Spurs Up Sprint

Join the USC Alumni Association for the Spurs Up Sprint 5K presented by Prisma Health on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 8:30 a.m (Kid’s Fun Run begins at 8 a.m).

In addition to the 5K, we’re also hosting a Kid’s Fun Run so the little Gamecocks in your life can participate in the fun! It will be a half mile out and back from the Alumni Center down Lincoln St. to Gervais and back. Registration for the Kid’s Fun Run is $10 and includes a race shirt.

This year, we’re offering two ways to participate. If you’re in or near the Columbia area, join us in person at the Pastides Alumni Center to race through campus. If you don’t live in South Carolina, no worries! You can still participate in the virtual 5K and have your race packet mailed.

All ability levels are invited to participate. Walk or run with the whole family or grab your friends for some healthy competition for a good cause. All proceeds from the Spurs Up Sprint will benefit student scholarships.

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

All proceeds from the Spurs Up Sprint will support student scholarships. 

  • USC Black Alumni Council’s Richard T. Greener Scholarship
  • Legacy Scholarship
  • USC Veterans Alumni Council’s Gamecock Veteran Salute to Service Scholarship
  • USC LGBTQ+ Alumni Council’s Inclusive Excellence Scholarship
A look back at the 2023 Spurs Up Sprint

REGISTRATION                                                                                                            

We encourage all participants to register early to take advantage of our early bird pricing. Prices to register increase on the following dates:

$25 through Dec 31, 2023

$30 through January 20, 2024

$35 through February 15, 2024

$45 through race day March 2, 2024 (cannot guarantee shirt after 2/15)

RACE ROUTE

The Spurs Up Sprint route is USATF certified. See below for an outline of the route provided by Strictly Running. You can also download a PDF version here.

Race route for 2023 Spurs Up Sprint

The Kid’s Fun Run will be a half mile out and back, beginning and ending at the Pastides Alumni Center. Kids will run with a volunteer guide down Lincoln St. to Gervais St. and back to the Alumni Center. Registration for the Kid’s Fun Run is $10 and includes a race shirt.

POST RACE CELEBRATION

We’ll provide post-race snacks and photo opportunities for you right after the race concludes at the front steps of the Pastides Alumni Center! Winners in each age group will also be recognized at this time.

SWAG

All early bird, January and February race registration entries come with a Spurs Up Sprint t-shirt and a finishers medal. Register before February 15, 2024 to guarantee your shirt size — quantities will go fast!

Drop by the Pastides Alumni Center (900 Senate St.) on between 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 to receive your race packet at the Spurs Up Sprint Race Expo!

There will be no packet pick-up on race day. The participant or a representative of the participant must claim their race packet on Friday, March 1.

KID’S FUN RUN

Kid’s Fun Run Registration | $10 through race day, March 2, 2024

The Kid’s Fun Run will be a quarter mile, beginning at the corner of Lincoln St. and Pendleton St. and ending at the corner of Lincoln St. and Senate St. at the front steps of the Pastides Alumni Center. Kids will run with a volunteer guide. Registration for the Kid’s Fun Run is $10 and includes a race shirt.

PRIZES

The Spurs Up Sprint finishers’ ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Pastides Alumni Center. The winner of each age group will receive a prize.

For virtual race participants, one winner will be randomly selected to win a prize and will be contacted by email and phone.

In-person and virtual race winners will be announced in the April 2024 Alumni Association e-newsletter.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST

We encourage you to wear your Gamecock gear and race bib while you run!

Snap a selfie in your gear and tag @uofscalumni and #SpursUpSprint for a chance to be featured on our social media accounts! The participant in the best Gamecock gear will win a prize.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the Spurs Up Sprint?

Saturday, March 2, 2024

What distance is the Spurs Up Sprint?

The Spurs Up Sprint is a 5K (3.1 miles).

How do I register for the race?

Is the race in Columbia?

This year, you have two ways to participate. If you are in or near the Columbia area, join us in person at the Pastides Alumni Center to race through campus. If you don’t live in South Carolina, no worries! You can still participate in the virtual 5K and have your race packet mailed.

Who can run/walk the Spurs Up Sprint?

Everyone! You, your mom, cousin, son, neighbor—we’ll even allow Clemson fans (just don’t tell Cocky)!

How do I get my race packet?

Drop by the Pastides Alumni Center (900 Senate St.) between 4 and 7 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 to receive your race packet at the Spurs Up Sprint Race Expo!

There will be no packet pick-up on race day. The participant or a representative of the participant must claim their race packet on Friday, March 1.

Virtual 5K race packets will be mailed by March 31, 2024.

What do I get in my race packet?

You will receive your race bib and an exclusive Spurs Up Sprint t-shirt.

You must register by February 15, 2024 to guarantee shirt and medal availability.

What does the registration fee go toward?

All revenue from your race registration goes to support USC student scholarships!

How do I submit my virtual race results?

If you completed the 2024 Spurs Up Sprint virtually, submit your race results by midnight EST on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

What are the rules for the social media contest?

Get decked out in your best Gamecock gear and your race bib.
Take photos before and/or after your run/walk. Post your photos on social media, tag us @uofscalumni and use #SpursUpSprint. The participant in the best Gamecock race gear (don’t forget your race bib!) will win a prize!

How can I participate in more USC Alumni Association events?

View our upcoming events here!

How can I join the USC Alumni Association?

Can I run the Kid’s Fun Run with my child?

Of course! While there will be a volunteer running with the children, parents and guardians are welcome to run the route with their kid(s).