North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 170 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
September 2026
A community run on September 13, 2026 in Durham with a 5K, a 1 mile fun run and a virtual option supporting organ, tissue, and eye donation education.
Epiphany Cross Country #2 in New Bern NC features two 5K running races for girls and boys on September 14, 2026; registration opened and closed on December 7, 2025 and the listed fee is zero dollars.
XC Experience is a two lap 5k on the R S Central High School cross country course in Rutherfordton NC. The route uses packed dirt, grass and some pavement and finishes on the stadium track with multiple spectator viewing points.
Point to point trail race between Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina, offering 50 Mile and 50K options, a 50 Mile Relay, ruck and virtual races with substantial climbing.
Experience the summit of Table Rock Mountain at this North Carolina trail event featuring 50K and 30K races with significant vertical gain and technical terrain.
Experience a scenic 5 mile climb with 1600 feet of elevation gain at the Mount Jefferson Ascent in North Carolina featuring mountain music and custom finisher bells.
Lap-based Last Runner Standing event at Historic Rural Hill on Sept 19, 2026, featuring a 1.75 mile loop, escalating prizes, a corn maze, and community-focused amenities.
A trail 5K and Half Mile Fun Walk along the historic Roanoke Canal in Roanoke Rapids with proceeds supporting replacement batteau replicas and a neon-theme raffle.
First annual Patriot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run in Morganton, NC features a 5K on the Freedom Cross Country trail and a 1 mile Fun Run on the Freedom Park track.
Navigate the Broad River Greenway using GPS coordinates in an adventure race featuring land navigation and an optional paddling component for individuals and teams.
A 20th annual 24-hour ultrarace at Hinson Lake on a USATF certified 1.5032-mile loop with electronic timing, marked trail, footbridges, and parking and camping options.
Memorial trail run and walk in Wilkesboro, NC with timed 5K and 10K races, an untimed 5K walk, and a virtual option supporting the American Cancer Society.
A USATF-certified 5K trail run starting at Sandhills Community College and winding through Southern Pines Reservoir Park with official timing and awards.
5K9 Dog Jog in Cary, NC on September 26, 2026 offers in person and virtual 5K options with vendors, dog activities, participant shirts, and race awards.
A one day cross country festival in Oxford, NC featuring 11 races across youth, middle school, high school, collegiate, and adult divisions, with proceeds supporting Central Children's Home of North Carolina and Durham Striders Youth Association.
Trail races at Salem Lake Marina feature a 30K, a 7-mile loop, and a 5K on a mostly shaded wooded trail, with water stops, packet pickup, post-race food and beer, and proceeds benefiting the Salem Lake Trail System.
A community run at Long Leaf Park offering a timed 5K and a non-timed 1.5 mile fun run, with in-person and virtual options supporting ovarian cancer awareness and research funding.
A trail 5K and walk at Common Ground in Stanley NC supporting a $2,000 scholarship for an East Gaston High School senior.
October 2026
A memorial 5K in New Bern, NC with in-person and virtual options in early October. The race uses the Dragonfly trail at Martin Marietta Park and offers T-shirts, awards by age group, one water station, and light refreshments.