Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

Kick off the new year with the Resolution 5K at Stevens Creek Nature Preserve, a free chip timed community run on scenic trails for all ages. Space is limited to 100, so sign up early and consider bringing a non perishable food donation.

Run scenic single track trails along the shore and through pine forest at Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon and 5K on January 3, 2026. All finishers earn a medal, early registrants get a beanie, and 21 and older can enjoy a beer..

Choose a scenic 5 mile run or hike or push into a 25K at Raven Rock State Park, winding creekside trails that climb to a river overlook. Enjoy on site food, event photos and finisher medals for all.

Test your limits at the Frosty Cox 6 Hour Trail Race on private Concord trails, running a scenic 6.2 mile loop as many times as you can in six hours. Expect rooty singletrack, big climbs, a stocked aid station, and finisher awards.

Run a rugged 12.9 mile trail half marathon in South Mountains State Park with steep climbs, creek crossings and overlooks. Limited to 200 runners, finishers earn handmade ceramic medals while top three receive handmade awards.

Join FREEDOM STARTS HERE in Pinehurst on Jan 10, 2026 with 10K, 5K, and 1 mile along the scenic Reservoir Park loop and Whitehall Trail. Proceeds benefit Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge; finishers receive a shirt and medal.

Hit scenic single track at Little River Trail Runs in Rougemont on January 10, 2026 with a 10 mile or 7 kilometer option, aid stations and course support. All proceeds help maintain park trails for the local community.

Run the Southern Tour Ultra in Wilmington, NC on January 16 and 17, 2026 for a weekend of 10 mile loop racing with distances from 50K to 100 miles. Camping, shuttles, live music, beer and a bonfire give it a festival feel for racers and cre..

Run the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half or 5 Mile at Northeast Park, with two crossings of the Reedy Fork River and classic winter trail surprises. In person or virtual options, plus a custom hoodie, medal, post race food and beer.

Experience rugged singletrack around Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains at Tsali Ultra, with 8K, 30K and 50K distances to challenge every trail runner. The 50K doubles as the NC USATF 50 km Trail Championship.

The Legacy on Jan 17, 2026 at George Poston Park in Gastonia offers 1 mile to 50K scenic trail and loop races in memory of the organizer's father, raising funds for brain health research. Handmade pottery medals.

Take on the Occoneechee Mountain Challenge, a scenic 10 mile trail race in Hillsborough on Jan 25, 2026. The course features rocky single track, about 700 ft of climbing, two aid stations, and a chili finish supporting local charities.

Run the HAROC at Hanging Rock State Park, with scenic ridges, rewarding climbs, and a choice of 25k or 50k distances. Expect rugged trail terrain, aid stations on course, and a spirited winter trail community.

Take on the Stone Mountain Massacre in Roaring Gap NC with 50K, 25K and 8 Miler options over rugged scenic trails. The 50K features a mythic quest to collect sacred stones and finishers receive a unique pottery medal.

Run the 35th Uwharrie Mountain Run on February 7, 2026 and tackle hilly, chilly single track in Uwharrie National Forest near Ophir NC. Enjoy hearty aid stations, a long sleeve race shirt and handmade pottery awards.

Join the Viking Dash at Harris Lake County Park in Raleigh on Feb 14 for scenic 5K and 10K trail runs and festive Viking finisher medals. Enjoy a heavyweight long sleeve race shirt, spirited competition, and a fun outdoor day.

Spend Valentine's Day at Golden Road Vineyards for a festive 5K with in person and virtual options plus a relaxed Sip & Stroll that includes the same perks. All finishers earn a custom medal and a complimentary mimosa to celebrate.

Team up in pairs or fours to tackle 20 laps around the historic Occoneechee Speedway dirt track, about 13.5 miles of fun, strategy and camaraderie. Chip timing, custom swag and a post race BBQ await while teams compete for top honors.

Brave the chill at the Freakin Freezin 5K at Jamison Park in Winston Salem on Sunday Feb 15, 2026 for a scenic, chip timed course with water stations and a festive finish. Run in person or virtually and earn a finisher medal and long sleeve..

The Kitty Hawk Trail 5K will take place in Kitty Hawk on Monday 16 February 2026. You can run 5 kilometers.