Trail Running calendar near Valdese 2025-2026

Kettlefoot is a scenic trail run near Mountain City Tennessee at Doe Mountain Recreation Area with 50K, 25K and 13K options on varied terrain. Climb the 60 foot Kettlefoot Fire Tower for sweeping 360 degree views across three states.

Run the scenic Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon VA on a June weekend, choosing from 50 mile, 55K or the Pepsi Challenge 25K. Expect crushed gravel, trestles, forests and streams, chip timing and a custom Pepsi Challenge finisher medal.

Run an 8 mile four loop trail at Lakewood Nature Preserve through rolling hills and wildlife, then join a BYOB Beerlay party with yard games. Drinking is 21 plus; proceeds benefit the Upstate Running Club Youth Team.

Ridge to Rails in Old Fort, NC offers 50k, half marathon and 10k on a mix of new and classic trails around Camp Grier and the Old Fort Gateway Trailhead. Enjoy scenic ridgelines, technical singletrack and a net downhill half that finishes a..

Wicked Root 50K in Lowell NC on June 13, 2026 offers a tough 50K and a fun 5K on rugged 10 mile loops with big climbs and well stocked aid stations. Finishers receive unique handcrafted medals from BlueGill Pottery.

Buck Creek Streak is a clothing optional trail run and walk through woods and meadows at Carolina Foothills Resort. Choose a 5K or the Mike Ward Challenge 7.3K with a special finisher medal, chip timing, and resort postrace vibes.

Run The Longest Day at Lakewood Nature Preserve to support the Upstate Running Club youth team. Choose distances from half marathon to 100k on rolling grass and forest laps, with weekend camping and a lively aid station vibe.

Run 100 or 50 miles on a challenging one mile loop with about 500 feet of climb per lap at Froggy Mountain in Galax, Virginia on June 19, 2026. Aid stations, hot food, toilets and outdoor hot showers are provided and a 60 hour cutoff lets y..

Join Hollis Hills Farm Revival in Ellenboro NC on June 27 for 5K, 25K or 50K loops around the farm and hunter's cabin. All entry fees support farm development and finishers receive unique handmade pottery medals.

Take on the 40th Ultimate Runner on June 27, 2026 in Winston Salem, NC, a one day test combining four track races plus a 5K cross country where you must finish all five to score. Finishers get the event shirt and a collectible decal.

Push your limits at the Carolina Reaper Challenge on July 18, 2026 at Riverwest Preserve in Greenville, SC. Run 50k, half marathon, 5 mile or team relay on a scenic 2.6 mile loop while supporting the Upstate Running Club Youth Team.

Rudolph's Revenge is a Christmas in July night 5K in Rock Hill benefiting the Northwestern High cross country team. Run a glow lit grass and track loop in costume, with chip timing, music, snacks and awards.

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.

Take on the Dark Horse Trail Series at Tryon Equestrian Center on August 22, 2026, with marathon, half marathon or 10k options across scenic looped trails and rolling climbs. Rustic camping, one stocked aid station and a friendly festival v..

Not A Sprint Ultra Races brings timed endurance running to the paved Thermal Belt Rail Trail in Forest City NC on a largely flat 8.34 mile out and back loop with aid stations. Choose 3, 6, or 12 hour formats and earn a buckle for 50 miles.

Scenic and challenging 13.1 mile trail half in Jones Gap State Park with 2000 feet of climbing and views of Rainbow Falls and Little Pinnacle. Post race pancakes, finisher medal and proceeds support the Upstate Running Club youth team.

Chimney Burn Ultra in Chimney Rock NC offers 50K, 25K and 10K trail runs featuring a dramatic out and back route past a waterfall and over long stair sections. Finishers earn handmade pottery medals from BlueGill; reg opens Jan 1 2026.

Join the XC Experience 5K in Rutherfordton NC for a two lap cross country course through woods, fields and a stadium finish. Part of the ROC Race Series, this spectator friendly event offers awards and a lively course for runners.

Run or walk the Lake Conestee 8k on Sept 20, a scenic 5 mile loop through natural trails and boardwalks at Lake Conestee Nature Park. Proceeds support the Upstate Running Club youth team and finishers get medals, pancakes and pro photos.

Hit the scenic trails in Wilkesboro at the Chad Lovette Memorial Trail Run, with 5K and 10K timed options plus a 5K walk and virtual choice. Race in September to support the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life.