Trail Running calendar near Ballintoy 2025-2026

Join the Boxing Day Boomerang at Dundonald Castle on Friday 26 December for a scenic 5 km or 10 km run supporting Ayrshire Sportsability. Enjoy castle views, tearoom treats and a festive community vibe with prizes and a charity raffle.

Castlewellan Christmas Cracker on 27 December 2025 is a festive two person team run of about 8.5 miles through roads, fields and forest tracks. Entries are full with a waiting list; finishers get a medal, prizes and post race soup.

Join Mallusk Harriers for the Mathieson Cup and Shield XC on 11 January 2026 at Mallusk Playing Fields, Belfast. Part of the Athletics NI Cross Country League, expect classic off road terrain from flat to hilly and races from 800 m to 8K.

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 through the stunning grounds of Culzean Castle and Country Park with 5 km, 10 km or half marathon options. Enjoy coastal views, woodland trails and a canicross friendly vibe, plus medals, merch and finish line snacks.

Run a stunning 20 mile coastal trail along the Giant's Causeway, passing dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and ancient ruins beside a UNESCO heritage site. Expect rugged trails, big views and a memorable challenge.

Bruce's Crown Race is a challenging 46 mile team endurance route across three Galloway ranges with over 4000 metres of climbing and demanding navigation. Teams of 2 to 4 tackle the wild course within a 24 hour cutoff while supporting Gallow..

Heart of Granite on 11 April 2026 is a rugged 20 miles mountain loop through Galloway summits, demanding navigation and experience. Finishers get vegetable soup and a local beer while supporting Galloway Mountain Rescue.

Kintyre Way Ultra on 9 May 2026 is a scenic coastal trail run across beaches, woods and hill paths with wide sea views. Solo and relay entries cover 35 miles up to the full 100 mile route with on course support.

Try the WitchWood Trail Run in Inverkip, a 24 hour looped trail on forest and hilly paths where you can run as many 5.6 km laps as you like. Everton Scout Camp basecamp offers food, music, showers, a firepit and glowing handmade medals.

Challenge yourself on the Isle of Jura Fell Race, a rugged 28 km route taking in seven summits and 2,370 m of climbing across wild coastal terrain. Limited to 250 runners, the race offers awards and long term honours for repeat finishers in..

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

Run from sunset into sunrise along the Ayrshire coast in a 50 km night ultramarathon from Irvine Beach. Enjoy beaches, promenades and trails plus on course support and a finisher medal, goody bag and Polaroid photo.

Run through the stunning Hillsborough Castle and Gardens on Sunday 26 July 2026 with scenic multi terrain routes past the lake, fort and forest. Choose a 10K, half marathon or charity entry with medals, pacers and a vibrant finish.

The GBultras | Ultra Great Britain will take place in Stranraer on Saturday 8 August 2026.

Race Across Scotland is a 215 mile ultramarathon along the wild Southern Upland Way with major climbs and remote terrain. Limited entry and a strict 100 hour cut off make it a self reliant challenge for experienced ultra runners.

Experience the Quadrathon in Inishowen County Donegal from 13 to 16 August 2026 with four days of coastal and hill running along the Wild Atlantic Way. Pick marathon or half marathon routes to run or walk and earn finisher medals.

Take on the wild Mourne Mountains at SkyRun the Mournes on 10 October 2026, with three scenic yet demanding skyraces from 20km trail to 50km ultra. Entries are open for a day of rugged peaks, big views and mountain running camaraderie.