Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

Southern Tour Ultra in Wilmington NC on January 16 to 17, 2026 features a scenic 10 mile loop and races from 50K to 100 mile plus relays. On site camping and shuttle service add to the festival vibe.

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.

Join The Legacy on January 17 in Gastonia for trail races from 1 Mile to 50K through Spencer Mountain loops. Proceeds support research into brain disorders and learning disabilities; finishers get a unique pottery medal.

Join the Matcha BullCity 5k in Durham on Jan 17, 2026 for a friendly loop along the Duke Washington Trail hosted by Matcha Girls Run Club. All paces welcome to run, jog, or walk, then unwind with tea and bites at Gossip Tea Lounge.

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.

HAROC at Hanging Rock State Park invites trail runners to tackle scenic but challenging singletrack with 25k and 50k options. Expect big climbs, rugged terrain, and supportive aid stations for an adventure organized by Tanawha Adventures.

Run the Stone Mountain Massacre in Roaring Gap NC on Feb 7, choose 50K, 25K or 8 Miler on rugged red ribbon trails with a 300 step climb. Expect mud and ice, aid stations with quirky tokens, and a handmade pottery finisher 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.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a scenic 5K through Golden Road Vineyards on Feb 14, with options to run, Sip & Stroll, or join virtually. All finishers get a custom medal and a complimentary mimosa on a grass and cross country course.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a scenic 5K at The Land at Hawkins Loop, winding through winter forest, pastures, and restored barns on a 63 acre farm. Open to all ages and abilities, with an onsite photographer and trails to explore after t..

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..

Enjoy a scenic 5K through the OBX maritime forest in Kitty Hawk on Feb 16, with a cozy community vibe and a mix of gravel and soft trail underfoot. All proceeds benefit local student runners.

Run the Pilot Mountain Salamander Scamper 25K in Pinnacle, NC, with a climb to the Pinnacle and sweeping Piedmont views. Limited to 125 runners, the rain or shine event includes stocked aid stations and a laser engraved finisher medallion.

Run the Queen Anne's Revenge Ultra in Greenville on Feb 21, 2026, with 50k and 20k solo or relay options on a scenic 6.2 mile loop. Enjoy multiple laps, wristband handoffs for relays, and support Heart for ENC.

Run the Land and Lakes Relay, a scenic team race from Warren Wilson to Fonta Flora Brewery near Lake James. Teams of 4 or 6 run legs from 2.7 to 8.7 miles through scenic lakeside country, finishing at the brewery with a post race party.

Run the Catawba Falls 15k in Old Fort North Carolina, starting along the Catawba River before a rugged trail loop past waterfalls and creek crossings. Race proceeds support local conservation and the finish features food from nearby partner..

Challenge yourself at the Ellerbe Marathon or Half on a scenic certified countryside loop that starts and finishes in downtown Ellerbe. Finishers get custom medals and pottery wine cups amid the race's longtime hometown charm.