Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027

A Hills and Dales series race on 18 June 2026 from Hen Car Park, covering 5 km with 500 m ascent on open mountain. The unmarked route is organised by Newcastle AC with entries via SiEntries.

A repeating hourly loop race at Florence Court on 20 June 2026 where runners complete a roughly 4.2 mile lap each hour and those who fail to finish within an hour are eliminated. The last runner remaining is declared the winner.

An obstacle race in Derry / Londonderry on 20 and 21 June 2026 featuring a 10 km course with over 50 natural and man made obstacles, plus separate 5 km teen and 2 km mini courses for younger participants.

Part of the Hills and Dales series, Drinnahilly is a marked 6 km forest trail race in Donard Forest Park with about 400 m of climb. Organised by Newcastle AC, entries require SiEntries registration and a minimum age of 15.

A 5K multi terrain run from the centre of Carnlough through quarry trails and a short out and back on Largy Road, offering varied surfaces and coastal views. Entries open 15 April; minimum age 16.

A mountain running event around Spelga Reservoir in the Mournes, featuring a NIMRA Championship long race and a new shorter NIMRA League course, mandatory safety kit, off-road navigation between checkpoints, and a Deer's Meadow cut-off chec..

Sea2Sky in Donard Park, Newcastle features evening 10K race and walk plus a 5K race that moves from promenade to forest and the Mourne foothills, with mixed road, trail and an open-mountain section and post-race refreshments.

A NIMRA medium distance fell race at Gortin Glens with a 12 km route and 500 m ascent including the summit of Mullaghcarn. Entries are online only and runner numbers are limited to 200.

A half marathon and 10k around the grounds and nearby forest of Hillsborough Castle, supporting Action Mental Health. The event includes distance markers, chip timing, race photos and a themed medal.

Seven Sevens is a mountain running event in County Down on 8 August 2026 covering 31 km with about 2800 m of ascent. Organised by BARF, the route has only major junction markings and GPS use is not allowed.

A backyard ultra at Florence Court where runners complete repeated 4.17 mile laps with one hour to finish each lap. Laps repeat until only one runner remains; all finishers receive a medal and an event t shirt.

Part of the Heart of the Glens Festival, the Lurig Challenge Run is a 3.8 mile off road route that climbs to the 1,073 foot summit of Lurig and returns. Entries open in June with a minimum age of 16 and a fee of £25.

Scrabo in County Down is a NIMRA short-championship mountain race organised by Ballydrain Harriers on 20 August 2026. The course is 6.30 km with 360 m climb; only major junctions are marked and GPS is not allowed.

A mountain running event on Cuilcagh in County Cavan on 12 September 2026, covering 11.90 km with 870 m climb; only major junctions are marked, GPS is not allowed, and Level B mandatory kit is required.

Coastal Runners Clandeboye 10K is a mixed terrain race on the Clandeboye Estate near Bangor on 13 September 2026. The mostly gravel course includes a short trail to Helens Tower and entries include a finishers medal and post-race refreshmen..

A two day mountain navigation and endurance event in the Mourne Mountains for teams of two, covering about 35 to 55 km across two days, with a one day score class. Participants camp overnight and are expected to be self sufficient.

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.

A cross-country event at Ormeau Park on 8 November 2026 featuring youth and senior races from 1 to 4 miles, organised by Annadale Striders with team and individual prizes across age categories.