Lace up for a mission, not just a race, at the Prisoner of War Trail Race on October 24, 2026, in Spartanburg, SC. This compelling event, hosted within the historic grounds of Croft State Park, offers distances of 50K, 25K, and an 8-mile scout challenge, transforming a standard trail run into a profound tribute to military veterans and POWs. The rugged, 7,000-acre South Carolina backcountry of Camp Croft, once a vital World War II training camp, provides a technical course featuring roots, rocks, and significant elevation changes, truly testing your grit and endurance. The course itself is a figure-eight loop, with 50K runners tackling two full loops, 25K participants completing one, and the 8-mile race covering the northern section.

Runners can anticipate typical race day conditions with highs around 73F and lows near 45F, with a minimal 12% chance of precipitation. The experience is designed to foster camaraderie, where strangers often become teammates bound by honor. A single, centralized aid station at the start/finish, located at the Activity Center, serves as your "ration point" and checkpoint each loop, stocked with a variety of snacks including pickles, cookies, chips, fig newtons, pretzels, and assorted candies, alongside water, Coke, and Ginger Ale. This is a cup-less event, so bring your own hydration vessel.

The Prisoner of War Trail Race is more than just a physical challenge; it's a tactical engagement with nature and purpose, echoing the spirit of "Honor. Endurance. Never Retreat." Participants can stage personal tents and drop bags at a designated base camp area, ensuring support throughout their endeavor. Finishers are awarded custom medals, stickers, and exclusive race crew socks, culminating in post-race "rations" and a "barracks bash" at the Activity Center, allowing for a well-deserved celebration of accomplishment and remembrance.