Description

The Mill Stone 50K consists of three 10.5-mile loops at the scenic ASC Greenway in Fort Mill, SC. 

The course may be adjusted due to trail changes, storm damage, trees down, and other issues. Follow the Rock Hill Striders Facebook group regularly for updates. This is not an urban greenway like the name of the venue may imply. There are no groomed trails or pavement. The course in this private green space in the suburban Charlotte area consists of almost all single-track, technical trail, with some gravel road and dirt trail.  There will be at least two creek crossings, with the possibility of more depending on the weather.  It will also most likely be muddy. It is a tough and challenging course.

The Mill Stone is a landmark located deep in the heart of the ASC Greenway.  It was the original millstone from Webb's Mill, located about a half mile from where the stone now stands.  For many years, the regular Rock Hill Striders Saturday run has passed the Mill Stone, and all of the runners are strongly "encouraged" to touch the stone as they pass.  What would happen if the stone isn't touched is unknown, but no one wants to find out.

The stone is from the mill where Fort Mill gets its name.

The Mill Stone 10M will be held during the 50K, using one loop of the same course. The 10M starts at 9:00 AM.

Pricing

The 50K is $70 until Dec. 14, when the price goes up to $85. The 10M is $45 until Dec. 14, when it goes up to $55. The prices shown for the race are the "all-in" prices including applicable taxes and fees. Showing the all-in cost is a requirement in certain states and is intended to provide the total cost to the runner.

10M

The Mill Stone 10M is held during the 50K and is a great event for those out supporting the 50k runners. The course will be one loop of the 50K course and will be well-marked. There are overall awards for this race and all participants receive a shirt.

Shirts

All participants in the 50K and 10M will receive race swag. Come back for more details.

Race Details

Please review the Directions section for information on how to get to the race.  If you go to the wrong Greenway entrance, it may be difficult for you to get the correct entrance in time for the start of the race.

When emailing the race director please make sure that the email address rockhillstriders@gmail.com is in your approved sender list or make sure you check your spam folder for emails from that address.

Please note the race start times 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM..  Bib pickup will begin at 7:00 AM at the Rush Pavilion at the ASC Greenway.  Directions are in the section below.  There will be pre-race meetings to discuss the course and other details 15 minutes before the race start..

Aid stations will approximately be at the 4 and 8 (fluid only) mile markers, as well as at the start/finish.   The aid stations will be stocked with the usual ultra food (candy, pretzels, water, Gatorade, etc.)  Runners will be asked to carry at least one water bottle.

This 50K is fairly challenging and we need to be out of the park by dark. No runners will be allowed to start the third loop after 2:00 PM, which mean you need to be at the aid station before that.  This gives 6 hours to do the first two loops. Please be respectful of the volunteers. This is a race and all entrants are expected to be making an effort to finish as quickly as they are able. As long as you are making an effort (i.e. not strolling, napping, talking on your phone) during the third loop, the volunteers will be glad to support you.  

Directions

From I-77, take Exit 85 and follow Hwy. 160 east towards Fort Mill. After less than a mile, take a left at the stop light at Hwy. 21 and go two miles until you see the Greenway entrance on the right. There are ASC Greenway direction signs at the turn.  The attendant at the gate will direct you to the Rush Pavilion.

SWAG Deadline

Mid-January, 2025, will be the last day to register for the Mill Stone 50K races and guarantee your swag size. Registration is open until February 5, 2025, but all sizes might not be available.

Packet Pickup

There will be early packet pickup at a location to be determined

Refund Policy

There are no refunds, transfers, or deferrals allowed for any reason including race cancellation, injury, travel, life events, or anything else.. Entry fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, starting well in advance of the race date – including course preparation, race supplies, permits and administration. We pledge to make every effort to produce a fair and safe event for all participants. Any decision we make that impacts potential cancellation is carefully considered and based on the overall event safety and manageability. Please see the Inclement Weather section for more information on cancellations.

Awards

There will be overall male and female award for the 50k and the 10M.  50k finishers will receive a custom medal.

Inclement Weather

The event will be held rain or shine, however, severe weather conditions such as ice and snow may require some contingency planning. Please monitor the weather and any communications sent out from the race director and make sure you are prepared. There may be a change to the start time of the race, for instance.

If the conditions are dangerous, the ASC Greenway may close the facility. In that case, we will try to move to a makeup date to be determined, most like the next weekend.

Notifications about conditions, weather, cancellations and other information will be sent by email, posted on the Rock Hill Striders website and on the group Facebook page.

Mill Stone Loop Preview Run

There will be a preview run of the Mill Stone Loop, the course for the Mill Stone 50K and 10M in mid-January, 2025, at 8:30 AM starting at the Gateway Canteen at the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Greenway membership, or the daily use fee, is required (that is not the case on race day, where it is included in the entry fee).

Course maps and pace groups will be available. Come out and check out the course.

Event's current local time: 2:57 AM ET