Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027

Run the ACTI SNACK Run Forest Run at Loughgall Country Park with scenic 5K and 10K routes across tarmac and gravel forest paths. Chip timing, a bespoke medal and post race refreshments await in race four of the Run Forest Run series.

Join Mallusk Harriers for the Mathieson Cup and Shield cross country at Mallusk Playing Fields near Belfast on 11 January 2026. Challenging off road courses on grass and mud welcome runners of all ages with races up to 8 km.

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.

Run 20 miles along the spectacular North Antrim Coast, passing the UNESCO Giant's Causeway and sweeping cliffs, beaches and castle ruins. Fully marked course with live timing makes for a stunning and well organised coastal challenge.

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.

Rocky is a mountain run in County Down on 14 May 2026, 6 km with 450 m of climb over minimally marked terrain. GPS is not allowed and runners must carry mandatory safety kit such as a waterproof jacket, whistle and charged phone.

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..