News

A Spring Outdoor Recreation Festival and Celebration of Trails

Get ready for an action-packed day of trail racing, outdoor adventures and festival vibes at Blue Star Blitz on Saturday, March 15. This outdoor recreation festival at the Anne Springs Close Greenway^SM offers something for everyone, from first-time racers to seasoned athletes to those looking to soak up the energetic atmosphere and enjoy 2,100 acres of unspoiled nature.

This year’s event promises an unforgettable experience for trail lovers of all ages and skill levels. Participants can choose from a variety of events:

• Scenic 5K or 10K Trail Races: Perfect for first-timers and experienced runners alike.
• 5K Hike Challenge: Explore a marked course at your own pace (Untimed).
• Adventure Race (New!): This thrilling addition includes natural challenges and multi-sport opportunities for teams and individuals, with options for 2-hour and 4-hour competitions. Navigate trails to find as many checkpoints as possible within the time limit (mountain bike required for 4-hour competition). A family-friendly untimed adventure race provides opportunities for the youngest adventurers to get involved at their own pace.

All courses wind through the ecologically diverse woodlands, rolling hills and scenic trails that showcase the beauty and variety of the Greenway, giving participants a chance to connect with nature while conquering athletic challenges.

After crossing the finish line—or if racing isn’t for you—kick back at the Lake Haigler entrance and enjoy live music, craft brews from local Fort Mill and Charlotte area breweries, and delicious eats from the Greenway Canteen. This venue also provides easy access to the Schroering Forest Playground, perfect for families attending with young children.

“Blue Star Blitz isn’t just a race—it’s a community celebration of outdoor adventure and connection,” said Chelsea Chesser, Outdoor Programs Director. “We are excited about moving the event to the Lake Haigler Entrance for an even more convenient and enjoyable experience, as well as the much-anticipated addition of adventure races.”

Whether you are a seasoned athlete, an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day with friends and family, the Blue Star Blitz offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to join the fun and create lasting memories in the heart of nature.

Blue Star Blitz:

When: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 8:00am-3:00pm

Location: Lake Haigler Entrance, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC

Registration: https://www.ascgreenway.org/events/signature-events/blue-star-blitz/ Race-day opportunities starting at $16. Spectators are welcome.

About Anne Springs Close Greenway

Nestled amid beautiful lakes and hardwood forests, the Anne Springs Close Greenway℠ is a natural preserve more than twice the size of Central Park. Minutes south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC, its 2,100 acres serve as a natural buffer from urban development and provide a wide-open space for countless activities – from hiking, biking and horseback riding to picnics, kayaking and more. The land has ties to the Catawba Indians and the Civil War and has been permanently preserved for public use. The children of Anne Springs Close donated the land in honor of her lifelong commitment to recreation and the environment to provide a natural landscape for the community to enjoy. The Greenway℠ contains native plants and animals, historic buildings, a 40-mile network of trails, Greenway Gateway welcome center and facilities for weddings and other special events. As a non-profit organization, it depends on memberships, program fees, as well as private donations to support annual operations. The Greenway is owned and operated by Leroy Springs & Company Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that receives no government funding for its ongoing operations and programs.

###