Reputation: Regional SC event.
[01]
Course Overview
Southeast Gravel's season opener in the Sumter National Forest — river crossing included.
73 mi
Distance
4,481 ft
Elevation
Whitmire, South Carolina
Location
March 14, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
$40
Entry Cost
MORE IN SOUTH CAROLINA: Race to Valhalla · Hellhole Gravel Grind Stage Race · Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Alex Runge
Photo: YouTube / Alex RungeSoutheast Gravel race from downtown Whitmire: the 2026 long course is 73 miles with 4,481 feet of gain on the organizer-linked route. The course crosses the river in both directions and uses the tunnels under I-26. Long-course aid stations are at miles 21, 40, and 63.
Signature challenge: No single defining climb — the river crossing (met twice), the I-26 tunnels, and rollers that never let the group settle, capped by a steep pitch into the Whitmire finish.
7
MILE
First Dirt Section
The mass start hits its first gravel sector; the field compresses on loose surface and begins splitting up here.
21
MILE
Aid Station One
First aid station, deep into the Sumter National Forest and hunting-preserve roads.
40
MILE
Aid Station Two — River Crossing & Tunnels
Second aid station, in the stretch that carries the course's signature features: the river crossing (met in both directions) and the tunnels under I-26.
63
MILE
Aid Station Three — Final Push
Third aid station before the run to downtown Whitmire, including a steep late climb through the former shooting-range grounds into the finish.
RIDERS REPORT
First dirt section MI 7
Things start to go nuts with people all over the place and it's pretty hectic. Race really starts to split up here.
Chunky section before I-26 underpass
Really blown out old road bed section that wakes you up and is pretty chunky.
Indian Creek Road transition MI 7
First pavement section almost seven miles in, but the pavement is really rough which makes riding a gravel bike feel worthwhile.
Pretty chunky sections with blown out old road bed that really wakes you up.
Even the pavement sections are really rough, making a gravel bike feel necessary rather than wasteful.
Some gravel sections are smoother than others - varies throughout the course.
[04]
From the Field
Right on cue as the race started we had about a 20 minute downpour to make for some epic conditions. After that it dried up for some fast racing.
Alex Runge · 3.3K views
What makes gravel racing so cool is it's very unpredictable and in one word it's wild. The main thing is because it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the world so you own these roads where there's no cars, no hassle, no danger - only danger is us trying to beat each other.
Southeast Gravel · 13K views
It's 50 gravel and then 50 road so I just want a little extra traction on the road sections because that's probably my only chance. This place is packed, it's absolutely insane - it kind of gives you that sense of hope that there's gonna be something post-covid.
John Croom · 2K views
This place is packed, absolutely insane. Kind of gives you that sense of hope that there's gonna be something post-covid.
John Croom · 2K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
March 14, 2026 GRAVEL BATTLE OF SUMTER FOREST
RIDERS REPORT
Running Gravel King pan racer tires, the slicks in 38mm width at 50 PSI front and 52 PSI rear for the 50% gravel, 50% road mix.
[08]
Train for Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
5
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
6
Technical
6
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Columbia (CAE) 1 hour or Greenville (GSP) 1 hour
Lodging
Whitmire has limited lodging options.
Food
Small town with limited dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
The race goes fast right from the start - expect people to go up the road within the first two miles.
Consider moving to the front before the first dirt section at mile 7 because things get sketchy with the big mass start when everyone hits the dirt.
It's been pretty dry conditions, so slick tires can work well if you want extra traction on the road sections.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
3
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M
Mixed-terrain specialist. Balanced grip and speed for variable conditions.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 68°F and lows of 48°F, with a 42% chance of rain on any given day. March timing avoids summer heat but creates visibility issues. Dust conditions were so severe that Marni "could barely see anything" on gravel sections, forcing her to slow down for safety. "There was a crash on the gravel sometime in the first 10 miles but I think everyone that crashed there finished." More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest?
Downtown Whitmire start provides convenient access, but course hazards reveal organizational gaps. Marni hit "a deep hole (more like a crater) on a pavement-like crossing" at 21mph that rotated her handlebars forward. Dusty gravel sections where "I could barely see anything" forced riders to slow for safety despite the 400-rider field size.[2]
How adventurous is Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest?
Course delivers memorable features beyond typical gravel grinding. "One of the most iconic shots of the Sumter Forest course is the tunnels that traverse under I-26," now featured on both distances. The bidirectional river crossing and finish "through a corn field, onto gravel and then a pitchy climb" through a former active shooting range create distinct moments.[1]
How prestigious is Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest?
Part of Southeast Gravel Series with growing competitive depth but lacks national heavyweight status. The 2021 race featured "20 Pro Women and 40 Pro Men" with equal prize purses creating "a stacked field." George Hincapie and son Enzo participated, and "the top 10 riders finished together, sprinting for the win within a few seconds."[2]
Should I race Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest?
If you're in South Carolina and want a forest event—yes, it's solid. If you're from out of state—there are better options.
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Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Gravel Battle of Sumter Forest Long Course New For 2025 (copy)ridewithgps.com/routes/50795630
- Other Sources Granfondodailynewsgranfondodailynews.com/2021/03/17/stacked-pro-field-goes-...
- Route Maps RideWithGPSridewithgps.com/routes/49042380
- Route Maps RideWithGPSridewithgps.com/routes/49042417
- Route Maps RideWithGPSridewithgps.com/routes/49042433
- Other Sources Strambeccostrambecco.com/event/gravel-battle-sumter-forest/
- Other Sources Trimarnitrimarni.blogspot.com/2021/03/gravel-battle-of-sumter-for...
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/7917/sumter-national-...
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/11s8ekw/action_sh...
- Other Sources Southeastgravelwww.southeastgravel.com/gravel-battle-of-sumter-forest
- Other Sources Trimarnicoachwww.trimarnicoach.com/trimarniblog/2021/03/gravel-battle-...
- Community feisty.co: 2021 3 17 We Went To Gravel Racefeisty.co/p/2021-3-17-we-went-to-gravel-race/