Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2025-2026

Abramsthon on Dec 27 in Denver NC is a roughly 50k loop from Lake Norman Brewery up Anderson Mountain and back via road, rail and trail. Free entry; register by Dec 5. Mostly self supported with aid near miles 10 and 20 and the first 25 fin..

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..

Kick off 2026 at Raven Rock Trail Run and Hike in Lillington NC with a 5 mile run or hike and a challenging 25K. Creekside trails, river views, rocky climbs, finishers medals, photos and warm postrace snacks.

Take on the Frosty Cox six hour trail in Concord NC, running 6.2 mile loops on rugged singletrack with creek crossings and wooded trails. Limited entries, staffed aid and finish recognition make this a cozy winter endurance test.

Tackle a scenic, challenging half marathon through rugged trails and creek crossings at South Mountains State Park near Connelly Springs, NC. Limited to 200 runners on January 10, 2026, this race delivers big climbs, Appalachian views, and..

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..

Trail runners will love the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Half Marathon and 5 Mile at Northeast Park with rugged winter trails and two crossings of the Reedy Fork River. On site and virtual entries plus ruck divisions add flexible challenge.

Enjoy scenic trails along Fontana Lake with Great Smoky Mountain views at the Tsali Ultra on January 17, 2026, offering 8K, 30K and 50K options. The 50K also serves as the NC USATF Trail Championship for a competitive challenge.

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.

Run the Occoneechee Mountain Challenge 10 mile trail race on January 25 2026 in Hillsborough NC, starting at the Historic Speedway. Tackle single track climbs, scenic Riverwalk views and finish with chili while 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.

Run the scenic trails at Harris Lake County Park in Raleigh for the Viking Dash, offering 5K and 10K distances. Cross the line for a Viking longship medal and compete for top overall and age group awards.

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.

Warm up your winter at the Freakin Freezin 5K in Winston Salem on Feb 15 at Jamison Park. Run the scenic paved trail with chip timing, water stops, and a custom finisher medal, or join virtually from anywhere.