Trail Running calendar near Banner Elk 2026-2027

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 ultras in Morganton NC with 50K and 30K routes through Steele Creek Park. Courses include technical single-track, creek crossings, and summit access, with aid stations supplying drinks and basic foods.

A roughly 5 mile ascent near West Jefferson, NC, gaining about 1600 feet to a summit above 4600 feet. Options include a timed climb or an untimed hike; finishers and cheering spectators receive custom bells and there is music and shuttles a..

A 13.6-mile loop beginning and ending at High Knob Observation Tower, running mainly on Forest Service roads through the Mountain Fork watershed, with aid stations en route and proceeds supporting local trail maintenance.

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 5K run held as part of the Woodbooger Festival in Norton, Virginia, on the Flag Rock Recreation Area trails. Proceeds support the festival that highlights local nature, folklore, and history.

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..

Timed loop races at Damascus Town Park with 3, 6 and 12 hour options on a scenic one mile loop. The event includes camping along the course, live music, food trucks and awards for top finishers.

A 10K in Norton, Virginia on October 3, 2026, that climbs from downtown to the 4,200 foot High Knob summit with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. This is the 13th annual edition and registration closes October 1.

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 USATF certified 100 miles on the Virginia Creeper Trail in Abingdon, VA on October 9, 2026. The race features crew access, staffed aid stations, and professional chip timing and is part of the From Start to Heart series.

The Last Wolf in Kings Mountain NC runs repeated 3.1 mile loops with time limits that cycle through 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 minutes. Runners are eliminated for missing cutoffs and the final winner must complete a solo loop within the limit.

A multi-distance trail race weekend on the New River Trail in Max Meadows, VA offering 100 mile, 50 mile, 50k and 25k courses with frequent aid stations, minimal elevation change, camping and on-trail views of rapids and trestles.

A certified 5K trail run on a 50 acre horse ranch near Gastonia, NC, accompanied by a 2K walk, a Half Pint race for ages 7 and under, and a virtual 5K option. The event runs rain or sunshine and will be canceled for lightning.

Second annual trail running event at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park on October 10, 2026, offering a 6.2 mile course and an about 9 mile course, chip timing, one aid station, and awards for the top 10 men and top 10 women.

A themed 5K where runners protect Velcro flags from stationed zombies, plus a one mile family fun run in downtown Morganton on October 10, 2026. Food trucks, beer sales, and a fall after party follow the runs.

A 100-mile ultra in Hickory using a 4-mile mixed-surface loop, open to solo runners and teams of 2 to 10, featuring about 70% trail, over 15,500 feet of elevation, and marked signage for night running.

An 8.5 miles trail race in DuPont State Forest on October 17, 2026 benefiting Friends of DuPont Forest. The well marked singletrack route features nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain, two water stations and a post race forest festival.

A costume-friendly community run in Hendersonville with a 5K and 1-mile route through the Historic 7th Avenue District and Oklawaha Greenway, finisher medals for 5K runners, event shirts, a costume contest, and a post-race Fall Festival.

Trail races on and around Lake James with a 50K, relays, and a half marathon, starting and finishing at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm. Portions of proceeds support local trail development.