Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

Experience a coastal ultramarathon on Bald Head Island featuring maritime forest trails and miles of wild beach running. Choose between 50km and 51 mile distances starting from the historic Old Baldy Lighthouse.

Run the length of North Carolina's Outer Banks from Corolla to Hatteras. Choose the 100-mile, 100K, or team relay on a paved coastal road. The finish line party is at The Wreck Tiki Bar.

Experience an elevation heavy trail race through the Pisgah National Forest with distances of 55K and 50 miles. Run across 6,000 foot peaks and technical singletrack in the scenic mountains of Western North Carolina.

Experience the diverse trails of Cliffs of the Neuse State Park with distances ranging from a 4 mile hike to a 50K ultra. Enjoy scenic views of the lake and river while running through beautiful single track terrain.

Tackle a demanding seven-mile trail race with over 2,700 feet of climbing to the summit of BlackRock. The event features awards, a buckle challenge for sub-101-minute finishers, and a cash prize for breaking the one-hour mark. Proceeds supp..

Experience a flat 5K trail run through North Carolina woods to honor fallen service members. Participants can join the in person race in Jacksonville or complete a virtual run to support veteran programs.

A 3.3-mile trail run on a wooded single-track loop through the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area. The course winds through rolling hills, rocky sections, and creeks. This second annual event supports Snow Camp Fire & Rescue.

Experience flowy single track and technical hairpin turns at Lake Crabtree. This event offers a 7.3 mile course and a half marathon through scenic wooded trails with lakeside festivities and a free kids race.

Join the fifth annual 5K run at McAlpine Creek Park on a famous cross country course. This community event features cash prizes for top finishers and the opportunity to meet adoptable dogs from a local rescue partner.

Event Overview The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail 5K/10M is a trail running event taking place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. It features two race distances: a 5K and a 10-mile run. Both races use a gun start..

Event Overview The Lake James 7 Miler & 5k is a trail running event held on April 4, 2026. It takes place at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm in Nebo, North Carolina. The courses utilize the trails of nearby Lake James State Park..

The New South Trail Marathon offers full and half marathon distances on the trails of the Whitewater Center in Charlotte. Runners will find aid stations with hydration and food along the course. Unique finisher medals are guaranteed for ear..

Experience a scenic trail run through the long leaf pine trees of the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. Choose between 25K and 50K distances on a sandy course while supporting local conservation efforts.

A 5k in Valdese, NC on April 4, 2026 supporting awareness for humane treatment of incarcerated people. The course features a slope, rock stairs, a suspension bridge near 0.5 miles and an out and back on the Valdese greenway.

Confront the steep, rugged loops of the Leatherwood Mountains. This trail event offers distances from 10 miles to 100 miles, each with significant elevation gain on private trails. Aid stations provide essential fuel, and the 100-miler requ..

A coastal 5K trail run at Fort Macon State Park on April 11, 2026, featuring cross country surfaces, footbridge crossings and views of Beaufort Inlet, Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Proceeds support the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter.

The Seven Sisters 25k is a demanding mountain trail run in Montreat, NC, on April 11, 2026. Covering about 14.5 miles with 4,000 feet of climb, it traverses steep, technical ridges. Prior trail experience and mandatory safety gear are requi..

Test your endurance on the sands of North Topsail Beach with a half marathon 10k or 5k. This event honors combat veterans and supports wounded service members while offering a picturesque coastal course.

Experience a unique multi loop course at Cedarock Park featuring single track and equestrian trails. Choose between solo distances or form a relay team with friends to tackle the half marathon distance together.

Experience the scenic Saxapahaw Island Loop Trail with a timed 3.6 mile race or an untimed 1.2 mile walk. Join this Earth Month event to celebrate and support the conservation of the Haw River watershed.