Trail Running calendar near Sylva 2025-2026

Tackle scenic, technical trails in charming Helen GA on December 13, 2025 with a half marathon or a 10K that rewards grit as much as speed. Register from March 17 and grab early swag by November 1; walkers are welcome and hills await.

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.

Fierce Dragon is a multi day trail event at Vogel State Park near Blairsville GA featuring ultramarathon distances from 40K to an epic 200 mile challenge. Register by Jan 8 to tackle classic Duncan Ridge terrain with aid supported courses.

Enjoy scenic trails along Fontana Lake with Great Smoky Mountain views at the Tsali Ultra on January 17, 2026, offering 8K, 30K and 50K options. The 50K also serves as the NC USATF Trail Championship for a competitive challenge.

Take on the Wanderers' Trail Race on January 25 at Maryville College Woods. The chip timed 5k winds over hills, streams and roots, with a kids trail mile and youth 5k for a family friendly day of scenic trail running.

Join the Wesley Woods Trail Race on Feb 7 for scenic, hilly trail runs and a kids gravel mile at Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend TN. Multiple distances from a 3 mile loop to a 12 mile challenge, with proceeds supporting camp ministries.

Gone Loco on Feb 8, 2026 is a flat, runnable rails to trails test along the Eureka Trail in Athens Tennessee, featuring a 55k, an 11 mile and an 11 mile ruck. The field is capped at 150 entries so register early.

Push your limits on Yonah Mountain with steep, technical out and back repeats and huge vertical over a packed winter weekend. Choose from 25K, 50K or 75K options or a two person tag team relay and celebrate at a nearby brewpub.

Hit the trails at Big Ridge State Park for the Dark Hollow Wallow, featuring challenging hilly 11 mile and 5 mile trail races plus a Kids Trail Mile. Aid stations have very small cups so bring your own water, and students and KTC members sa..

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.

Conquer the Rock features 25k and 50k trail courses at Table Rock State Park, including climbs of Table Rock and Pinnacle for a scenic, challenging day. Proceeds benefit the Upstate Running Club youth team and racers should bring their own..

Join the BigFoot Tech Trek 5K on March 7, 2026 in Marion NC for a friendly campus run on McDowell Technical Community College's Tech Trail. Loop a pond and soak up Blue Ridge Mountain views on a course welcoming all paces.

Run 10 mile loops of scenic single track and rolling hills at Croft State Park. Choose 10 mile, 50K, 50 mile or 100 mile distances with stocked aid stations and on site camping for a welcoming ultrarunning weekend.

Tackle the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker in Old Fort NC, with epic 50 Miler and 55K options across rugged singletrack, steep climbs, and scenic ridgelines. Expect technical terrain, big elevation gain, and unforgettable mountain views.

Assault on BlackRock in Sylva NC on March 21 is a rugged 7 mile trail to the BlackRock summit with steep single track and epic views. Tackle massive elevation, chase buckle and cash prizes, and support outdoor murals downtown.

Run the scenic, moderately hilly single track at Concord Park in Knoxville on March 21, 2026 with 10K, 20K and a kids trail mile to choose from. Expect a friendly trail vibe, challenging terrain and a fun day outdoors.

Georgia Death Race is a brutal 74 mile trail in North Georgia with 16,000 feet of climb and descent. Carry a railroad spike and finish under 24 hours to earn a Western States qualifier and an engraved spike.

Run the Lake James Races at Fonta Flora Brewery in Nebo NC on April 4, 2026 with a scenic 7 Miler or lively 5k on singletrack trails. Finishers get a wooden medal, shirt and a beer while supporting the Lake James Environmental Association.