North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 183 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
October 2026
A memorial 5K in New Bern, NC with in-person and virtual options in early October. The race uses the Dragonfly trail at Martin Marietta Park and offers T-shirts, awards by age group, one water station, and light refreshments.
Trail races in Franklin NC with 25K and 50K courses on the Bartram Trail, significant elevation gain, aid stations, and post-race music and food.
A 5K and 10K trail event with in-person and virtual options on October 3, 2026 at Rocky Branch Park in Belmont; proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
A mostly grassy 5K trail run and a 1 Mile kids fun run in Canton, NC with proceeds supporting Pisgah High School Cross Country.
An ultra trail event at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte offering 50 mile and 50 km multi-lap races with aid stations, drop bags and specific pacer and crew rules.
Asheville Christian Academy Homecoming 5K on October 3, 2026, runs the Home Course/River Trail with professional timing, event shirts for early registrants, and proceeds supporting the ACA Cross Country Teams.
A vineyard 5k at Divine Llama Vineyards on October 4, 2026 with chip timing, finisher medal, a wine pour, and age group awards on a grassy two lap course.
A military inspired Special Forces style fitness event in Pisgah National Forest, NC that tests participants' physical and mental toughness across multiple days.
A community 5K trail run/walk at Rescue Squad Park on October 9, 2026 with timed divisions for grades 4–12 and adults; registration closes Oct 2.
Last Man Standing race in Kings Mountain NC with repeated 3.1 mile loops and shifting time limits that cycle 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 minutes until one runner finishes.
A certified 5K trail run on a 50 acre horse ranch near Gastonia, NC, accompanied by a 2K walk, a Half Pint race for ages 7 and under, and a virtual 5K option. The event runs rain or sunshine and will be canceled for lightning.
Five hourly 5K loops at Jockey's Ridge State Park totaling 25K, with individual and two-person team options, chip timing, and a dune crossing.
Test your limits on a USATF certified asphalt loop in Lillington. This supported endurance event features a lit course at night and convenient trackside camping for a personalized running experience.
Trail races at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park offering about 6.2 and 9 mile courses with chip timing, one water station, optional shirts, and awards for top ten finishers.
A Halloween-themed day in downtown Morganton featuring a 5K flag-capture Zombie Run and a one-mile family fun run, followed by food trucks, a photo booth, and an after party.
Timed 3, 6 and 12 hour events on a roughly 3 mile loop near Lake Rhodhiss, featuring trail and crushed cinder greenway plus on-site tents and food.
A timed 5K at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge with three gravel loops through fields and forests, followed by a kids run and onsite vendors and trophies.
Trail runs at Daniel Stowe Conservancy on October 10, 2026 offering a 1 Miler, 5K and two-loop 10K with awards, medals, race photos and garden entry with bib.
Trail races at Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area near Snow Camp NC offering a 10K and a 13.4 mile half with an optional climb of an 80 foot observation tower.
Join this cross country event in New Bern North Carolina featuring dedicated races for middle school and high school athletes. Run through a natural course at the Epiphany school grounds with 5K and youth distances available.