Half Marathon races near Forest Acres

The Run Hard Half Marathon, 10k & 5k is a race series held on the same morning at Lexington County Baseball Stadium in Lexington, South Carolina. This stadium is the home of the Lexington County Blowfish. Participants can select the half marathon, the Run Hard 10k, or the Toby K 5k. The races start at different times in the morning, with the longest race beginning first. All three courses are USATF-certified, providing an accurately measured distance for runners. Packet pickup is available the day before the race at Fleet Feet Lexington and on race morning at the stadium. Race-day registration is open until a cutoff time in the early morning. The half marathon begins and ends at the baseball stadium. Parking is located nearby, so the event does not provide a bag drop. Half marathon participants can choose pacers ranging from 1:30 to 2:30 finish times. This setup accommodates runners aiming for a specific time and those new to the distance. Half marathon finishers will receive a custom medal. Early registrants may also receive a free beanie, depending on availability. Awards are presented to the top three overall finishers, masters runners, and age groups. The 10k and 5k offer shorter distances for those who prefer a race morning at the stadium without running 13.1 miles.

The Broad River Half Marathon Run/Hike begins and ends in Harbison State Forest at 5600 Broad River Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Packet pickup is on race morning under the gazebo, with an 8:30 AM start. This event is part of the Midland Mountain Trail Series and is timed around Thanksgiving, giving it the feel of a trail gathering rather than a formal race. The format is straightforward: complete a half marathon distance on forest trails, either running or hiking. The course accommodates both trail newcomers and experienced long-distance hikers. The course winds through Harbison State Forest’s trail network, spanning over 2,000 acres along the Broad River. Participants will travel through stands of tall pines and hardwoods, cross creeks, and navigate rolling terrain with sufficient elevation changes to make the route engaging. The trails are marked and maintained, a practical consideration in a forest race where participants move at varied speeds. Friends, families, first-timers, trail regulars, and ultra runners all share the same environment. The finish includes a Thanksgiving-style Southern “meat and three” meal, a departure from typical post-race snacks.