New for 2026
There are several new things happening with BALS Racing in 2026, and we are stoked.
1) We are proud of our military and what they do to give us all the freedoms we have. Starting in 2026 and into the future all current/veterans of the military will receive 15% off with code: Military15
2) We are starting the BALS Foundation for 2026 and beyond. The BALS Foundation will provide healthy organic food to children and their families in need. 10% of the profits for each race will go towards the foundation.
3) The BALS (Be Active. Live Spontaneous.) Athletic Wear will be launching a rebrand with new designs throughout the year!
Carolina Thread
Welcome to the 2nd annual Carolina Thread 8/4 hour race at Westminster Park. Put on by BALS (Be Active. Live Spontaneous.) Racing, we will be utilizing part of the Westminster Park Trail system.
There is a beautiful 1.75 mile loop with approximately 155ft of elevation gain/loss per loop that we will traverse throughout the park. The 8 hour option gives you a great opportunity to accomplish your first 50K or set a PR. The 4 hour option gives you a stellar opportunity to tackle your first half marathon and more. Bring a friend or two and enjoy the beautiful spring weather on your journey.
There is amble space near the start/finish line (huge open field) for runners to set up their crewing areas for the race. You will be able to start setting up at 6:00AM on race morning Saturday, May 2, 2025.
This new venue allows us to have a huge playground for children to play, acres of open fields to run around in, an 18 hole frisbee disc golf course which is holding the National Collegiate Championships, restroom facilities, fishing along the river with a license, and a huge pavilion that would keep at least a hundred runners from any crazy elements.
Aid Station
BALS Racing is a huge advocate for healthy food...remember "Food is Fuel". There will be one aid station set up at the start/finish line with all organic food (fruit, chips, candy, cookies, etc.). Water and Tailwind will also be provided to keep everyone hydrated during their journey. Throughout the day we will be cooking hot organic food (protein pancakes, grilled cheese, cheese quesadillas, etc)...therefore no one should ever be hungry.
Swag Bag and Awards
The Swag Bag will consist of:
- Truckers Hat
- BALS Sticker
- Just Ingredients electrolytes
- A few other goodies
All finishers will receive:
- Etched Coffee Mug
- Handmade Medal from Brie Los
- Carolina Thread 8hr/4hr Sticker
The top 3 male/female in the 8 and 4 hour races will receive a custom handmade award from Brie Los and www.wickedskinsawards.com to take home.
** Please sign up before April 14, 2026 to guarantee yourself a medal. Brie Los hand makes every medal and award. They do not magically appear. Check out her work… YOU WILL WANT A MEDAL!
** Yes, we are bringing the riddles back. There will be two riddles somewhere on the course and the first participant to answer correctly will win a gift certificate from Charlotte Running Company!!
Packet Pick Up
Packet pick up will take place Friday, May 1, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00PM.
Location: Charlotte Running Company (Riverwalk), 652 Herrons Ferry Road Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC 29730
www.charlotterunning.com
**10% off all merchandise
Located in the same plaza we have teamed up with Ritchie's Italian Bistro, 819 Terrace Park Suite 103, Rock Hill, SC 29730
www.ritchiesitalianbistro.com
**15% off your order on Friday
And also Saturday, May 2, 2026 (Start/Finish line) from 6:30 - 7:30AM.
Pacers
Pacers are not allowed. We will allow exceptions on a case-by-case basis if there is a special need. Only Steven Lutjens (BALS Racing) can authorize the exception.
Lodging
BALS Racing supports local businesses. Please look into a local AirBNB or a similar search for your lodging.
Refund Policy
This event will happen rain or shine...except for earthquakes, wildfires, snow storms, tropical storms, and tigers taking over the course causing the race to be shut down or postponed...No refunds will be issued. In the event something from another galaxy far, far away does happen you will be able to transfer your registration to the following year or to another runner if the new date does not work for you.
Pregnancy Deferral: BALS Racing loves mother runners and family comes first. If you find out you’re pregnant and don't feel comfortable running the race anymore we offer a 1 year deferral so you can come back and rock & roll your journey when you are ready! You also have the option of transferring your bib to another runner.
If you need to transfer your bib to another runner, you can do so up to 5 days out from the race on ultrasignup.
Spirit Animal
Each race will have a 'spirit animal' that my daughters choose. For this race it is a:
Tiger... Why: Tigers are the largest and one of the strongest in the cat family. Each tiger has a unique set of stripes that no other have.. As each of you are unique on your journey and we are stoked at BALS Racing to see you push your limits to find new limits! You will see a tiger theme with your swag and awards.
Companies we Trust:
Event's current local time: 1:25 PM ET
