Northern Ireland
Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Northern Ireland for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 31 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Northern Ireland below and join the trail community at these great events!
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.
Cross country championships and selection trials at Queens Playing Fields in Belfast on 3 Oct 2026, organised by Athletics Northern Ireland with 135 competitors listed.
Newcastle Way Marathon and Half Marathon on 4 October 2026 follows waymarked trails through Tollymore, Castlewellan and Murlough beach, with GPX files and set cut off times.
Three mountain SkyRaces in the Mournes on 10 October 2026, from 20 km to 50 km with substantial elevation gain and fixed cut-off limits.
A final edition 5 km mud run in Castlewellan on 11/10/2026 raising funds for children and young people affected by cancer, with junior and senior routes.
Comber Cup is a Northern Ireland Cross Country League fixture at Billy Neill Playing Fields in Dundonald with youth races and team competitions from 1 km to 8 km.
An unmarked map and compass navigation event in the Mourne Mountains with 16 km and 10 km courses, open mountain terrain, and mandatory Level C kit.
Annual NI and Ulster age-group cross country and the Bobby Rea Memorial take place in Billy Neill MBE County Park on 25 October 2026.
A 5K and 10K event at Mary Peters Track in Belfast featuring mixed track and forest routes, chip timing, posted race packs, and on-site parking.
November 2026
A six hour loop challenge at Loughshore Park, Newtownabbey, with full marathon, half marathon and 10K options on a coastal circuit to Gideons Green.
Cross country at Ormeau Park on 8 November 2026 with races for multiple age groups, team and individual prizes, and entries via SiEntries.
Trail running in Tollymore Forest Park with 10 km, half, full and ultra options; 10 km and walk support Cancer Focus NI and some races award ITRA points.
A chip timed cross country meeting at Six Mile Water Park, Ballyclare, featuring junior and senior races as part of the NI Athletics XC league.
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.
National Senior & Even cross-country championships on 22 November 2026; venue and further race details are currently to be confirmed.
December 2026
Mixed tarmac and forest 5K and 10K runs in Tollymore Forest Park with chip timing, a medal and posted race packs.
A two-person team race of about 8.5 miles on roads, fields and forest tracks around Castlewellan, with medals for all finishers and spot prizes for fancy dress.
January 2027
A technical 10 km trail race through Glenariff Forest Park with scenic views and waterfalls, capped at 800 entrants and offering cash and age-category prizes.