Trail Running calendar near Gastonia 2025-2026

Run scenic single track loops at Lake Norman State Park on Dec 6, 2025 with 30K and 50K options offering rolling terrain and aid stations. Limited spots and shirt for registrations by Nov 13 make this a must do for trail runners.

Beast of the East 100 invites trail runners to Crowders Mountain near Kings Mountain NC with 100 mile, 100K, 50 mile, marathon and half marathon routes. Expect rugged ridgelines, big climbs, scenic views and generous aid stations.

Tackle scenic single track and rolling trails at the Dirty Santa 5 mile trail run in Lenoir on December 13, 2025, the final stop of the Foothills Run Series. Stick around after the race for hot cocoa and s'mores by the finish.

Run through sunset to sunrise at Lakewood Nature Preserve on a looped course with options from 10K to 50 miles. Proceeds benefit the Upstate Running Club youth team and the barn hub keeps runners comfy for the overnight experience.

Mo Big Butt on December 27, 2025 is a self timed, unsupported 50 km run with on site parking for those familiar with the course. The route recently hosted a 50 km ultramarathon that saw 28 finishers and two state records.

Abramsthon on Dec 27 in Denver NC is a roughly 50k loop from Lake Norman Brewery up Anderson Mountain and back via road, rail and trail. Free entry; register by Dec 5. Mostly self supported with aid near miles 10 and 20 and the first 25 fin..

Start your year on the trails at the Gnome Run in Fort Mill on January 1, 2026 featuring multiple trail run and ruck distances, music, prizes, and shirts. Enjoy family friendly fun, food and beer while supporting the Baxter Trail Club.

Kick off the new year with the Resolution 5K at Stevens Creek Nature Preserve, a free chip timed community run on scenic trails for all ages. Space is limited to 100, so sign up early and consider bringing a non perishable food donation.

Brave winter trails at the Frosty Cox 6 Hour Trail Race in Concord, NC, a timed six hour challenge on a rugged 6.2 mile mostly singletrack loop. Limited spots for this 50K chase, register by Jan 7.

Tackle a scenic, challenging half marathon through rugged trails and creek crossings at South Mountains State Park near Connelly Springs, NC. Limited to 200 runners on January 10, 2026, this race delivers big climbs, Appalachian views, and..

Join the Roy Abernathy Legacy Race at George Poston Park in Gastonia on Jan 17, 2026, offering distances from 1 mile to 50K on scenic trail and soccer loop routes. Celebrate a meaningful cause supporting brain research and earn a handmade p..

Tackle scenic trails at Anne Springs Close Greenway just outside Charlotte with 4, 9 or 13 mile options plus virtual entries. Enjoy post race beer, food, a bonfire and a Recover hoodie with finisher medal to celebrate your run.

Run rugged single track with rocky roots and creek crossings at the 35th Uwharrie Mountain Run in Ophir NC, with 8, 20 and 40 mile options. Finishers earn a long sleeve shirt and handmade Seagrove pottery awards.

Tackle technical single track trails and creek crossings at the Mill Stone 50K in Fort Mill, SC, run as three 10.5 mile loops with a 10 mile option. Expect muddy footing, friendly aid stations, and a custom medal for 50K finishers.

Spend Valentine's Day with a scenic 5K through Golden Road Vineyards and a celebratory mimosa at the finish. Run on site or join the virtual 5K to enjoy medals, vineyard views, and festive vibes.

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.

Run the Land and Lakes Relay in late Feb 2026, a scenic team relay from Warren Wilson College in Asheville to Fonta Flora Brewery near Lake James. Teams of four or six share varied mountain legs and finish with awards and a celebratory beer..

Run the scenic Catawba Falls 15k in Old Fort NC on Feb 28, 2026, a rugged trail that follows the river and climbs to waterfalls and mountain viewpoints. Proceeds support local trail conservation and finishers enjoy local post race food.

Join the 5th annual Union Mills Wilderness 5K and 10K on Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 in Union Mills, NC for timed races on scenic riverside and mountain routes. Proceeds support the Union Mills Learning Center.

Perennial is a time based endurance run at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Choose a 3, 6 or 10 hour challenge and lap a scenic roughly 5K trail and gravel loop as many times as you can, with aid at each lap and eco friendly swag.