Trail Running calendar near Durham 2025-2026

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a trail trot at Briar Chapel offering 2 mile and 5K options. Chip timed and untimed entries benefit PORCH with matching funds and finishers enjoy aid stations, a race tee and post race pie.

Join the DPS Education Foundation Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day in Danville for a scenic 5K along the Dan River plus a children's fun run. Run or walk to support DPS students and teachers while enjoying the Riverwalk Trail.

Hit the trails at Cane Creek Mountains the Friday after Thanksgiving for the Black Toenail Friday race. Pick a 13.1 or 7.5 mile course with in person, ruck or virtual options and earn a long sleeve shirt and finisher medal.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Turkey Chase in Cary NC, offering in person and virtual half marathon, 10K, 5K and a Kids in Strollers mile at scenic Umstead State Park. Finishers get medals and cozy hats in a fun community vibe.

Run Briar Chapel's scenic forest trails in the Leftovers Trail Run with 5K and 10K routes featuring roots, rocks and short climbs. Pick a vintage tee and medal, enjoy a free kids treasure race, pro photos and post race food.

Join the Shakori 40 festival in Pittsboro, NC on December 5 and 6, 2025 for trail running and festival fun. Choose 40 miles, 40K or 4 miles on scenic cross country trails, then unwind with live music, camping, food and bonfires.

Run At The Rock is a festive trail race at Cedarock Park on December 13, 2025 offering 5K, 10K and Half Marathon routes across scenic, occasionally technical single track and equestrian trails. Finishers get a hoodie and medal and there is..

Run or hike at Raven Rock State Park on January 4 with a 5 mile run, 5 mile untimed hike, or a challenging 25K. Expect scenic creekside single track, rocky technical sections, medals for all finishers, and limited spots and parking.

Join the Freedom Starts Here run in Pinehurst on January 10 to raise funds for Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge, a faith centered recovery program. Choose 10K, 5K or 1 mile, enjoy Reservoir Park trails, swag, medals and family friendly fun.

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.

Run the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail Half Marathon or 5 Mile at Northeast Park, featuring rugged trails, two river crossings and rucking options for both distances. Finishers get a custom hoodie, medal, post race food and beer as part of the..

Test yourself on rocky, rooty trails and waterfalls at Hanging Rock State Park in the HAROC challenge. Choose a technical 50k or 25k with aid stations and scenic views; register by Jan 28 for the Jan 31 race.

Join the 35th Uwharrie Mountain Run Feb 7 2026 in Uwharrie National Forest. Choose 40 mile, 20 mile or 8 mile single track courses with rocky roots, creek crossings and aid stations, and earn handcrafted pottery finisher awards.

Join the Viking Dash at scenic Harris Lake County Park in New Hill, NC, with 5K and 10K trail options for beginners and seasoned runners. Finishers earn a striking Viking Longship medal and top finishers get cozy knit socks.

Team up in twos or fours for the Occoneechee Speedway Relay at Historic Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough and tackle 20 laps for about 13.5 miles. Expect custom swag, chip timing, division awards and a post race BBQ.

Warm up your winter at the Freakin Freezin 5K in Winston Salem on Feb 15 at Jamison Park. Run the scenic paved trail with chip timing, water stops, and a custom finisher medal, or join virtually from anywhere.

TarDevil 30 Mile Bushwack is a point to point fat ass style training run alternating between UNC and Duke. Expect challenging terrain and inherent risks; join at your own risk for a gritty, unofficial long run experience.

Near Falls Lake in Durham, MST 100 offers 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and 10 mile trail races on mostly single track with multiple lake crossings. Rough rolling terrain and 8,000 feet of climb make it a true ultrarun challenge.

Tackle a 26.2 mile trail marathon through William B Umstead State Park near Raleigh NC, across scenic single track and gravel paths with forest and lake views. Fully supported and proceeds benefit park preservation.

Northern Trails Trail Race in Greensboro on March 7, 2026 offers 5, 10 and 17 mile trail options for runners, ruckers and hikers around Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend. Finishers earn a spring themed medal in the NC Trail Mega Medal Series.