Paris Mountain Race Series

Paris Mountain 50k & North Lake 15 Miler Paris Mountain Ultra - October 20th, Paris Mountain State Park #UpstateUltra #SCUMRunners #PM50k #NorthLake

Paris Mountain is the hidden gem in the Upstate that lies in between the beautiful mountains of the foothills! This trail system extends nearly 16 miles of wide and rugged running dream! At the base of the mountain you will loop around Lake Placid before heading north up the mountain on Mountain Creek trail into Sulphur Springs! This is where the grit of the trail begins and your heart rate rises! Going around the mountain to North Lake and down Kanuga before hitting the toughest portion of Brissy Ridge. This trail will make your legs burn but your adventurous trail junkie side yearning for more! Come see this well kept secret of the Upstate for yourself!

Events Paris Mountain 50k - 7:30am North Lake 15m - 9:00am Pancake Brunch - Noon Park Information

We have rented out the pavilion #3 for for the day. It has power, restrooms, and water supply. The gate opens up at 6:30am. There are camp sites available up to 40 sites for people that want to come in from out of town. The park will close at 8pm sharp so we are implementing a 11 hour cut off by removing all runners from the course sharply at 6pm. We are implementing a HARD cutoff at Noon for 50k runners who have not finished their first lap they will be asked to drop to the half marathon distance. This is to ensure that all runners are safe and off at the trail at nightfall. 

Packet Pickup:  Saturday @ Shelter 3 From 6:30am to 7:30am for the 50k  Saturday @ Shelter 3 From 8:00am to 9:00am for the 15 Miler Finishers Awards Include: Finishers Shirt Finishers Patch Top 3 Overall Awards for Male and Female Aid Stations 3 aid station at Mile 4.5 and Mile 11 and 15.5 of the 15.5 mile loop Saltcaps, crackers, cookies, pickles - candy Water - Tailwind - and Soda CUPLESS Event (please bring your own water bottle or hydration pack)
Camping

Camping: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/parismountain/camping.aspx
Camping Information : 39 sites are paved, 13 of which offer tent pads. Each site has individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, others up to 35 feet. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers.

Camping Reservations : To make a camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or make it online by clicking Park Reservation.

Camping reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights. Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly.

Standard Sites with Elec. & Water : 39 sites rent for $19-26/site/night, 13 of these sites are designated tent sites with tent pads.

AirBnB: I have 3 rooms available in my home for Airbnb that I can discount for particiapants. I also have some backyard space thats free to set up shop before the race. Mind you we live about 15 minutes from race site! Book them here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/20023737

FAQ's

What times does the race start? 

50k Race Starts @ 7:30am 15.5 Miler Starts @ 9:00am

What time does registration closes? 

Registration closes online the Wednesday before the race @ Midnight On site registration cost is DOUBLE the normal price. #inconveniencefee 

Is there a course cutoff for this race?

The park closes at 8pm so the 50k runners will have a 11 hour cut off and the half marathon runners will have a 9 hour cut off.

How many aid stations are there?

This race will have 3 aid stations for the 50k that you will reach 1x per loop of the 15.5 mile loop.

What is offered at the aid stations?

In general the aid station will have soda, water, tailwind for liquid nutrition and will have an assortment of pickles, cookies, crackers, electrobites, chips, and candy for solid nutrition. We will be offering a meal around 2:00pm for finishers of each race distances. Pancakes or Biscuits and Gravy. 

What is the race cancellation policy?  

We have yet to cancel a race even in a rainstorm. We will most likely postpone the event a few hours or attempt to schedule an alternate date 1 to 2 weeks in advance. We will give a 24 hour advanced notice of cancellation. 

How can I be sure I get up to date race information about logistics and any changes? 

Please join our newsletter HERE or make sure when you register for our event that you lift any spam filter that may be associated with Upstate Ultra. You can also check out our Facebook page HERE

What are the race swag items and finisher awards like? 

Tri-blend Shirt Finishers Patch Post Race Meal

How many participants are allowed? Is there a race cap? 

Our races have a 200 person cap. We do this to keep our trace down and our tight nit community up. As the race director I make every attempt to talk to every participant that I host at our events. Our volunteers are already working hard to make everyone happy as they enjoy their trail racing event. 

Can I bring my dog, family, kids? 

Yes, yes, and yes

Can someone else get my packet if I am unable to the day before? 

Yes they may but the day of the race you must be present to get your gear. Also all shirts are now FINISHER shirts! If you sign up and are a no show or no finish no patch or shirt.

Can I get a refund or deferment?

No unfortunately. We plan ahead by purchasing insurance, food, bibs, patches, awards, shirts, and facility rentals. We will go ahead and donate your entry to our park system. Thank you

How do I become a vendor or sponsor?

Please contact [email protected]

Will there be bathrooms?

Yes the facility as a toilet and running water. There is an alternate bathroom in the woods with eco-friendly toilet paper. 

What is the course elevation and description?

Please see our tab about course description, course elevation, and course video to give you the best sense of the race atmosphere 

What is the address and how or where do I park?

