Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

Experience a unique trail race in Hampstead featuring a 20k relay and mile challenges. Runners can tackle wooded loops individually or in teams with optional time deductions for beverage consumption at each lap.

World Relief Durham's third Run for Refugees 5K is on August 22, 2026 at Miracle Park in Durham. Paid entries include a shirt and professional timing, and children age 5 and under may participate free with an adult.

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 at North Carolina Motorsports Park on August 23, 2026, featuring 18+ obstacles and open to participants aged 7 and up. The event emphasizes fun and teamwork rather than competition.

A women-only 5K obstacle mud run in Charlotte on August 30, 2026, held at Porter Farms in Concord. The course features 18+ obstacles and welcomes participants aged 7 and older who may run, jog, or walk.

Timed 3, 6, and 12 hour events on an 8.34 mile out and back paved loop in Forest City, NC, with aid stations, mileage counting points, awards, and a 50 mile buckle for 50 mile finishers.

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 sixth annual trail run at Shining Hope Farms in Conover offering 5k and 10k chip timed courses on a 120 acre farm. Proceeds support scholarships for the Saddles & Salutes program.

The inaugural Ecusta Trail Races in Hendersonville, North Carolina mark a community celebration of the new 19 mile Ecusta Trail, featuring short and mid distance races; final details are pending government approval.

Celebrate the hero in everyone by wearing a costume for a scenic run or walk along the American Tobacco Trail. Support organ and tissue donation awareness through your choice of a 5k or 1 mile event.

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.

A point to point trail ultra in North Carolina linking Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park. Events include 50 mile and 50K races, a 50 mile relay, virtual options, and separate pacer registration.

Trail ultras at Steele Creek Park near Morganton, NC offering a 50K to the summit of Table Rock and a 30K out-and-back. Technical single-track, creek crossings, substantial elevation gain, and aid stations without cups - bring a bottle.

Experience an obstacle course run featuring a 5k course through woodlands and shallow water at Camp Albemarle. Choose between a timed competitive heat or a flexible untimed race with over 20 strength and agility stations.

A mountain ascent near West Jefferson NC of about 5 miles and 1600 feet of gain, offered as a timed climb or discounted untimed hike, with finishers receiving custom bells and summit music and shuttles available.