Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

A trail event at Briar Patch Hunting property featuring a 20K made from repeated 5K loops, relay and individual divisions, and Beer Mile races. Beer or chocolate milk is offered before laps and beer is available to those 21 and older.

A community 5K organized by World Relief Durham on August 22, 2026 at Miracle Park in Durham, NC. The event features vendor participation, timed entries with T shirts for registered runners, and a separate free option for very young childre..

Experience a technical mountain race at Grandfather Mountain featuring fixed ropes and ladders. This 14 mile course climbs the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Range twice for a true Appalachian trail adventure.

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.

A women-only 5K obstacle mud run in Raleigh on August 23, 2026, held at North Carolina Motorsports Park with 18+ obstacles; open to women aged 7 and up who can run, jog, or walk the course.

Friday Night Lights Elon Opener is Elon's cross country season opener on August 28, 2026 in Elon, North Carolina. Women run four 1000 meter laps and men run six 1000 meter laps in an evening cross country meet.

Run at the Farm at Denton Farm Park features a scenic 5K on mixed grass, gravel, and paved surfaces with notable hills. The day also includes a community 5K followed by preseason middle and high school 3K and 5K races.

A women-only 5K obstacle mud run at Porter Farms in Concord, NC on August 30, 2026, featuring 18+ obstacles, ticketed standard and VIP packages, and volunteer roles with benefits; the event supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Timed 3, 6, and 12 hour races on the flat Thermal Belt Rail Trail in Forest City, NC with aid stations, on site medical support, relay options, and a 50 mile buckle for those finishing 50 miles within 12 hours.

A trail event at Hagan-Stone Park offering half marathon and 10K runs plus ruck and virtual options, with morning, evening, and double-entry formats; evening races may require personal lights.

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.

Trail races of 10K and Half Marathon take place at Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area near Snow Camp NC. An optional 80 foot observation tower climb is offered at the end and non climbers receive a time penalty at an aid station.

A 5k and 10k trail run at Shining Hope Farms on September 12, 2026 honoring veterans, first responders and law enforcement while raising funds for Saddles & Salutes scholarships.

An inaugural community race on the Ecusta Trail in Hendersonville, North Carolina on September 12, 2026. Features a timed 5K, a one mile fun run, finisher medals, awards and a virtual participation option.

Scale 110 flights of stairs in downtown Raleigh to honor the heroes of 9/11. This symbolic climb at the former Wells Fargo Tower welcomes first responders and civilians for a meaningful memorial event.

A community event at Herndon Park using the American Tobacco Trail with a 5K, a 1 mile fun run and a virtual Sleep In Superhero option. Proceeds support outreach and education on organ eye and tissue donation in North Carolina.

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.

Epiphany Cross Country #2 in New Bern NC features two 5K running races for girls and boys on September 14, 2026; registration opened and closed on December 7, 2025 and the listed fee is zero dollars.

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.

Point to point trail race between Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina, offering 50 Mile and 50K options, a 50 Mile Relay, ruck and virtual races with substantial climbing.