Paris Mountain State Park 2401 State Park Rd Greenville, SC US 29609 Park in the main lot and in the back grass lot next to our pavilion
Race Day Details
Race Day Details Address of Park Entrance: 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609 Entering the State Park: The park gate will be open at 6:30am Parking: Following along the main road to the first stop sign at the main parking lot to your left If the main parking lot is full please park in the additional spots at the parking lots prior Pavilion/Shelter #3: The race start and finish will be at this shelter which is located behind the main parking lot. Packet Pickup: Will be held at the shelter by the fireplace starting at 6:30am. You will check in and receive your bib# and timing chip Timing Chip: Different from previous years we are working on a self timing system. Please attach the small chip to your shirt/shorts with a safety pin without bending or breaking it. These must be returned at the end of the race to receive a result. Pre-Race Info: Go over safety, course markings, directions, laps, and drop bag locations 15 minutes before each race. Drop bags: can be placed PASSED the finish line and timing equipment for all runners adjacent to shelter along the steps Race start: 50k @ 7:30am and 15.5 Miler @ 9:00am
The Course
50k Course:

The 50k will consist of two 15.5 mile loops starting and finishing at Shelter #3. The total distance covers 8,500 feet of elevation change, goes around 3 different lakes, asscends 3 very difficult climbs, and culminates with a wicked cool finisher patch and some pancakes with piping hot maple syrup! Strava Data to the 50k Course: Map and Elevation Chart

 

Brissy Ridge Trail
Length: 2.4 mile loop
Description: From the kiosk near the parking area, begin this steep, strenuous, rocky, rooted, mostly-easy-to-follow, yellow-blazed, foot-traffic-only, loop trail that winds along beautiful hills in the South Carolina upstate. At the top of the first steep slope, branch right at the fork with the Sulphur Springs trail. You will pass through oak and pine woods on the ridges, and Mountain Laurel along the creek areas. After you cross the paved park road, you will climb another steep slope back toward the parking area. You may see deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and a variety of other wildlife.

Kanuga Trail
Length: 2.0 miles
Description: To reach this trail you will need to walk or ride a section of the Sulphur Springs-Fire Tower or Brissy Ridge trails. Connections to the Fire Tower, Brissy Ridge, and North Lake trails provide opportunities to vary the length of your walk or ride. You may see deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and a variety of other wildlife.

Lake Placid Trail
Length: 0.75 mile loop
Description: From the picnic shelter, begin this easy-walking, mostly-level, nature-trail loop along the shores of Lake Placid. At the far end of the lake, you will descend and ascend the steep slopes below the dam. You may see squirrels, birds, turtles, snakes and a variety of other wildlife as you walk amid tall trees in the natural habitat. You will circle the lake, cross a boardwalk foot bridge, and pass the swimming area, before you return to the picnic shelter where you began.

Mountain Creek Trail
Length: 1.3 miles
Description: From Picnic Shelter 4, you can go either direction on this moderately difficult dirt trail. If you go to the right you will connect to the Lake Placid Trail, which encircles Lake Placid. You can ride to the lake, but not all the way around it. If you go left you will pass the amphitheater and continue to a junction with the Sulphur Springs Trail. You can follow a section of the Sulphur Springs trail, but only to Mountain Lake.

North Lake Trail
Length: 1.2 mile loop
Description: You will need to walk or ride on the Kanuga or Pipsissewa trails to get to North Lake. Once you are there you can enjoy the view as you circle the lake and then return the way you came, or vary your walk or ride by returning on the other trail. You may see deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and a variety of other wildlife.

Fire Tower Trail
Length: 0.4 miles 
Description: From the kiosk near the parking area, begin your hike or ride on the Sulphur Springs Trail. Once you reach the junction, this steep, easy-to-follow, mostly-straight, old road bed, treats you to some great scenic views of the surrounding mountains. . You will climb 400 feet in elevation as you pass through poplar, maple, oak, and pine woods intermingled with open areas grown up with wild berries and tall grasses. At the top, bikers must return the way they came. You may see deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and a variety of other wildlife.

Pipsissewa Trail
Length: 1.0 miles
Description: From the parking area at the Buckhorn Gate, you will need to walk or ride approximately 0.9 mile on the Brissy Ridge Trail to the junction of the out and back Pipsissewa. Once you reach the junction of the North Lake Trail, you can return or circle the lake. You may see deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and a variety of other wildlife.

Sulphur Springs Trail
Length: 3.6 miles
Description: From Picnic Area 6, you can start in either direction on this narrow, steep, strenuous, rocky, rugged, white-blazed loop trail. If you cross the park road and begin at the trail sign, you will climb up and down wooded slopes until you reach the parking area at Buckhorn Gate. At the trail kiosk keep right, continue up another steep slope, and bear left at the fork with the Brissey Ridge trail. You will walk through mixed pine and hardwood forest atop a mountain ridge and pass the Old Firetower Trail on the left, before you begin to climb up and down along deep ravines and running streams lined with mountain laurel and rhododendron. As you pass through these diverse habitats, you may see a variety of birds, snakes, deer, and other wildlife. The trail levels out near the shores of Mountain Lake where you will pass a large dam and follow one of several trail branches that return to the parking area where you began.

Course Video