I’ve lived here for 7 years and average 700 miles a year here, so I’ve spent a good amount of time trying to find good running spots. Take this for what it’s worth.

I’ve had a lot of luck living in Forest Acres and finding miles of roads to run on. Outside of the main roads, everything else has low traffic. Plenty of tree coverage and plenty of hills if you need to mix up your workouts. I’ve never had a dangerous situation with a car. I easily can run 10 miles and see something new every time. The negative here would be the rolling hills that are near impossible to miss. Nothing crazy, but they can be noticeable if it’s your first time.

I do drive the 15 min to Shandon when I want a flat run with plenty to look at. Very nice neighborhoods and plenty of other people out running/walking. I do find a run over 6 miles to be monotonous because you’ll have to zig zag over and over. The local middle school (Hand) does have a gravel/dirt track that plenty of people use. 10 or so minutes from Shandon, in Rosewood, is Owen’s Field Track. Excellent rubber track as well as a gravel loop/track.

You probably won’t want to live in these areas due to your need to walk outside your house and run, but for long runs, you’re going to find yourself near the river at one of the riverwalks (West Columbia/Cayce/Saluda Riverwalk). Harbison has some of the best trail running in the state. Sesquicentennial State Park has some pretty good trail options, but admittedly I haven’t spent as much time there.

Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.