Trail Running calendar near Chapel Hill 2025-2026

Choose a scenic 5 mile run or hike or push into a 25K at Raven Rock State Park, winding creekside trails that climb to a river overlook. Enjoy on site food, event photos and finisher medals for all.

Join FREEDOM STARTS HERE in Pinehurst on Jan 10, 2026 with 10K, 5K, and 1 mile along the scenic Reservoir Park loop and Whitehall Trail. Proceeds benefit Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge; finishers receive a shirt and medal.

Hit scenic single track at Little River Trail Runs in Rougemont on January 10, 2026 with a 10 mile or 7 kilometer option, aid stations and course support. All proceeds help maintain park trails for the local community.

Brave winter trails at Northeast Park for the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Half and 5 Mile on Jan 17, with scenic river crossings and on course aid. Chip timing, a custom hoodie, medal, post race food and a beer, plus virtual and ruck options.

Take on the Occoneechee Mountain Challenge, a scenic 10 mile trail race in Hillsborough on Jan 25, 2026. The course features rocky single track, about 700 ft of climbing, two aid stations, and a chili finish supporting local charities.

Run the HAROC at Hanging Rock State Park, with scenic ridges, rewarding climbs, and a choice of 25k or 50k distances. Expect rugged trail terrain, aid stations on course, and a spirited winter trail community.

Run the 35th Uwharrie Mountain Run on February 7, 2026 and tackle hilly, chilly single track in Uwharrie National Forest near Ophir NC. Enjoy hearty aid stations, a long sleeve race shirt and handmade pottery awards.

Run the scenic trails at Harris Lake County Park in Raleigh for the Viking Dash, offering 5K and 10K distances. Cross the line for a Viking longship medal and compete for top overall and age group awards.

Team up in pairs or fours to tackle 20 laps around the historic Occoneechee Speedway dirt track, about 13.5 miles of fun, strategy and camaraderie. Chip timing, custom swag and a post race BBQ await while teams compete for top honors.

Brave the chill at the Freakin Freezin 5K at Jamison Park in Winston Salem on Sunday Feb 15, 2026 for a scenic, chip timed course with water stations and a festive finish. Run in person or virtually and earn a finisher medal and long sleeve..

Run the historic Ellerbe Marathon and Half Marathon in scenic rural North Carolina, with marathoners doing the certified loop twice and half runners finishing after one. Expect small town charm and a pottery finisher cup for finishers.

Take on the TarDevil 30 Mile Bushwack, a gritty point to point training run between UNC and Duke that alternates direction each year. This unofficial fat ass outing offers a challenging, social endurance adventure for bold runners.

Take on the Naked Mountain Ultra at Morrow Mountain State Park in Albemarle, NC on March 7, 2026, with 50 mile, 25 mile, or 10 mile loops that climb four scenic peaks. Expect well stocked aid stations and a welcoming trail community.

Run the MST 100 in Durham NC on March 7, 2026, offering 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and 10 mile courses along the scenic Mountains to Sea Trail at Falls Lake. Mostly single track with bridges and 8,000 feet of climbing.

Run 26.2 miles through William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh on scenic, challenging trails that wind through forests, lakes, and streams. Aid stations, a post race meal and commemorative shirt make this a rewarding trail marathon.

Take to scenic trails around Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend in Greensboro with 5, 10 or 17 mile options for runners, ruckers and virtual participants. Collect a finisher medal that joins the North Carolina Trail Mega Medal Series.

Join Miles 4 Moore on Mar 7, 2026 in Pinehurst NC for a marathon, half marathon or 5K around scenic Reservoir Park trails. Proceeds fund gym memberships, coaching and nutrition support for low income families and student athletes.

Hit the trails at Pluck Farm for the Learning Outside 5K Trail Run or walk, plus a kids dash and virtual option. Expect muddy singletrack, after event brews, and the chance to support programs that connect children with nature.

Enjoy a scenic 3.3 mile trail run at YMCA Camp Frontier through wooded single track with rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and creek crossings. Proceeds benefit Snow Camp Fire & Rescue for a fun, community spirited challenge.

Hustle through Lake Crabtree trails in Morrisville NC with a 10K+ or half marathon over flowy single track, punchy climbs and technical sections. Race day offers chip timing, aid stations, a race tee, finisher medal and a kids treasure run.