Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027

Half marathon and 10 km races through the grounds and surrounding forest of Hillsborough Castle, supporting Action Mental Health with chip timing and a themed medal.

A 19 mile mountain race in the Mourne Mountains with about 2,600 m ascent and an anticlockwise 2026 route over seven summits. Navigation skills and mandatory safety kit are required and entries are limited to 150.

A backyard-style endurance event at Florence Court where runners repeat a 4.17 mile loop each hour until a single runner remains; medals and event shirts for participants.

Part of the Heart of the Glens Festival, the Lurig Challenge Run is a 3.8 mile off road race to the summit of Lurig and back; trail shoes advised, age 16 or older.

A NIMRA short distance hill race at Scrabo Country Park on 20 August 2026: 6.35 km over two forested laps with 280 m ascent and a 120-entry limit.

A mountain fell race in the Western Mournes based at Sandy Brae on 29 August 2026. The route covers 11 km with 768 m of ascent, includes named control points and marked sections, and requires compulsory mountain safety kit.

A mixed terrain 10K through Clandeboye Estate near Bangor on 13 September 2026, organised by Coastal Runners NI with medals, refreshments and prizes for top finishers.

Test your endurance and navigation in a two day self-sufficient mountain marathon for teams of two. Choose from multiple distance classes or a one day score event in the scenic Mourne Mountains.

Cuilcagh in County Cavan is an 11.90 km mountain race on 26 September 2026 with 870 m of climb, a 250 person limit and mandatory Level B kit; only major junctions are marked and GPS devices are not permitted.

A mountain running event in County Down on 3 October 2026 covering 11.90 km with 870 m climb, organised by Mourne Runners as part of the IMRA Ulster Championships and NIMRA League; GPS is not allowed and Level C kit is required.

SkyRun the Mournes features three demanding skyrunning races in the scenic Mourne mountains. Runners can choose from distances of 50 km, 35 km, or 20 km, each with significant elevation gain. The event is scheduled for October 10th, 2026.

Nav Challenge 4 in the Mourne Mountains takes place in County Dublin on Sunday 18 October 2026. The unmarked course is 99.00 km with 999 m of climb, GPS is not allowed and a Level B mandatory kit is required.

Cross country at Ormeau Park in Belfast with junior and senior races from 1 to 4 miles, organised by Annadale Striders with team and age-category prizes.

A 20 mile coastal trail run from Portrush along the Causeway Coast Way passing the Giant's Causeway, cliffs, beaches and castle ruins with moderate terrain and 2276 ft ascent.

Norn Iron 100 is a long-distance ultra event listed on the UTMB Index with an iTRA 5 rating. It will hold its sixth edition on 29 and 30 May 2027 in Northern Ireland.

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival on 25 July 2027 offers 10K and Half Marathon races with chip timing, medals, race photos and an event village.