Sassafras 8k

Sassafras Mountain - Rocky Bottom Retreat Center

Join us for a Sunrise at the Sassafras Struggle! Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina, with an elevation of 3,560 feet. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the border of Pickens and Oconee counties, and is part of the Jocassee Gorges region. The mountain is a popular spot for hiking and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. Sassafras Mountain is also home to the Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, which provides a panoramic view of the Jocassee Gorges & Table Rock. 

Come run a scenic 8k race that summits Sassafras Mountain!  From the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center we will climb 5 miles to the HIGHEST PEAK in South Carolina! Sassafras Mountain stands at 3,554 feet above sea level and edges the North/South Carolina state line border! This will serve as the toughest road race in the state and you will get a front row view of the most beautiful overlooks in the entire state as you reach the lookout tower! Shuttles will be available and will depart every 10 minutes from the Sassafras mountain top back down the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center.

Race Information

• What: Sassafras 8k

• Where: Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center - 123 Hancock Rd, Sunset, SC 29685

• When: March 8th, 2025

• Packet Pickup: 1 Hour Prior to your race start time at the Rocky Bottom Retreat Center

• Event Shirts - Our local apparel vendor (Graphic Cow) will be processing all shirt orders. Please follow the link below to pre-order a shirt from the list of races. All race specific shirts will be mailed directly to your home address after the event to commemorate your race experience! The store link will be open until the Monday after each race.

  • SHIRT ORDER FORM HERE

Event Schedule & Course Map

• Sassafras 8k 9:00am 

  • 5 Miles on ROAD all the way to the top of Sassafras Mountain! 

    • Course Map HERE - Elevation Gain - 2000 Feet

Race Awards, Age Group Point Series, Chip Timing

• Top 3 Male and Female Overall

• Top 3 Male & Female Age Group

• Age Group Categories

  • 0-9

  • 10-12

  • 13-16

  • 17-19

  • 20-29

  • 30-34

  • 35-39

  • 40-44

  • 45-49

  • 50-54

  • 55-59

  • 60-64

  • 65-69

  • 70-79

  • 80+

• Upstate Road Series - Age Group Point Series Standings - HERE (8k Road)