Northern Ireland
Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Northern Ireland for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 23 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 6.35 km NIMRA short distance trail race at Scrabo Country Park on 20 August 2026 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 on 29 August 2026 with 768 m ascent, marked control points and mandatory mountain safety equipment.
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 with gravel paths and a short trail to Helens Tower, including a finishers medal, refreshments and prizes.
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.
5K and 10K races from Mary Peters Track through Minnowburn’s forest trails and riverside, with posted race packs, chip timing and a finisher medal.
November 2026
Cross country races at Ormeau Park on 8 November 2026 with youth and senior events from 1 mile to 4 miles organised by Annadale Striders.
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.
January 2027
February 2027
A winter 5K and 10K event at Antrim Castle Gardens, with the 10K visiting Shanes Castle ruins and offering views of Lough Neagh.
A lakeside 5K and 10K in Castlewellan Forest Park with chip timing, medals, posted race packs and series prizes.