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Midland Mountain Trail Series
Full & Half Marathon
Harbison State Forest
As a thank you for joining us on the trails this Thanksgiving season, every participant will receive a bundle of thoughtfully curated race perks and mementos to make your day even more memorable:
🎁 Race Day Goodies & Post-Race Celebration
🏅 Finisher Medal – A keepsake to commemorate your adventure through Harbison’s fall trails.
🍲 Post-Race Soup – Warm up with a hearty serving of chicken or veggie soup, served with gratitude at the finish line.
💧 Wildly Charged Hydration Sample – Stay refreshed with a taste of local hydration magic.
🥤 Custom Collapsible Hydration Cup – Our gift to help you stay sustainable on the trails—perfect for this cupless event.
💥 Custom Race Tattoo – Wear your trail pride with a fun, themed race tattoo.
🎽 Custom Race Bib – Personalized and event-branded to remind you of the miles you conquered.
🍁 Event-Themed Giveaways – From trail goodies to seasonal surprises, you’ll leave with more than just memories.
🐾 Race Sticker – A little trail flair for your water bottle, car, or cooler.
🎶 Music & Post-Race Hangout – Kick back and enjoy some tunes, food, and fellowship with your fellow runners after crossing the finish.
Information
Midland Mountain Trail Series: A Thanksgiving Trail Celebration
This Thanksgiving season, join us in celebrating the spirit of community, gratitude, and the joy of running with our Midland Mountain Trail Series—a festive day of trail running through the scenic beauty of Harbison State Forest. Whether you're tackling the marathon (2 laps) or the half marathon (1 lap), this event is more than a race—it's a gathering of friends, families, and fellow trail lovers giving thanks for strong legs, open trails, and the people we share them with.
As autumn paints the forest in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, you’ll wind through shady woodlands, cross tranquil streams, and conquer rolling hills on a course that challenges and inspires. With every step, you’ll be surrounded not only by the beauty of nature but also by a welcoming, supportive community of runners. Whether you're chasing a new PR or simply enjoying the trail at your own pace, you’re part of something special.
At the heart of this event is a celebration of what we’re most thankful for—the people who make the trail running community so meaningful. Everyone from first-timers to ultra veterans will feel the warmth of race-day camaraderie. And when your miles are done, we’ll welcome you back with a post-race Thanksgiving-style Southern meal—a hearty “meat and three” served with gratitude and a smile.
🦃 Event Details
- What: Marathon (2-lap course) & Half Marathon (1-lap course)
- When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Start Time: 8:30 AM
- Cutoff: 3:00 PM (Marathon 1st lap cutoff at 12:00 PM)
- Where: Harbison State Forest
- Address: 5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212
- Parking: $5 day-use fee (cash or kiosk scan). Volunteers will be on hand to assist.
- Packet Pickup: Race morning starting at 7:00 AM under the gazebo at the Start/Finish area.
- Post-Race Meal: Traditional Southern Thanksgiving “Meat & Three”—served to all participants!
🥾 Course Description
Harbison State Forest is a hidden gem tucked just outside Columbia, SC. Spanning over 2,000 acres along the Broad River, it offers a network of diverse, well-maintained trails perfect for our fall celebration. You’ll run through tall pines and hardwoods, cross peaceful creeks, and take on varied elevation—challenging enough to keep it interesting but welcoming for all experience levels.
Each trail section immerses you in the sights and sounds of fall in the Carolinas. Expect crunching leaves underfoot, crisp autumn air, and sweeping views lit by golden foliage. The course is well-marked, easy to follow, and absolutely packed with seasonal charm.
Personal Tent Set-Up & Drop Bags
You're welcome to bring a drop bag or set up a small personal tent near the Start/Finish area and main aid station. Please be mindful to keep your gear clear of the course and respect others’ space. When the day is done, help us keep the forest beautiful by cleaning up your area. Leave no trace—only good vibes.
Aid Stations
We’ll have 3 aid stations along the course, stocked with runner-friendly snacks and drinks, including:
- Pickles, cookies, chips, fig newtons, assorted candy & pretzels
- Hydration: water, Coke, and ginger ale
- This is a cupless event—please bring your own hydration flask or cup.
- Want to bring a little something to share? Homemade treats or favorite snacks are always welcome at our community table.
- Aid Station 1 – Mile 4.4 (and Mile 17.5 on lap 2)
- Aid Station 2 – Mile 11 (and Mile 24 on lap 2)
- Aid Station 3 – Start/Finish Line Area (Mile 13.1)
- Aid Station 1 – Mile 4.4 (and Mile 17.5 on lap 2)
📍 Directions & Parking
Use the following address to access the forest: 5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212
Once inside, follow the event signage and volunteers directing you to the parking area adjacent to the gazebo near the Start/Finish line. Let’s come together this November for miles, memories, and a meaningful celebration of what brings us all to the trail—gratitude, challenge, and community.
🏆 Race Awards & Age Group Trail Series
🎖️ 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 age group will earn an Age Group Series Medal 🏅—a custom piece to add to your finisher’s lanyard at the end of the event.
🌲 Upstate Trail Series Recognition
Our Age Group Trail Series highlights consistency and performance across the season!🏆 The Top 3 Male & Female in each age group will be recognized for total points earned throughout the series at our annual awards ceremony.
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+
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Harbison State Forest
5600 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212 US
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