Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

Run the New South Trail Marathon at the scenic Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. Choose a half or full distance and tackle marked natural surface trails with aid stations and race day support for a rewarding trail running experience.

A trail running event at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve on April 4, 2026 offering 25K and 50K distances. The course runs on sandy, root strewn trails under longleaf pines and includes an aid station, timing, shirts and finisher me..

A 5k in Valdese, NC on April 4, 2026 supporting awareness for humane treatment of incarcerated people. The course features a slope, rock stairs, a suspension bridge near 0.5 miles and an out and back on the Valdese greenway.

Join I Run for the Gospel in Monroe on April 8, 2026 for a joyful run celebrating faith, community, and healthy living. Proceeds support outreach and programs that expand worship, service, and culinary education for those in need.

Leatherwood Marathons in Ferguson, NC (April 11, 2026) uses a 12 mile loop with 3,050 ft gain per loop. Distances range from 25K to 100 miles and aid stations are placed three times per loop.

A coastal 5K trail run at Fort Macon State Park on April 11, 2026, featuring cross country surfaces, footbridge crossings and views of Beaufort Inlet, Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Proceeds support the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter.

A mountain 25K in Montreat, NC on April 11, 2026 featuring about 4,000 feet of climb and mostly singletrack across named peaks and overlooks. Prior trail experience and mandatory safety gear are required.

Hit the sand at the Sledgehammer Beach Run in North Topsail Beach on April 11, 2026, with half marathon, 10K and 5K options plus virtual entries. Enjoy beachside scenery while supporting Semper Fi and America's Fund honoring Dr. E.B. Sledge..

A trail event at Cedarock Park with four unique 5K+ loops offering 5K, 10K, half marathon, and half marathon relay options, plus a free kids race and post-race amenities.

The Haw River Island Ramble will take place in Graham on Saturday 11 April 2026. You can run 4 miles.

A trail race in Durham on April 12, 2026 featuring 12 mile and 50 km distances on single track along the Eno River. Aid stations are provided and the event follows a cupless policy with awards for finishers and top overall and masters.

Uforea stages daytime and nighttime 50K trail races on the Uwharrie and Dutchman's Creek systems near Troy, NC, with an option to combine both into a 100K. Fields are limited and overall awards are given for top male and female finishers.

Run or walk the Family First 5K trail in Greenville on April 18, 2026 and support Carolina Pregnancy Center. Timed runners get medals and prizes while early registrants receive a shirt, swag bag and a token for a mother figure.

Join the 10th annual Rise & Run 5K in Southern Pines for a scenic trail run with a 1 mile kids race, live music, and food trucks. Proceeds support Friend to Friend, empowering survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

The Gamble is a variable-distance loop race in Hendersonville, NC. A dice roll before the start determines how many 1.67 mile laps each competitor runs, with cupless aid at the loop and a course that mixes singletrack, paths, stairs and pos..

Join the Smoky Mountain Relay on April 24, 2026 for a thrilling team relay through over 200 miles of Pisgah National Forest terrain. Teams of 6, 9 or 12 share 36 legs and enjoy pro timing, a finish party, food and live music.

Blue Heaven Trail Fest brings runners together on a scenic 4 mile loop through forest and pasture, with relay and individual races for all levels. Enjoy a festival vibe with camping, music, and food while supporting Beautiful Together Anima..

Trail race at Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro on April 25, 2026. Options include a half marathon or four mile run, plus ruck and virtual entries, with technical shirts and a finisher medal that links to the NC Trail Mega Medal Series.

Join the Iredell Rise & Shine 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run at Jennings Park for a family friendly morning of exercise on scenic nature trails. Enjoy food trucks, vendor booths, and activities as the community celebrates parks and healthy living.

Originally planned as a point to point 100 mile trail race in Robbinsville, NC with about 22,000 ft of gain, the Appalachian 100 has been cancelled. A 50 mile option had also been listed and the event was organised by Run Bum Races.