Saturday, November 7, 2020 • Spartanburg, SC • Course Map
Set on more than 7,000 acres of lush, wooded forests that are home to more than a dozen miles of hiking, walking and running trails as well as a regionally well-known equestrian facility and two large lakes that sit right in the middle of the park, South Carolina’s Croft State Natural Area plays host to the annual Camp Croft Half Marathon, which takes runners on a scenic trail run through the park’s woods and trails.
Once called “Camp Croft” decades ago because it was home to a U.S. Army base during World War II, the park was purchased from the government following the war and converted to a state recreational area starting in the 1950s.
Today, of course, it’s a popular recreational spot for South Carolinians living here in the state’s Piedmont region, and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, hiking and just walking through and enjoying the flora and fauna along its many miles of hiking trails.
It’s exactly those trails that runners in the Camp Croft Half Marathon will follow, along an out-and-back route that starts and finishes near the parking and recreational field area just off Croft State Park Road near the center of the park, just south of the 150-acre Lake Craig.
From there, runners follow what is roughly a counter-clockwise loop through the park’s forests, before heading back in to the finish line just off Croft State Park Road.
Along the way, runners can expect to encounter a wide variety of natural surface terrain, from narrow single-track hiking trails to dirt-and-gravel park roads, and wide-open sections through meadows as well as a bridge crossing over a creek inside the park.
While water stations will be provided along the course, runners are encouraged to bring their own water bottles with them just to ensure they have adequate hydration out there with them along the race route.
The race organizers describe the route as “challenging,” so runners should expect plenty of changes in elevation as well as changes in the terrain, from rocks, sticks and logs along the route to possibly inclement weather impacting the race, and resulting muddy and/or wet spots on the trails.
Just shy of 100 runners crossed the finish line at the race’s 2014 running, and for the 2020 race, the race will be open to up to 200 entrants.
Race Weather & Climate
Located less than a 10-mile drive from nearby Spartanburg, Croft State Park typically sees weather conditions much like those of its neighboring city of Spartanburg, which means cool to occasionally cold weather in the mid-fall, and relatively even precipitation in the late summer and fall.
On race day (Nov. 7), the average low is 41ºF and the average high is 70ºF.
Past Results
- 2016 Camp Croft Half Marathon Results
- 2014 Camp Croft Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Camp Croft Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Camp Croft Half Marathon Results
- 2011 Camp Croft Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Camp Croft Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
8:30 AM
Fees
- $55 – $75 for the half marathon
- $20 – $40 for the 7K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2020 running of the Camp Croft Half Marathon, register online at RunSignUp.com here.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
Ever run in the Camp Croft Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
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