Northern Ireland
Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Northern Ireland for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 27 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Northern Ireland below and join the trail community at these great events!
October 2026
An unmarked map and compass navigation event in the Mourne Mountains with 16 km and 10 km courses, open mountain terrain, and mandatory Level C kit.
Annual NI and Ulster age-group cross country and the Bobby Rea Memorial take place in Billy Neill MBE County Park on 25 October 2026.
A 5K and 10K event at Mary Peters Track in Belfast featuring mixed track and forest routes, chip timing, posted race packs, and on-site parking.
November 2026
A six hour loop challenge at Loughshore Park, Newtownabbey, with full marathon, half marathon and 10K options on a coastal circuit to Gideons Green.
A cross country meeting at Ormeau Park Belfast on 8 November 2026 with races from Under 13 to senior men and women, entry fees from £3 to £12 and age category prizes.
Trail running event in Tollymore Forest Park offering 10 km, half, marathon, ultra and a corporate half, with a charity 10 km supporting Cancer Focus NI.
The 90th McConnell Shield is a chip timed cross country meeting at Six Mile Water Park Ballyclare with junior and senior races across several distances.
Trail and road race at Gosford Forest Park offering 5 km and 10 km courses through woodland and past Gosford Castle as part of the Run Forest Run Series.
National Senior & Even cross-country championships on 22 November 2026; venue and further race details are currently to be confirmed.
December 2026
5K and 10K races through Tollymore Forest Park with chip timing, posted race packs, a finisher medal, and scenic Mourne Mountain views.
Pairs team race of about 8.5 miles around Castlewellan on 28 December 2026 with medals, cash prizes by category and post-race refreshments.
January 2027
A technical 10 kilometres trail race through Glenariff Forest Park with chip timing, a prize pot and on-site registration and parking arrangements.
Second Owenbeg Cross Country at Derry GAA on 16 January 2027, part of the Athletics NI 2026/27 league with junior and senior races, prizes, and participant refreshments.
February 2027
A winter 5K and 10K event at Antrim Castle Gardens, with the 10K visiting Shanes Castle ruins and offering views of Lough Neagh.
Rabbit Run in Ballypatrick Forest on 13 Feb 2027 offers full and half marathons and a 10 km, mostly off road, fully marked course with a seven hour cutoff.
A lakeside 5K and 10K in Castlewellan Forest Park with chip timing, medals, posted race packs and series prizes.
March 2027
A point-to-point and out-and-back event on 20 March 2027 featuring a 52.4 mile ultra and a marathon over three hills with mixed terrain and GPS navigation.
April 2027
A 20 mile coastal trail run at the Giant's Causeway near Portrush on 10 April 2027, listed as a UTMB qualifier and part of the Endurancelife season.