Trail Running calendar near Charlotte 2026-2027

An obstacle mud run at the Jerry Long Family YMCA with a 3.1-mile 5K for ages 7+ and a 1-mile Fun Run for all ages, supporting YMCA health programs and offering new medals for 2026.

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.

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 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 24 hour trail ultramarathon at Hinson Lake in Rockingham NC on a USATF certified 1.5032 mile loop featuring electronic timing, night chem light markings, a 500 runner cap and awards for 24 hour and 100 K finishers.

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.

Flint's Fabulous 5K in Kannapolis on September 26, 2026 is a 5K run/walk supporting Leashes of Valor, which provides no-cost service dogs to post-9/11 veterans. Registration options include a shirt choice and optional donations for specific..

A 5K trail run from Sandhills Community College through Southern Pines Reservoir Park on a USATF certified course, with race timing, awards, vendors, massages and a dog friendly atmosphere.

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.

Test your endurance on the technical hills of the Palmetto Trail during this 13.1 mile run or hike. Enjoy a custom medal and a full breakfast after finishing this scenic course through the Croft Passage.

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.

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 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.

A family-friendly event on October 10, 2026 in Morganton featuring a 5K Zombie Run with flag-capture rules and awards, plus a one mile costume fun run and an after party with food trucks and activities.

Timed 3 hour, 6 hour, and 12 hour events on a roughly 3 mile loop with two miles of trail and one mile of crushed cinder greenway in Valdese, NC. The event is the kickoff for Great State Trail Day and includes vendor space and food.

A fall ultramarathon in the Uwharrie National Forest near Troy, NC. Runners repeat a 20.5 mile figure 8 loop for either 100 miles or 100K, with a 36 hour cutoff and a 150 runner field limit.

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.

A Last Person Standing race on a 4.167 mile loop at Westminster Park in Rock Hill, SC. Runners complete hourly loops until one remains, with an aid station, assigned crew spots, streaming, swag, and handmade awards.