Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2025-2026

Run the 17th annual Mountains to Sea Trail 12M and 50K around Falls Lake in Raleigh. Scenic single track through woods, roots, rocks and occasional water crossings, starting and finishing at Blue Jay Point County Park.

Uforea is a trail challenge in Uwharrie National Forest near Troy, NC offering daytime and nighttime 50K races or the Ultimate 100K for those who run both. Enjoy rugged singletrack, scenic ridgelines and a true endurance test.

Hit the trails for the Family First 5k and Family Fun Walk in Greenville, NC on April 18, 2026. Enjoy a timed 5k with medals and prizes, snag a t shirt and swag for early registrants, and support Carolina Pregnancy Center.

Smoky Mountain Relay sends teams on just over 200 miles of road and trail through Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC. Teams rotate through marked legs and finish with a lively party featuring live music, food and drinks.

Run Lake Brandt singletrack at Owls Roost Rumble with rolling terrain, lakeside views, and ruck or hike options. Choose half marathon or 4 mile, earn a custom shirt and NC Trail Mega Medal Series finisher medal; limited to 500.

Join the Iredell Rise & Shine 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run at Jennings Park on April 25, 2026, for scenic nature trails, strollers welcome, and food trucks. All ages welcome with water and first aid on site.

Enjoy scenic single track and gravel trails in Carolina North Forest with 10 mile and 7k options at the Philosopher's Way Trail Runs. Run in person April 26 or anytime April 26 to May 3 and help fund trail and habitat restoration.

Experience the Moonlight Bootlegger, a night trail 5K at Hagan Stone Park marked by hundreds of LED tea lights and live bluegrass. Bring a headlamp and enjoy a race shirt, commemorative mason jar and post race cocktails.

Hellbender 100 is a 100 mile trail race up Mt Mitchell in the Black Mountains with about 48,000 feet of climbing and pacers allowed. Organized by Run828, it qualifies runners for Hardrock and Western States and supports local nonprofits.

Tackle rolling hills and scenic single track through hardwood forest at Camp Caraway in the Northern Uwharrie Mountains. Choose 5K or 10K, enjoy chip timing, medals and trophies, and help fund camper scholarships.

Run a rugged 50k or 100k at Camp Agapé in Fuquay Varina on May 15 to 17, 2026, over technical singletrack and gravel loops with big climbs. Camping included but limited so carpool and enjoy a friendly weekend with aid stations.

Quest for the Crest in Burnsville NC features 11K, 25K and a rugged 50K that tops out on Mt Mitchell. Expect steep climbs, hands on scrambling and rope sections for experienced trail runners.

Take on the Devil Makes Three trail races in Waxhaw NC on May 16, 2026 with a 50K three loop challenge or a single lap 10 mile option. Enjoy scenic technical trails, prairie and lake views, aid station support and a finisher medal.

Run the Cancer Active Trail Race in Black Mountain, choose in person or virtual 5K, and enjoy scenic trails. Aid stations, shirts for early registrants, and friendly volunteers make this a welcoming community event.

Test your endurance with May Madness 50K near Hoffman NC on May 23, consisting of ten consecutive 5K loops across natural trail surfaces. Expect minimal shade and no on course water so bring your own supplies. Free camping Friday night.

Run the Momentus Back Yard Ultra on May 30, 2026 at Williams Rushing Farm in Monroe NC: repeat 4.167 mile loops each hour until one runner remains. Or try the Celebrity Fun Run for a single relaxed 4.167 mile loop on scenic farmland.

Run a rugged 50k loop, a net downhill half marathon, or a smooth 10k in Old Fort, NC with finishes at Camp Grier. Expect scenic ridge views, single track trails and full aid station support.

Take on Wicked Root 50K in Lowell NC on June 13, 2026, with 50K and 5K options on a scenic 10 mile loop featuring about 1,400 ft gain per loop. Aid stations are stocked and finishers earn unique handmade pottery medals.

Run or walk the Good Hops 5k'ish Beer Run on June 20 in Carolina Beach, starting and finishing at Good Hops Brewing. Enjoy sandy single track trails, a postrace beer for 21 plus, and support local schools and the state park.

Run scenic loops at Hollis Hills Farm in Ellenboro with 5K, 25K (3 loops) and 50K (6 loops) options, rustic aid stations and a 10 hour cutoff. Proceeds support the farm and finishers earn unique handmade pottery medals.