Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

Run 100 or 50 miles through the Appalachian Mountains near Robbinsville NC on April 25, 2026, featuring waterfalls, lakes and spring wildflowers. The 100 mile route climbs about 22000 ft and this will be Run Bum Races final event.

Join the Philosopher’s Way Trail Runs in Chapel Hill with 10 mile and 7k options on April 26 or self timed runs through May 3. Run marked single track and gravel routes while supporting Carolina North Forest restoration.

Run the Moonlight Bootlegger 5K at Hagan Stone Park under glowing LED tea lights with live bluegrass near the finish. Bring a headlamp for rooty, rolling trails and enjoy a custom shirt, post race food and a moonshine mason jar.

The Hellbender 100 is a rugged 100 mile trail ultramarathon in North Carolina's Black Mountains, topping Mt Mitchell with enormous climbing and wild mountain scenery. It serves as a Hardrock and Western States qualifier.

Run scenic trails at The Mighty Mountain Run 5K and 10K in Sophia North Carolina on May 9, 2026, a fundraiser for camper scholarships at Camp Caraway. Expect rugged single track, rewarding climbs, medals and pro chip timing.

Take on a challenging 50k or 100k looped trail race at Camp Agapé in Fuquay Varina, featuring technical singletrack, gravel, and big climbs. Camping and parking are included but spots are limited so register early.

Quest for the Crest pushes runners up steep, technical point to point courses to Mt Mitchell's summit, with epic climbs and dramatic mountain views. Multiple distances promise a true mountain test for trail runners.

Enjoy a scenic, technical trail loop in Waxhaw NC on May 16 with a 50K (three laps) or 10 Miler (one lap). Expect woods, prairie and lake views, limited aid, cupless course so bring your hydration; medals for finishers.

Hit the trails in downtown Black Mountain for the Cancer Active Trail Race 5K or run virtually from anywhere. Enjoy a scenic course, a race shirt for early registrants, and lively local support along the route.

Choose from 2, 5, or 10 mile loops through Briar Chapel's scenic single track trails, with rocks, roots and rolling climbs to challenge your pace. Enjoy chip timing, aid stations, post race food and a kids treasure run.

Run May Madness 50K in Hoffman NC by completing ten consecutive 5K loops in a single day on natural trail surfaces. Finish every loop to earn your 50K, with free camping and limited spots so register early for a shirt and pottery awards.

Push your limits at the Momentus BackYard Ultra on May 30 at Williams Rushing Farm in Monroe NC, where runners tackle a 4.167 mile loop each hour or choose a single loop fun run. Rustic trails, music, camping, and a lively village.

Ridge to Rails in Old Fort, NC features 50k, half marathon and 10k trail races through Mill Creek Valley and the Old Fort Gateway trails. Varied terrain, scenic viewpoints and real mountain mileage make this a rewarding challenge.

Run Fleet Feet's Big Run 5K in Kernersville this June, featuring a community cross country 5K and a one mile fun run for Global Running Day. Expect competitive heats, cash prizes for elites, and proceeds supporting shoes for underprivileged..

Wicked Root 50K in Lowell, NC on June 13, 2026 offers a scenic, challenging trail with 50K and 5K distances. Finishers earn unique handmade pottery medals and aid stations keep you fueled along the way.

Run or walk the Good Hops 5k'ish Beer Run on June 20, 2026 in Carolina Beach, NC through scenic Carolina Beach State Park. Enjoy a post race beer for those 21 plus, tackle sandy single track trails, and support local schools and the park.

Run the Hollis Hills Farm Revival in Ellenboro NC with 5K, 25K, and 50K looped courses around the farm and hunter's cabin. All fees support farm development and finishers earn unique handmade pottery medals; camping is available.

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.

Run Harris Lake County Park on July 18 at the Common Rush Trail Run, featuring scenic 5 mile and 10 mile looped courses through meadows and forest single track with lake views. Chip timing, aid stations and post race food plus a free Kids T..

Trail Camp for Big Kids is an adult trail running camp in Robinsville, NC where runners and non runners gather for guided group runs, navigation practice, team building, and camp activities in the Nantahala National Forest. Expect flexible..