Northern Ireland
Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Northern Ireland for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 20 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 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 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 from Sandy Brae with 768 m of ascent and mandatory mountain safety kit.
September 2026
A five-leg team relay around the Denis Rankin Round starting and finishing at Donard Park, Newcastle on 12 September 2026.
An off-road marathon along Northern Ireland's North Coast, the Basalt Breaks Giants Causeway Coast Marathon runs near the iconic Giant's Causeway and holds 1 ITRA point.
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 2026
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.
National Senior & Even cross-country championships on 22 November 2026; venue and further race details are currently to be confirmed.
April 2027
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.
May 2027
A point-to-point roughly 106 mile ultra along Northern Ireland’s North Antrim coast, fully tracked, self-sufficient with timed cutoffs and staffed checkpoints.
July 2027
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.