Trail Running calendar near Banner Elk 2026-2027

A trail race in Damascus, Virginia with 16, 30, 40 and 50 mile options along Iron Mountain ridgelines and mixed terrain. The 2026 event uses a modified town route, the field is limited to 400 runners, and time limits apply for each distance..

Timed 3 hour, 6 hour and 12 hour events on a flat paved 8.34 mile out and back on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail in Forest City NC. Aid stations and awards include a 50 mile belt buckle for 12 hour finishers.

A 12 hour night trail event at Kings Mountain State Park with a 4.5 mile loop through marked trails, lakeshore views, and a central aid station offering hydration each circuit.

A sixth annual trail run at Shining Hope Farms in Conover, NC offering chip timed 5k and 10k distances on a 120 acre farm. The event honors veterans and first responders while raising funds for Saddles & Salutes scholarships.

An inaugural community race on the Ecusta Trail in Hendersonville, North Carolina on September 12, 2026. Features a timed 5K, a one mile fun run, finisher medals, awards and a virtual participation option.

Experience a scenic 10 mile run or hike around the shores of Lake Summit on packed gravel roads. Enjoy mountain views and a pancake breakfast at the finish line in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

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.

Trail ultramarathon in Morganton NC offering 50K and 30K courses that include the summit of Table Rock Mountain, creek crossings, technical single-track, multiple aid stations, and camping at Steele Creek Park.

An untimed trail ascent in West Jefferson with about 5 miles and 1,600 feet of climbing, summit music and refreshments, custom bells for finishers, and a portion of fees donated to the Blue Ridge Conservancy.

An elimination-style running event on a 1.25-1.5 mile farm loop near Huntersville, NC, scheduled for September 2026. Runners complete timed laps until one remains while the event supports pollinator habitat and clothing and shoe recycling.

A 13.6 mile loop race starting and finishing at High Knob Observation Tower in Wise County, held Sunday September 20, 2026. The course runs mainly on Forest Service roads and proceeds support trail development in the Flag Rock and High Knob..

A memorial trail event in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on September 26, 2026 offering timed 5K and 10K runs, an untimed 5K walk, and a virtual option. Chip timing and RFID-tagged bibs are used and proceeds support the American Cancer Society.

A trail 5K in Norton, Virginia held on the Flag Rock Area Trails as part of the Woodbooger Festival. Proceeds support the festival and the event is hosted by the City of Norton.

A 13.1 mile trail half marathon at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN, featuring technical single track, steep climbs, creek crossings and more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Proceeds support park trail improvements and top finishers rece..

A timed loop running festival in Damascus Town Park offering 3 hour, 6 hour and 12 hour races on a scenic one mile loop, with camping for registered runners, live music, food trucks, aid stations, and awards.

The Hellbender 10K in Norton, Virginia on October 3, 2026 is a 10 km uphill race that climbs from downtown to the 4200 foot High Knob summit with more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain. It is the 13th annual edition.

A trail running event at Rocky Branch Park with on-site and virtual 5K and 10K options; timing uses bib chips, participants receive a branded T-shirt and sticker, and proceeds support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

A 100 mile point to point on the Virginia Creeper Trail in Abingdon, Virginia. USATF certified course with crew access, well stocked aid stations and chip timing, serving as the final leg of the From Start to Heart series.

The Last Wolf in Kings Mountain NC is a Last Man Standing race of repeated 3.1 mile loops with cycling time limits from 40 to 60 minutes then reset. Runners are eliminated for missed cutoffs and the final solo loop decides victory.

A trail running festival in Max Meadows VA on October 10 and 11 2026 offering 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and 25K races. Course maps, elevation gain figures, cutoff times, and a runner handbook are provided.