Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2025-2026

Climb to the summit at Pilot Mountain State Park with the Pilot Mountain Goat, a small trail race offering 3 and 7 mile courses on scenic trails. Limited to 150 runners, finishers receive an embroidered beanie and a post race breakfast.

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..

Run or hike at Raven Rock State Park on January 4 with a 5 mile run, 5 mile untimed hike, or a challenging 25K. Expect scenic creekside single track, rocky technical sections, medals for all finishers, and limited spots and parking.

Brave winter trails at the Frosty Cox 6 Hour Trail Race in Concord, NC, a timed six hour challenge on a rugged 6.2 mile mostly singletrack loop. Limited spots for this 50K chase, register by Jan 7.

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 the Freedom Starts Here run in Pinehurst on January 10 to raise funds for Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge, a faith centered recovery program. Choose 10K, 5K or 1 mile, enjoy Reservoir Park trails, swag, medals and family friendly fun.

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.

Southern Tour Ultra in Wilmington NC Jan 16 and 17, 2026 offers 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and team relay options run as repeated 10 mile loops at the race site. Support, camping, and shuttle service make it a weekend ultrarunning festival.

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.

Join the Roy Abernathy Legacy Race at George Poston Park in Gastonia on Jan 17, 2026, offering distances from 1 mile to 50K on scenic trail and soccer loop routes. Celebrate a meaningful cause supporting brain research and earn a handmade p..

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 with a scenic 5K through Golden Road Vineyards and a celebratory mimosa at the finish. Run on site or join the virtual 5K to enjoy medals, vineyard views, and festive vibes.

Team up in twos or fours for the Occoneechee Speedway Relay at Historic Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough and tackle 20 laps for about 13.5 miles. Expect custom swag, chip timing, division awards and a post race BBQ.