Trail Running calendar near Shelby 2026-2027

A community 5K in Kannapolis on September 26, 2026 that raises funds for Leashes of Valor, which provides no-cost service dogs to post-9/11 veterans. The event is dog friendly and is part of the Run Kannapolis race series.

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 runs repeated 3.1 mile loops with time limits that cycle through 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 minutes. Runners are eliminated for missing cutoffs and the final winner must complete a solo loop within the limit.

Experience a scenic 13.1 mile trail loop through Paris Mountain State Park featuring 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Run past tranquil lakes and waterfalls while enjoying panoramic summit views and vibrant fall foliage.

This trail event features a certified 5K run and a 2K walk across a 50-acre horse ranch in Gastonia, NC. A short Half-Pint run for kids 7 and under is also on the schedule. It's planned as a rain or shine event, with registration available..

Experience the Papertown Trail Races at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park in Canton. Choose between 10km and 20km chip timed courses featuring wooded trails and scenic views.

The Zombie Run 5K in Morganton adds a thrilling twist to a standard race. Participants must navigate the course while keeping their flags away from roaming Zombies. A separate Family Fun Run and a festive after party with food and drinks co..

A 100 mile looped trail event in Hickory, NC on October 17 to 18, 2026 for solo runners and teams of 2 to 10, featuring about 70 percent trails, significant elevation, stocked aid stations, night running rules, and pacer and crew provisions..

A family-friendly run and walk in downtown Hendersonville on October 24, 2026 with 5K and 1 Mile options, costume prizes, shirts and a 5K finisher medal, plus a post-race festival near the farmers market.

Test your endurance on the historic grounds of a former WWII training facility in South Carolina. Choose between 50k, 25k, or 8 mile technical trail courses at the rugged Croft State Park.

Trail races on and around Lake James with a 50K, relays, and a half marathon, starting and finishing at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm. Portions of proceeds support local trail development.

A Halloween themed run at Enoree River Vineyards offering a chip timed 5K and a 1.5 mile option, with a shirt, wine glass, a medal that doubles as a wine stopper, and a pour of wine included.

This event features a 5k lap on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, starting a new lap every hour. After each lap, enjoy games, raffles, vendors, and football. Proceeds support the OVC Kenya program for children.

A multi-distance trail event at Kings Mountain State Park featuring a ten mile loop with about 650 feet elevation gain per loop, stocked aid stations, time limits for each distance, and awards including a custom buckle for 100 Mile finisher..

Experience an autumn trail tradition at the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Choose from a half marathon, 10K, or 5K Dog Jog where the whole family and their furry companions can race together.

Run for a cause at the UCSO Deputy Dash 5K Trail Run in Monroe. This event supports the UCSO Foundation and features a post-race expo with local vendors. Participants receive a finisher medal and race swag bag.

A roughly 62 mile single-loop ultramarathon in Pisgah Forest with high summits above 6,000 ft, varied trail surfaces, creek crossings, nine aid stations, and strict mandatory safety gear and packet pickup procedures.

Experience an off road 5K cross country run in the Vein Mountain area of North Carolina. All finishers receive a medal and the first thirty participants to register receive an event t-shirt.

Experience a weekend of diverse obstacle course races at The Johnson Farm in Newberry. Choose from distances ranging from 5K to 50K and navigate wooded trails, creek crossings, and signature red clay terrain.