Check out upcoming local races to sign up for. | Photo provided by Lexington Medical Center
Whether you’re an experienced runner or just looking to get more steps in around Columbia, here are some of this year’s upcoming road races + several other local walking locations to keep you active throughout the year.
Upcoming road races to register for
Dog Daze 5K | Saturday, Feb. 7
A pet-friendly race for runners who don’t want to leave their pups behind that benefits Animal Mission of the Midlands.
Sandhills Trail Race Series | Friday, Feb. 20 + Saturday, Feb. 21
Prefer dirt over pavement? This trail race at Sesquicentennial State Park offers multiple distance options through the woody and sandy terrain.
Get to the Green 5K | Saturday, March 14.
Part of Cola’s signature St. Pat’s in Five Points Festival, the festive annual race has participants chasing rainbows in pursuit of a pot of gold.
Governor’s Cup Road Race | Friday, April 10 + Saturday, April 11
One of Columbia’s longest-running races offers multiple distances.
Presented by USC Continuing Education and Conferences
From career advancement to personal exploration, USC Continuing Education and Conferences creates dynamic learning experiences that empower students, professionals, and lifelong learners. | Photos by University of South Carolina
Did you know?USC Continuing Education and Conferences offers a dynamic portfolio of programs and services designed to inspire curiosity, build skills, and support growth at every stage of life.
Advance your career
Through professional education programs, participants can gain targeted training, industry-relevant certificates, and practical skills to stay competitive in today’s workforce.
Explore new passions
Personal interest courses invite lifelong learners to dive into creative, cultural, and enrichment-based topics — purely for the joy of learning.
Engage the next generation
The American Camp Association–accredited Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series provides students in grades 6-12 with hands-on, experiential summer learning that sparks curiosity and confidence.
USC’s expert event planning team and state-of-the-art University Conference Center deliver full-service support for academic, corporate, and community events.
Whether building careers, exploring interests, preparing students, or hosting meaningful gatherings, USC Continuing Education and Conferences empowers learners and leaders to thrive.
Silver Spoon Tavern, a new Indian restaurant from chef Jebakumar Jebaraj, is opening soon on Rosewood Drive in the former Alley Street Eats space. The new restaurant will serve dishes such as biriyani, dosas, and clay-oven-cooked tandoori and is expected to open in early February. (Free Times)
Development
The State took an inside look at the updates happening at Williams-Brice Stadium. Phase One of the $350 million three-phase project wraps up this August with wider concourses, more restrooms, and new student space. (The State)
Edu
5 Star Dental Academy is now open on Stoneridge Drive, offering hands-on training and job placement support for future dental assistants. Founded by Cassandra Brown, the program helps students launch careers in the growing dental field.
Listen
Free Times and The Post and Courier teamed up with 100+ music insiders to rank the top albums from SC artists in 2025. The list highlights 20 standout albums from across the music scene.
Concert
International vocalist Alfreda Gerald will headline Harbison Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 17 with a tribute concert honoring Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. Settle in to hear performances of hits like “Respect” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It.”
Real Estate
Ground-floor retail space is now pre-leasing at Palmetto Place, a new student housing project at Huger and Blossom Streets. The ~5,300-sqft space is expected to be ready by August — just in time for USC’s fall move-in.
Shop
Never sacrifice comfort for style again thanks to this elevated casual cardigan. With a lightweight + layerable design, the versatile piece is perfect for year-round wear. Need something a little cozier? We love this wool blend option with gold button detailing.*
Thousands gathered along Meeting Street near the Gervais Street bridge last Saturday to greet as two dozen Buddhist monks and their dog, Aloka, as they marched for peace to the State House on their way to Washington, D.C.
Once at the State House, the Buddhist monks stood in line on the steps before a sea of people and where they were presented with a proclamation from Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and state Sen. Deon Tedder declaring Saturday, Jan. 10, “Walk for Peace Day” in Columbia. From there, the walk continued north on Main Street, where they stayed the night.
The best app to learn a new language — now 65% off. With Babbel, just 10 minutes a day is enough to start speaking a new language and keep a New Year’s resolution that actually sticks. Fit bite-sized lessons, engaging podcasts, and interactive speaking practice into your morning routine, commute, or coffee break.*
If you prefer evening walks to 5Ks, Columbia Girls Who Walk might be the group for you. The weekly meetup is tomorrow, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Saluda Riverwalk, and it’s a great way to meet new people and get those steps in.
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