Trail Running calendar near Gastonia 2025-2026

Run the New South Trail Marathon at Charlotte Whitewater Center on April 4, 2026. Choose full or half distance and enjoy scenic natural surface trails, lively aid stations, and a rugged, rewarding trail experience.

Run scenic single track around Lake James from Fonta Flora Brewery on April 4, 2026 with 7 mile and 5K options. Finish with a Fonta Flora beer for 21 and over, a commemorative shirt and wooden finisher medal while supporting the Lake James..

Leatherwood Marathons in Ferguson NC offers steep rugged looped trail running on private Leatherwood trails, run by Dirty Wolf Racing and billed as not a race. Distances span 25K to 100 mile with backcountry aid and pottery finisher medal.

Tackle the scenic yet rugged Seven Sisters 25 kilometer race in Montreat, NC, featuring roughly 4,000 feet of climbing and sweeping ridge top views. Expect technical trails, required safety gear, and a 5 hour cutoff.

Uforea is a trail challenge in Uwharrie National Forest near Troy, NC offering daytime and nighttime 50K races or the Ultimate 100K for those who run both. Enjoy rugged singletrack, scenic ridgelines and a true endurance test.

Run laps through Appalachian singletrack that passes a waterfall, creeks, and a vintage barn at the Firefly Trail Run. Choose a timed 6 or 12 hour challenge or a single loop 5K and enjoy on site camping and post race awards.

Enjoy shaded trails at Knock On Wood in Marietta, SC with half marathon and 10K options on a rolling 10K loop. Finish with a medal, live timing and a lively post race party.

Hellbender 100 is a 100 mile trail race up Mt Mitchell in the Black Mountains with about 48,000 feet of climbing and pacers allowed. Organized by Run828, it qualifies runners for Hardrock and Western States and supports local nonprofits.

Take on the Devil Makes Three trail races in Waxhaw NC on May 16, 2026 with a 50K three loop challenge or a single lap 10 mile option. Enjoy scenic technical trails, prairie and lake views, aid station support and a finisher medal.

Quest for the Crest is a mountain trail race in Burnsville with steep, technical point to point courses and massive vertical gain to Mt Mitchell. Expect altered routes after Hurricane Helene, a mandatory shuttle to the start and race swag p..

Run the Cancer Active Trail Race in Black Mountain, choose in person or virtual 5K, and enjoy scenic trails. Aid stations, shirts for early registrants, and friendly volunteers make this a welcoming community event.

Run the Momentus Back Yard Ultra on May 30, 2026 at Williams Rushing Farm in Monroe NC: repeat 4.167 mile loops each hour until one runner remains. Or try the Celebrity Fun Run for a single relaxed 4.167 mile loop on scenic farmland.

Run a rugged 50k loop, a net downhill half marathon, or a smooth 10k in Old Fort, NC with finishes at Camp Grier. Expect scenic ridge views, single track trails and full aid station support.

Cottonmouth 8 Mile & Beerlay at Lakewood Nature Preserve is four laps of a scenic two mile grassy loop through rolling, wooded hills. Bring your beers for a playful relay and post race party supporting the Upstate Running Club Youth Team.

Take on Wicked Root 50K in Lowell NC on June 13, 2026, with 50K and 5K options on a scenic 10 mile loop featuring about 1,400 ft gain per loop. Aid stations are stocked and finishers earn unique handmade pottery medals.

Take on The Longest Day, an elimination style trail run at Lakewood Nature Preserve offering distances from a half marathon to 100k. Enjoy rolling grass trails, lively aid stations, finisher swag, and help the Upstate Running Club youth tea..

Join the Buck Creek Streak, a clothing optional trail run or walk through woods and meadows at Carolina Foothills Resort in Chesnee, South Carolina. Pick a timed 5K or take on the longer 7.3K challenge and earn a special finisher medal.

Run scenic loops at Hollis Hills Farm in Ellenboro with 5K, 25K (3 loops) and 50K (6 loops) options, rustic aid stations and a 10 hour cutoff. Proceeds support the farm and finishers earn unique handmade pottery medals.

Take on the Sweaty Backyard Cox Ultra in Concord NC on July 25, 2026, a Backyard Ultra where the last runner standing wins. The Bronze level event is a direct qualifier for the Capital Backyard Ultra and covers the finisher's entry fee.

Hit twisty trails and climbs at Black Copperhead Sting in Belmont NC on August 15, 2026, with 50K, 25K or 5K loop options. Aid stations offer savory and sweet fuel and finishers earn a one of a kind handmade pottery medal.