5 Fun Races for Families this Spring in the Upstate

Are you looking for a kid-friendly race in Greenville this season? Check out this list of some of the fun races for the whole family.

Greenville is a great place to go for a run, a jog or a walk. The weather is fairly cooperative, even during the colder winter months, to run outside all year round. But as the trees bloom and the milder temperatures are more predictable, getting in daily exercise is pretty easy and enjoyable. If you have little ones and a jogging stroller, running is a great way to get in a workout and entertain your kids. While you may not be as fast as you are without the jogger, entering a local race is a fun way to enjoy the great weather, meet other runners, and run your way around Greenville.

Most in-person races allow jogging strollers and only ask that they start in the back of the pack as to not be a safety hazard to other runners, but just double-check the race websites to be sure. There are plenty of excellent opportunities in the next few months for parents and kids to enjoy the excitement of race day (if nothing else, the free t-shirt and granola bar at the end of a race is enough to get me to go).

Never ran a race before? They are a lot of fun and incorporate a nice camaraderie among participants: “We are all going to be in a lot of pain soon!” If you’d like to give it a shot, the popular Couch to 5K program is a good way to get started.

We’ve created a list of upcoming races in the Greenville area, some of which were tipped off to us by our awesome Kidding Around Greenville readers.

Upcoming In-Person Races Near Greenville, SC

Greenville Half Marathon & 5K
5K, Half Marathon
February 22, 2025
Each of these races start at different spots along the Swamp Rabbit Trail and then follow it to a finish in downtown Greenville. The 5K starts at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and the half marathon begins in Travelers Rest.

Dubbed the “fastest half marathon in the south” this half marathon is all downhill! While there is no kids’ race this year, we’d be remiss to exclude this popular event from our list. They are expecting 1,000 5K participants and 2,000 for the half marathon. Registration for the half is $75-115 depending on when you register and $25-45 for the 5K.

Race for the Green
Kids Fun Run, 5K, Half Marathon
March 15, 2025
Seneca, SC

Registration is free for the Kids Fun Run, $40 for the 5K, and $85 for the half marathon. This race will have you zooming through the streets of Seneca, which is about an hour from Greenville. Don’t forget to rock your best green running gear!

Chase the Rainbow 5K
5K Run and Walk
March 15, 2025
Holland Park, 813 Laurens Rd, Greenville

Gear up in your luckiest green garb for this race that begins and ends at Holland Park. Registration is $29 for the 5K.

Tunnel to Towers
5K Run & Walk
April 12, 2025
Serene Stadium, 100 Cleveland Street, Greenville

This race benefits injured first responders, military heroes, and their families. Registration is $10 for kids 12 & under, $20 for kids 13 – 17 years old, $30 for first responders and military, and $35 for adults. Registration increases after March 11th, 2025.

Red White & Brew 5K
5K
July 5, 2025
Brewery 85, 6 Whitlee Court, Greenville

Put on your most patriotic paraphernalia for this race that begins and ends at Brewery 85. Registration is $24.

Running of the Goats 5K and Nature Walk
5K
NOT BEING HELD IN 2025 DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE DAMAGE
WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville

The 5K starts and ends at the WNC Nature Center and the goats will be cheering you on, which we think is really the best reason to sign up for this race. Registration is $35-$45 depending on when you register. You can also do the race virtually.

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For other races – some stroller friendly and others not – see this list of races within 25 miles of Greenville over the year.

Are you participating in a race in the upcoming months or did we miss your favorite run? Tell us in the comments!