About The Race
**LAST DAY TO REGISTER & GUARANTEE SWAG IS NOVEMBER 15TH**
Check out the Runners Guide Here
Welcome to the Last Chance Trail Race presented by Fleet Feet and Billy Simons Real Estate----this is an exhilarating event set against the stunning backdrop of the Swamp Fox Passage on the Palmetto Trail. Whether you're just starting your trail running journey and are ready to tackle the 10k, an avid trail runner seeking a challenging 25k or a seasoned ultrarunner ready for a 50k adventure, this race offers an unforgettable experience for participants seeking one final challenge before the year concludes.
Parking is super limited at this trailhead with only about 15-20 spots. Carpooling is highly encouraged. There is a lot of room on the side of the road to park and walk over to the trailhead.
Youth Runners: email kayla@palmettoultras.com for a 15% discount code for runners 14 years old and younger....we want the whole family to come out to the race!
This race is Trail Sisters & ATRA approved!
Packet Pickup + Pre Race Fun
As of now, packet pick up will ONLY be on the morning of the race from 7-730am at the start/finish line. If that changes we'll let you know asap!
Aid Stations
We'll have the main aid station set up at the start/finish line that will be fully stocked with all your favorite ultra snacks. Think gummy bears, potatoes, crackers, chips, cookies, fresh fruit, water, sports drink, cold sodas, and more! We'll also be serving up some "actual" food throughout the day as well so plan to stick around afterwards and tell us all about your adventures on the trails. Runners and volunteers eat for free. If you have any friends/family coming out for the day you can purchase meal tickets for $5 each when you checkout on ultrasignup. Menu will be announced at a later date
There will also be an aid station at the 7 mile mark (Cane Gully Road) that will be fully stocked with all your favorite ultra snacks, water, cold sodas, and sports drink. 25k runners...you'll continue on for another .75ish miles and then turnaround. Turnaround will be well marked!
And another fully stocked aid station located at the 50k turnaround. You must check in at all aid stations with the volunteers. If no volunteer is present please check the box next to your name so we know you came through.
Porta potties will be located at each of the aid stations as well as the start finish line
Course Overview
This section of the Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail is stunning. The Palmetto Trail utilizes white blazes so in addition to our course markings be on the lookout for those. The passage traverses four distinct ecosystems through Francis Marion National Forest, including swamps made famous as hideouts of Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion.
Yes you're on the East Coast so there are roots so be sure to do that awkward run where you look down but also up at the same time.
This is a flat course and makes for a great race to snag a shiny new PR before the year ends. The 10k has about 20 feet of elevation gain. The 25k has about 180 feet of elevation gain that probably occurs when you walk up some of the boardwalks and the 50k has about 360 feet of elevation gain.
The course is an out and back for each distance.
10k runners will run out 3.1 miles and turn around and head back to the start/finish line
25k runners will run out 7.75 miles before turning around and heading back to the start/finish line
50k runners will run out about 17 miles before turning around and heading back to the start/finish line
Aid stations and porta potties are located at miles 7 and 17. The coordinates are in the Runner Guide so you can share with family/friends who may want to meet you there and cheer you on or resupply you. Please note there is no aid on the 10k route (except start/finish line) so please plan to bring any nutrition/fluids you may need.
Course map also in the Runner Guide
Start Time/Cutoff Times
Race starts at 8am Saturday, December 7th 2024
25k has a cutoff of 6 hours
50k has a cutoff of 12 hours and runners are required to carry a light source with them if you'll be coming in past dark
Swag & Awards
WE have another brand new logo from local artist Marcus Cripps who has been designing all of our incredible new race logos this year and that we will have some awesome swag to showcase it.
Everyone who registers will receive a hooded long sleeve shirt
Runners who finish within the cutoff will also receive a finishers award---stay tuned!
Top 3 male and female finishers in the 10k, 25k and 50k will also receive an award
Cancellation & Refund Policy/ Distance Changes/Bib Transfers
The race will take place rain or shine. There are no refunds. I know this is frustrating but we have to plan and budget for each race. See bib transfer policy below
If you would like to change your distance you must do so before you cross the start line. You can do that here on ultrasignup or in person the morning of the race. There will be no distance changes after that point
If you can't make the event for whatever reason you do have the option to transfer your bib to another runner.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Deferral: We love our mother runners and we get it---family comes first! If you find out your pregnant and don't feel comfortable running the race anymore or your post partum return to running timeline means the race is no longer feasible for you, we offer a 1 year deferral so you can come back and crush it when you're ready! You also have the option of transferring your bib to another runner right here on ultrasignup.
Volunteers
With our volunteer program you can earn free/discounted race entries by helping your fellow runners. 25k runners are welcome to stick around and earn some volunteer hours by helping out with the 50k race! See the volunteer tab to sign up and I'll be in touch as the race gets closer.
12 hours volunteer time= 50% discount on any race entry
24 hours volunteer time = 100% discount on any race entry
These hours can be accumulated over several races
Event's current local time: 5:26 AM ET
