Athlete Race Guide

This guide covers everything you need to know for race week: packet pickup, start times, parking, course maps, and post-race details. Please review before race day.

Event Schedule

Friday, May 9
• 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Packet Pickup @ Fr8yard (125 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29302)

Saturday, May 10 – Race Day
• 7:30 AM – Packet Pickup opens @ Fr8yard
• 8:15 AM – Kids Fun Run staging and age group organization
• 8:30 AM – Kids Fun Run Start
• 8:45 AM – Packet Pickup closes
• 9:00 AM – 10K Start
• 9:20 AM – 5K Start
• 10:20 AM – Post-Race Celebration & Awards @ Fr8yard

Packet Pickup

Location (Both Days):
Fr8yard – 125 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29302

Friday, May 9: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 10: 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM (closes promptly)

What to Bring:
• Your QR code (from your confirmation email — digital copy works great)
• We’ll re-send it Friday morning for easy access
• To pick up for someone else, you’ll need their QR code

What You’ll Receive:
• Race bib (color-coded by distance)
• Race shirt (selected during registration)
• Drink/Popsicle ticket (attached to bib)

Race Day Logistics

Start/Finish Line:
Fr8yard – 125 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29302

Parking:
Free parking is available nearby. Main Street closes at 2:00 AM Saturday.

Recommended garages:
• Dunbar Street Garage – 156 Dunbar St
• Kennedy Street Garage – 160 E Kennedy St

Restrooms:
Portable restrooms will be located inside Fr8yard.

Bag Drop:
No official bag drop. Please secure valuables in your vehicle.

Weather:
Rain or shine. Severe weather updates will be sent via email and social media.

Course Info

Courses are professionally measured and marked.

Aid Stations:
• 5K – One water stop
• 10K – Two water stops

Safety Support:
Over 20 uniformed police officers will manage intersections and ensure runner safety along the course.

Course Maps

Kids Fun Run

Open to all registered children ages 12 and under. The Kids Fun Run starts and finishes at Fr8yard. All participants must check in to receive their race bib.

At 8:15 AM, kids will be grouped by age. Volunteers from Hope Center for Children will escort each group to the start and guide them through the finish.

Age Divisions:
• Ages 2 & Under – “Tiny Trotters” (~50yards, with parent encouraged)
• Ages 3–5 – “Little Sprinters” (~100 yards)
• Ages 6–8 – “Fast Starters” (~200 yards)
• Ages 9–12 – “Speed Racers” (~300 yards)

All finishers receive a medal and a popsicle.
Note: Kids may join whichever group feels right for them.

Finish Line Experience

All runners finish just outside Fr8yard.

Drink & Popsicle Ticket:
• Redeem your bib-attached ticket for one cocktail or popsicle
• Must be 21+ for alcoholic beverages

Awards Ceremony:
• Begins at 10:20 AM inside Fr8yard (starting with 5K awards)
• Overall and age group winners recognized
• Hosted by JDew with crowd engagement and giveaways

FAQs

Is the race timed?
Yes — both the 5K and 10K are chip-timed. Your time starts when you cross the start line. Results will be posted live at LWYL5k.com

Can I switch distances?
If space allows, you may change your distance online before race day.

Can I pick up someone else’s packet?
Yes — just bring their QR code (digital copy is fine).

Can I run with a stroller or dog?
Strollers are welcome, but start near the back.
Dogs are not allowed on the course due to USATF sanctioning — and yes, we wish we could allow the friendly ones too.

Will there be water on the course?
Yes. One water stop on the 5K, two on the 10K.

What if it rains?
The race is rain or shine. Critical updates will be shared via email and social media.

Where should I park?
Dunbar Street or Kennedy Street Garages — both are close to the start/finish area.