Prisoner of War Trail Race (50k - 25k - 8mi)

🏞️ Prisoner of War Ultra

🌲 Camp Croft State Park - Spartanburg SC

“The prisoner, having reached the depth of his depression, gradually reawakens to the life around him. He licks himself and his wounded pride, opens his eyes, and finds that far away on the horizon there is still a ray of sunlight left.”

Event Overview:

• Organizer: Upstate Race Series presents the Annual Prisoner of War Ultra.
• Location: Held at Camp Croft State Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
• Historic Significance: Camp Croft was an Infantry Training camp established in the 1940s.
• Soldier Training: Over 200,000 soldiers were trained here during World War II.

Race Experience:

• Challenge: A thrilling "Prisoner of War" Trail Series in rugged terrain.
• Distance Options: Choose from 8-mile, 25k, and 50k race options.
• Scenic Views: Experience breathtaking scenery in the heart of South Carolina.
• Honoring Heroes: Pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of military heroes.

Join Us:

• Community Spirit: Feel the camaraderie with fellow participants who share your passion.
• Meaningful Impact: Make an impact by supporting our military veterans.
• Fitness Levels: Suitable challenges for every fitness level with various distances.
• Legacy: Become part of the "Prisoner of War" Trail Series legacy.

Location History:

• Park Size: This 7,000-acre park was formerly a U.S. Army training camp.
• Establishment: Camp Croft was established in 1941 under U.S. Senator James F. Byrne.
• Training Base: Approximately 60,000 troops were trained here each year from 1941 to 1946.
• Park Opening: Camp Croft State Park opened in 1949 after the camp's closure.

📅 Event Details

• What: 50k, 25k, 8 Mile Race
• Where: Croft State Park
• Address: 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302
• When: All Races Start at 8am
• Packet Pickup: Begins one hour prior to the race at the activity center and main parking area

Click for Strava Course Map - HERE

Course Overview: The course will consist of a 25k "Figure 8" Loop. The 50k runners will perform the loop twice. The 25k Runners will perform a single loop and the 8-mile runners will perform the top side of the "Figure 8" loop on the north side of the state park. Signs will be posted and all runners will check in at the middle of the "Figure 8," which will be held at the Activity Center adjacent to participant parking.

🛖 Personal Tent Set Up & Drop Bags

Athletes who are not camping are permitted to have a drop bag or personal tent near the aid station. Please be mindful to place your personal belongings off the course as to not impede the runners, the flow of traffic, or other race participants. The start and finish line loop will serve as the official drop bag area designation. When you are finished with your race please "pack in and pack out" making the host facility look better than you found it.

📍 Address

Runners can enter the park at the following address: 450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Once you enter the park please follow the signs to the main park office adjacent to Campground loop 1 & 2. Any additional parking can be found adjacent to the horse stables and will be marked accordingly.

🥤 Aid Stations

There is one aid station on course that will be located at the start/finish. Items may include: pickles, cookies, chips, assorted candy, fig newtons, & pretzels. Hydration will include water, coke, and ginger ale. If you would like to donate an aid station supply of something that we do not offer or that is homemade feel free! Cup-less Event: Please provide your own hydration vessel for use at our aid stations. We gladly accept aid station donations of food items that you like to see at races.

For more information, please visit the race website.