North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 181 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
October 2026
Trail event at Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area offering 10K and half marathon on single-track trails with significant climbs and an optional 80 foot tower ascent.
Join this cross country event in New Bern North Carolina featuring dedicated races for middle school and high school athletes. Run through a natural course at the Epiphany school grounds with 5K and youth distances available.
Timed running and rucking events in Whittier NC on a 1.4 mile loop with mountain views and on site lodging.
Trail races at Medoc Mountain State Park feature 10 mile and 5 mile loop courses on marked single track with stocked aid stations, race swag, post-race food, and awards.
Monster Dash is a trail 5K at Carolina Beach State Park on October 17, 2026. The day includes a cross country meet for teams and the event raises funds for young runners.
Trail races at Carvers Creek State Park on October 17, 2026 offering timed 11K and 6K courses plus dog only races, with a 200 runner limit and packet pickup Oct 16.
Trail races in Uwharrie National Forest featuring a 20.5 mile loop course with 100 Mile and 100K options, technical terrain, and a 36 hour cutoff.
A 100 Mile ultra trail in Hickory with solo and team entries, a 4 mile loop course that is about 70% trails, 17,230+ feet of elevation and a stadium start/finish.
Rootrock Trail Run at Briar Chapel on October 17, 2026 offers 5K, 10K and half marathon on root and rock strewn single track with awards and a kids treasure race.
A self-paced event on a well-marked 1-mile loop at Weymouth Woods, offering a 4-hour repeat challenge and a three-loop 5K with run and ruck options.
A fourth annual 8.5 mile trail race in DuPont State Recreational Forest on October 17, 2026, limited to 300 runners, with nearly 1,000 ft of elevation gain and a same day forest festival.
A timed 5K through Burgaw including a cemetery section and a one mile trick or treat run in Town Square supporting a splash pad project.
Apple Festival 5K in Lincolnton on Oct 17 features a timed 5K on the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail with proceeds benefiting United Way of Lincoln County.
Annual Dare to Scare 5K and Sweet Treat Fun Run in Manteo NC with in person and virtual options, costume awards, shirts and medals.
A Halloween-themed 5k and 1 mile in Hendersonville on October 24, 2026, with costume contests, race swag, and a Farmers' Market fall festival.
Trail races around three Greensboro lakes offering half, marathon, 40 mile and relay options, with virtual and ruck divisions and supported aid stations.
Trail races at Fonta Flora Brewery in Nebo NC offering a 50K, half marathon and relay on lakefront singletrack with aid stations and handmade finisher medals.
A Halloween-themed event at Golden Road Vineyards offering a 5K, a Sip & Stroll option, and a virtual 5K, with medals, shirts, mimosas, and age-group awards.
A fall trail event at Warlick Family YMCA with a 5K and a 1 mile Fun Run plus a family party zone of games, bounce houses, music, and a mascot race.
A three-race off-road series in North Carolina featuring single-track trail runs across Eno River, Uwharrie, and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail with multiple distance options and series awards based on total mileage.