Trail Running calendar near Banner Elk 2026-2027

Run a rugged 12.9 mile trail half marathon in South Mountains State Park with steep climbs, creek crossings and overlooks. Limited to 200 runners, finishers earn handmade ceramic medals while top three receive handmade awards.

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.

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.

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.

Froggy Mountain Warrior 100 is a winter 100 mile group run near Galax VA on Feb 21 benefiting veterans group 22toomany. Ten 10 mile loops with big climbing on slick Feb terrain demand self sufficiency, plus a low key buckle for finishers.

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..

Join the 5th annual Union Mills Wilderness 5K and 10K on Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 in Union Mills, NC for timed races on scenic riverside and mountain routes. Proceeds support the Union Mills Learning Center.

Perennial is a time based endurance run through the scenic trails at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, with 3 hour, 6 hour and 10 hour options on March 7, 2026. Run repeated 5K loops on mostly trail and crushed gravel while chasing distance goals a..

Run the BigFoot Tech Trek 5K on March 7, 2026 in Marion, NC, a scenic campus route along the Tech Trail and around a pond with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A welcoming course for runners and walkers alike.

Run rugged, high country trails at the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker in Old Fort, NC, choosing a tough 50 mile or 55 kilometer course with technical singletrack and big climbs. Enjoy scenic views, solid aid and rustic Camp Grier vibes.

Run scenic single track with lake views at Lake James Races, featuring a 7 mile and a 5k from Fonta Flora Brewery. Chip timed in person and virtual options with a wooden finisher medal, commemorative shirt and a beer for 21 plus runners.

Run the scenic, flat New River Trail on all dirt out and back courses offering 10K, 25K, 50K and a 100k with a finisher buckle. Aid stations support runners but this is a cupless race so bring your own bottle or cup.

Run rugged single track loops in the Leatherwood Mountains near Ferguson NC on April 11, 2026, with distances from 10 miles to 100 miles for runners chasing big climbs and technical trails. Loop format, full aid stations, and crew access ma..

Run the Seven Sisters 25 km in Montreat NC, a rugged mountain trail with about 4,000 ft of climbing and mostly singletrack through dramatic ridges and overlooks. Expect steep, technical terrain and a cupless format so bring your own water.

Run the Union Half Marathon and Relay in Big Stone Gap on April 11, 2026 along the scenic Greenbelt and Powell River Trail with two historic train tunnels. Finishers get a unique medal and race shirt, perfect for solo runners and teams.

Take on the Froggy Mountain Sweet Sixteen 50K near Galax Virginia on one mile loops that climb through scenic terrain with aid every mile and hot meals. Camp on site or book nearby for a friendly, festival style mountain ultramarathon.

Roll the dice at The Gamble and run whatever fate chooses on a 1.67 mile figure 8 loop of trails, gravel, hills and stairs around Hendersonville. Bring your own gear and hydration for a playful, rain or shine challenge.

Join the Smoky Mountain Relay on April 24, 2026 for a thrilling team relay through over 200 miles of Pisgah National Forest terrain. Teams of 6, 9 or 12 share 36 legs and enjoy pro timing, a finish party, food and live music.

Troublesome Hollow is a trail running weekend in Bristol VA offering 50K, 25K and a 3 mile walk along scenic riverside trails with swinging bridges and a climb to a fire tower. Official chip timing and a cupless policy mean bring a reusable..