Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon
About this race
Jones Gap Half Marathon – A Scenic Journey Through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area 🌲
The Upstate Race Series invites you to the breathtaking Jones Gap State Park for the Annual Jones Gap Half Marathon! Get ready for an unforgettable 13.1-mile adventure through one of South Carolina’s most serene natural settings 🌿. This year’s course takes you on an awe-inspiring route that showcases the stunning Rainbow Falls 🌈, a section of the Rim of the Gap Trail 🌄, and the iconic Little Pinnacle Mountain 🏔️—all set against the backdrop of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Jones Gap State Park offers a peaceful retreat deep within the mountains 🏞️. Nestled within 13,000 acres of pristine woodlands 🌳, the park is part of the larger Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which connects with Caesar’s Head State Park. The trails here invite you to explore the beauty of nature 🍃, with connections to the Foothills Trail and Palmetto Trail—two of the most beloved hiking paths in South Carolina 🥾. Along the way, you’ll pass Rainbow Falls, experience the rush of the Middle Saluda River 🌊, and be immersed in a wilderness that feels both untamed and timeless. As you journey through this incredible landscape, you’ll be treated to the sights of waterfalls 💦, miles of untouched hiking trails 🛤️, and a variety of wildlife 🦅. The rugged terrain will challenge you, while the natural beauty will keep you moving forward with awe and inspiration.
Race Day Details
What: Jones Gap Half Marathon 🏃♂️
When: Race starts at 8:00 AM ⏰
Where: River Falls Lodge (just outside Jones Gap State Park) 🏕️
Address: River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661 📍
Packet Pickup: River Falls Lodge (Start/Finish Line) @ 7:00 AM 🎽
Course Map: Strava Course Map - HERE
With a total elevation gain of 2,000 feet ⛰️, the course begins with a stretch of road leading into Jones Gap before it ascends onto a series of challenging single-track trails 🏞️. Prepare for stunning views, including Rainbow Falls 🌈💦, and a climb to Little Pinnacle Mountain 🏔️. The trail’s breathtaking beauty and the uphill climbs will test your endurance 💪, but the scenery will make every step worthwhile 🌄.
Parking & Address
Runners can park at River Falls Lodge Rd, Marietta, SC 29661 🚗. We recommend carpooling to reduce congestion 🚙. Packet pickup will also take place at this location 📦.
Aid Stations
There will be ONLY 2 aid stations at Mile 2 and Mile 11
Available items may include: pickles 🥒, cookies 🍪, chips 🥨, assorted candy 🍬, fig newtons 🍪, and pretzels 🥨. Hydration options: water 💧, coke 🥤, and ginger ale 🥤. Cup-less Event: Please bring your own hydration vessel 🏞️. We also accept aid station donations of food items you’d like to see at the race! 🍫
Prepare for a day filled with scenic beauty 🌿, a challenging course 🏃♀️, and the spirit of adventure 🌟. The Jones Gap Half Marathon is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature 🌲 while testing your endurance 💪.
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Trail running
Jones Gap Half Marathon
Typical race-day weather
Based on 9 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Marietta, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 7:10 AM and sets at 7:41 PM local time (EDT) in Marietta on September 12, 2026 — 12h 30m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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2026 results — Jones Gap Trail Half Marathon
Jones Gap Half Marathon · 131 finishers
| Place | Name | Time | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colin Massey | 2:25:52 | 11:08 /mi |
| 2 | Hunter Tart | 2:28:08 | 11:18 /mi |
| 3 | Richard Airey | 2:39:20 | 12:10 /mi |
| 4 | Casey Durbin | 2:40:31 | 12:15 /mi |
| 5 | Sara Walker | 2:45:04 | 12:36 /mi |
Every finisher is on the results page, filterable by distance, gender and age group.
All results by year
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Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 4 Marietta events
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