Trail Running calendar near Hickory 2026-2027

Experience a scenic 10 mile run or hike around the shores of Lake Summit on packed gravel roads. Enjoy mountain views and a pancake breakfast at the finish line in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

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.

A point to point trail ultra in North Carolina linking Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park. Events include 50 mile and 50K races, a 50 mile relay, virtual options, and separate pacer registration.

Trail ultras at Steele Creek Park near Morganton, NC offering a 50K to the summit of Table Rock and a 30K out-and-back. Technical single-track, creek crossings, substantial elevation gain, and aid stations without cups - bring a bottle.

A mountain ascent near West Jefferson NC of about 5 miles and 1600 feet of gain, offered as a timed climb or discounted untimed hike, with finishers receiving custom bells and summit music and shuttles available.

The Psychoactive: a Last Runner Standing will take place in Huntersville on Saturday 19 September 2026. You can run between 13 and 50 miles.

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 raises funds for Leashes of Valor to train no-cost service dogs for post 9/11 veterans. The event includes a race shirt option, packet pickup, and is dog friendly.

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.

A 13.1 mile trail half marathon at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN, featuring technical single track, steep climbs, creek crossings and more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Proceeds support park trail improvements and top finishers rece..

Timed loop races at Damascus Town Park with 3, 6 and 12 hour options on a scenic one mile loop. The event includes camping along the course, live music, food trucks and awards for top finishers.

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.

A 100 mile ultramarathon near Abingdon Virginia in October 2026 featuring a revised course with a Damascus out and back. Entry requires recent ultrarunning experience and the race serves as a Western States qualifier.

The Last Wolf in Kings Mountain NC is a Last Man Standing loop race on a 3.1 mile (5K) gravel course where the time limit cycles 40 45 50 55 60 minutes then resets. Aid station provides basic food and hydration.

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.

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 at Westminster Park on a *4.167 mile* loop with about 440 feet of elevation per loop. Runners repeat the loop hourly until one remains, with a pavilion corral, an aid station, crew spots, and race-specific rules.

A Halloween-themed 5k and 1 Mile in Hendersonville on October 24, 2026, presented by Aetna, with costumes encouraged, finisher medals, a Fall Festival at the Farmers’ Market, a virtual 5k option, and a costume contest with prizes.