Northern Ireland
Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Northern Ireland for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 29 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Northern Ireland below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
A 6.35 km NIMRA short distance trail race at Scrabo Country Park on 20 August 2026 with 280 m ascent and a 120-entry limit.
A point to point trail marathon from Ballycastle to Waterfoot across mainly trail terrain with mandatory safety kit, GPX navigation and an 8 hour cutoff.
An 11 km fell race in the Western Mournes on 29 August 2026 with 768 m ascent, marked control points and mandatory mountain safety equipment.
September 2026
A coastal 4.2 mile loop at Loughshore Park where runners complete as many laps as they wish within a six hour time limit, with measured marathon, half and 10K options.
A five-leg team relay around the Denis Rankin Round, a roughly 90 km mountain circuit with 6500 m ascent, starting and finishing at Donard Park, Newcastle.
Off-road trail races along Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway coast, offering 10 km, half, marathon and a 64 km ultra with charity support and ITRA points.
A mixed terrain 10K through Clandeboye Estate near Bangor with gravel paths and a short trail to Helens Tower, including a finishers medal, refreshments and prizes.
A two day team mountain marathon in the Mourne Mountains with courses of 35 km to 55 km, a one day six hour score class, camping overnight and timed results.
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.
Cross-country races at Palace Demesne, Armagh on 27 September 2026 with youth and senior categories and set entry fees; on-day entry is not permitted.
October 2026
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.
Marathon and Half Marathon on 4 October 2026 following the way-marked Newcastle Way through Tollymore, Castlewellan and Murlough to Newcastle beach.
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.
Night endurance and trail races at Montalto Estate with 3, 6 and 12 hour challenges plus 5 km and 10 km races on a 5 km loop.
The tenth and final Bog Run on 11 October 2026 in Castlewellan is a muddy 5 km fundraiser with junior and senior options to support children and young people affected by cancer.
Nav Challenge 4 in the Mourne Mountains is a navigational event in County Dublin on 18 Oct 2026 with an unmarked route, no GPS allowed, and Level B kit required.
5K and 10K races from Mary Peters Track through Minnowburn’s forest trails and riverside, with posted race packs, chip timing and a finisher medal.
November 2026
Cross country races at Ormeau Park on 8 November 2026 with youth and senior events from 1 mile to 4 miles organised by Annadale Striders.
Trail running event in Tollymore Forest Park offering 10 km, half marathon, marathon and ultra distances with charity support for Cancer Focus NI.
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.