Spurs Up Sprint

Join the USC Alumni Association for the Spurs Up Sprint 5K race presented by Prisma Health on Saturday, March 4, 2023 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

REGISTRATION                                                                                                            

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION | $25

Through Dec. 31, 2022

JANUARY REGISTRATION | $35

Through Jan. 31, 2023

FEBRUARY REGISTRATION | $40

Through Feb. 28, 2023

MARCH REGISTRATION | $45

Through race day, March 4, 2023

*Cannot guarantee shirt and medal.

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

In the lobby, we’ll provide post-race snacks and also have some photo ops for you, including an interactive photo booth. You don’t want to miss out!

SWAG

All early bird, January and February race registration entries come with a Spurs Up Sprint t-shirt and a finishers medal. We cannot guarantee shirts and medals for March and day-of race registrations. Be sure to register early for a discount and to ensure you receive your Spurs Up Sprint swag!

You have two options for in-person race packet pickup at the Pastides Alumni Center:

  • Friday, March 3, Noon – 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 4, 7 – 7:45 a.m.

Participating in the virtual 5K? Your Spurs Up Sprint race packet will be mailed to you by March 31, 2023.

KID’S FUN RUN

Kid’s Fun Run Registration | $10

  • Through race day, March 4, 2023

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 2023 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 4, 2023

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?

You have two options for in-person race packet pickup at the Pastides Alumni Center:

1. Friday, March 3, Noon – 5:30 pm

2. Saturday, March 4, 7 – 7:45 a.m.

If you’re participating in the virtual 5K, your Spurs Up Sprint race packet will be mailed to you by March 31, 2023.

What do I get in my race packet?

– Race bib

– Spurs Up Sprint shirt

– Finisher medal

You must register by February 28, 2023 to guarantee shirt and medal availability.

What does the registration fee go toward?

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

How do I submit my virtual race results?

If you completed the 2023 Spurs Up Sprint virtually, submit your race results by midnight EST on Thursday, March 31, 2023.

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).