Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon

Upstate Race Series

Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon

River Falls Lodge · Marietta, SC

Beautiful waterfalls, and 2,000 feet of climbing to reach them

“

Thirteen miles through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, starting on road into Jones Gap State Park and then handing you over to challenging singletrack. Rainbow Falls, the Rim of the Gap Trail, and Little Pinnacle Mountain, with roaring falls and Middle Saluda River crossings across 13,000 acres of pristine woodlands. Two thousand feet of gain, and every foot of it earns you something worth looking at.

The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is the most spectacular terrain in the Upstate, and this course does not water it down. The road opening lets the field spread out, and then the singletrack takes over — genuinely challenging trail with river crossings, rock, and sustained climbing that puts Rainbow Falls and Little Pinnacle within reach of a half marathon.

Two aid stations sit at roughly mile 2 and mile 11, which means a long unsupported stretch through the middle where you are carrying your own. This is a cup-less race, so a bottle or vest is not optional here. Afterward there are hot pancakes, music, and a social gathering back at the lodge, plus complimentary professional race photos.

Race Day Details

WhatJones Gap Trail Half Marathon — 13.1 milesWhenSaturday, September 12, 2026 — 8:00 AM startWhereRiver Falls Lodge, Marietta, SCAddressRiver Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661Packet Pickup7:00 AM on race day, right on site at River Falls Lodge — the same location as the start and finish.Time Limit5 hours.

Course

The 13.1-mile route begins on road leading into Jones Gap State Park, then transitions to challenging single-track trails taking in Rainbow Falls, the Rim of the Gap Trail, and Little Pinnacle Mountain within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Expect roaring falls and Middle Saluda River crossings across 13,000 acres of pristine woodlands, with 2,000 feet of total elevation gain.

View Course Map →

Parking

Free, right on site at River Falls Lodge, with a larger adjacent field for participant vehicles.

Aid Stations

Two aid stations, at roughly mile 2.2 and mile 10.9 — a long stretch in between where you carry your own.

Available snacks:

Pickles Cookies Chips Assorted candy Fig Newtons Pretzels

Hydration:

Water Coke Ginger ale

Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel.

What's Included

Free On-Site Parking

River Falls Lodge, with a larger adjacent field for participant vehicles.

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.

Wildly Charged Hydration Sample

A little extra refresh after you've conquered the trail.

Wildly Charged Hydration Sample

A little extra refresh after you've conquered the trail.

Post-Race Vibes

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

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

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+

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 — we love pups.

Are headphones or earbuds allowed?

Yes, rock on, but keep your head on a swivel for snakes, small bears, and of course the directional arrows keeping you on the right track.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

Negative, Ghost Rider.

Is there race-day registration?

Sure thing — you can register on your personal mobile device up until the gun goes off.

Where are the start and finish lines?

Start and finish are both at River Falls Lodge.

Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?

Yes. There is a large pavilion, and vehicles are within 50 meters of the start/finish line, so runners can leave belongings in either.

Are there restrooms near the start/finish or on course?

No bathrooms on the course, but there are plenty of woods... and mountains.

Will I get a medal or a shirt?

All finishers receive a medal, plus age group medallions for placement. Apparel can be purchased separately.

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