  What's Included

✓ A Thanksgiving-Style Southern Meal A hearty meat-and-three at the finish, with veggie options available.

✓ Custom Race Bib Your badge of the journey.

✓ Chip Timing & Live Results Track your effort, splits included.

✓ Race Branded Finisher Medal To commemorate the triumph.

✓ Custom Race Tattoo Wear the moment proudly.

✓ Event-Themed Giveaways A little extra swag for finishing strong.

✓ Race Stickers 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 this series: Upstate Trail 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   This race supports Play4Kay The Kay Yow Cancer Fund's fundraising program, which pays for research and support for every cancer affecting women. They host their own race too: The Pink Walk & 5K. Visit Play4KayThe Pink Walk & 5KDonate 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

SAVE $5 GROUPS OF 5+

RUN CLUBS & CREWS Run it with your crew. Your club is probably already here. Join it when you register and save when your group hits 5.

1 Find your club 50+ Upstate run clubs are preloaded.

2 Join at sign-up Pick it during registration, or start your own crew.

3 Hit 5 runners Everyone in the group saves $5. Early sign-ups get it back automatically.

ALREADY ON THE LIST Upstate Running ClubRockers Run ClubWR@DRunning for BrewsSwamp CommonersHub City RunnersDouble Stamp Run Club+ 44 more Find your clubRegister with your crew

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, absolutely.

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. 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 on race day up until the start.

Where are the start and finish lines? Adjacent to the gazebo at Harbison State Forest. Following the parking signs will lead you there.

Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items? Yes, all drop bags can be placed inside the gazebo.

Are there restrooms near the start/finish or on course? Plenty of portables at the start line, but none on the course — making do in the woods will have to suffice.

Will I get a medal or a shirt? All finishers receive a medal, and age group awards are available. 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.

  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

This race Register Course map Directions Race groups Results Race photos Race apparel Manage my registration

Series & giving Upstate Trail Series Upstate Giving Series Play4Kay The Pink Walk & 5K Donate

Upstate Race Series UpstateRaceSeries.com Questions? Use the contact form below or tap the chat button in the corner. Instagram @upstateraceseries Facebook: Upstate Event Management Apparel store

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Start Time

8:30 AM

Start Location

5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC, 29212

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Forest

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Quality Score

Solid Pick49
Methodology
Heritage4/20

2 years running

Size12/15

~203 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty8/20

9% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw7/10

runners from 14 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:40:17

Weather8/10

typical high 65°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

45°

Afternoon (High)

65°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

9 mph

Wind

66%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 255 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

255

Median time

2:41:20

Latest turnout

152

States

16

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:35p50 median ≈ 2:404:50

Turnout by year

2024–2025

'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike?

The Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike is held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, starting at 8:30 AM.

Where does the Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike take place?

It takes place in Columbia, South Carolina.

What distances does the Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike course flat and good for a PR?

The Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike is a rolling hills, loop course course.

How many people run the Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike?

HalfRuns has finish records for 255 runners who have completed the Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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