Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027

Join Annadale Striders for the Malcolm Cup XC at Ormeau Park, Belfast on 1 February 2026, a lively cross country meeting with races for youth and seniors up to four miles. Enjoy competitive racing, team and individual prizes, and enter via..

Run Forest Run at Antrim Castle Gardens offers scenic 5K and 10K routes through the gardens past Shanes Castle with views over Lough Neagh. Enjoy a medal, chip timing and a friendly forest race vibe for adults and juniors.

Join the final Run Forest Run Winter Series at Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 28 February 2026 for scenic off road 5K and 10K races around the lakeside castle. Enjoy chip timing, a finisher medal and stunning Mourne Mountain views.

Join the Ulster Championship at Slieve Gullion, County Armagh on 7 March 2026 for a testing 6.3 km mountain run with 320 m climb, organised by NIMRA. Expect rugged terrain and mandatory Level B safety kit.

Take on the Pat Dunbar Memorial, a 13 km NIMRA challenge through the scenic Mournes in County Down. Expect moderate terrain and limited course markings for a true mountain running adventure with prizegiving at Carrick Little.

A 20 mile coastal trail run from Portrush along the Causeway Coast Way, passing the Giant's Causeway and varied terrain of grass, trail, beach and coastpath. The course is fully marked, electronically timed and scores for the season leaderb..

Hill & Dale in Castlewellan, County Down on 16 April 2026 covers 8.50 km with 330 m of ascent. The race is organised by Newcastle AC for the Hill & Dales League; GPS is not permitted and Level B mandatory kit is required.

Binevenagh in County Derry on 18 April 2026 is a steep, scenic 11.9 km mountain challenge with 870 m of ascent that tests navigation and endurance. This Ulster Championship fixture forbids GPS and promises dramatic views and a true fell run..

Take on a 6.6 km mountain run at Tollymore on 23 April 2026 with 350 m of ascent and only major junctions marked. GPS is not allowed and Level B safety kit is compulsory, so come prepared for classic mountain terrain.

Tackle the Annalong Horseshoe in County Down on 25 April with 21.1 km and 8.5 km options, 1700 m of climb across rugged hills. GPS devices are banned and mandatory safety kit is required, so come prepared for a classic mountain run.

Tackle Slieve Martin in County Down on Thursday 30 April 2026, a compact 7.00 km route with 550 m of climb for a steep, scenic challenge. Mandatory kit and no GPS ensure a classic fell experience, and volunteers are warmly welcome.

Tackle Binnian Uphill in County Down on 7 May 2026: a short but savage 3.7 km climb gaining 570 m of ascent. Mandatory Level B kit is required, route has limited markings and GPS devices are not permitted, so come prepared.

Join Luke's in County Down on Thursday 21 May 2026 for a challenging 7.3 km course with 450 m of ascent across marked junctions. Level B kit is mandatory so bring a waterproof, hat, gloves, whistle, charged phone and a foil blanket.

The Norn Iron Ultra will take place in Ballintoy on Saturday 30 May 2026.

Tackle the classic Slieve Donard ascent in the Mourne Mountains on 30 May 2026, a challenging 10 km race with 850 m of climb and spectacular summit views. Part of the Irish Championship and Irish Uphill League, it also serves as the Snowdon..

Tackle the Millstone in County Down on Thursday 4 June 2026, a short but steep 7.7 km course with 470 m of climb offering thrilling fell running and great views. Mandatory Level B kit is required and GPS use is not allowed.

Take on the Cairncastle Classic, a rugged 16.2 km mountain run with 620 m of climb across scenic County Antrim. Held by NIMRA on 6 June 2026, the moderate course requires Level B kit and a good sense of adventure.

Tackle the Loughshannagh Horseshoe in County Down on Thursday 11 June 2026, a challenging 6.90 km mountain loop with 560 m of ascent and superb upland views. Mandatory mountain kit is required, so come prepared for rough terrain and changea..

Meels is a sharp mountain challenge in County Down on 18 June 2026, covering 7 km with 560 m of ascent over minimally marked terrain. Expect a navigational test with no GPS and mandatory safety kit for experienced runners.

Join the IMRA on 26 June 2026 for a lively 5.7 km mountain run around Drinnahilly in County Down featuring 260 m of climb across easy terrain. Basic mandatory kit is required and final kit list is confirmed at registration.