Trail Running calendar near Matthews 2026-2027

A charity 5K at McAlpine Creek Park on August 8, 2026, presented by the Stride Forward Foundation. Proceeds support Charlotte area food banks and early registrants receive a guaranteed race shirt.

A looped trail event at Rocky Branch Park in Belmont, NC offering 50K, 25K and 5K options. Laps are 3.24 miles with about 293 feet of climb each, marked on singletrack with staffed aid stations and a handmade pottery finisher medal.

A themed 5K and a 500 m kids run on August 22, 2026 at East Davidson High School in Thomasville, NC. The event uses a campus cross country course, encourages decade attire, and includes an award for best dressed.

Muddy Princess Charlotte is a women only 5K obstacle mud run at Porter Farms on August 30, 2026, featuring 18 plus obstacles, on course support, volunteer roles with benefits, and a partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Timed 3, 6, and 12 hour events on an 8.34 mile out and back paved loop in Forest City, NC, with aid stations, mileage counting points, awards, and a 50 mile buckle for 50 mile finishers.

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 trail run at Kings Mountain State Park near Clover, SC, using a repeated 4.5 mile loop on marked trails. The course offers on-loop aid and drop bag access and highlights lakes, historic farm areas, and park trail sections.

A 5k and 10k chip-timed trail run at Shining Hope Farms in Conover on September 12, 2026. The event includes a shirt, post-race food and music, and raises 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 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.

Psychoactive is a Last Runner Standing race at Blackberry Ridge Farm near Charlotte. Runners repeat a 1.25 to 1.5 mile loop through gravel, trails and wildflower fields while slower runners are eliminated each round.

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 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.

A USATF-certified *5K* trail run starting at Sandhills Community College and winding through Southern Pines Reservoir Park, featuring race timing, awards, wellness vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, 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 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.