North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 168 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
A trail race day at Tryon International Equestrian Center offering marathon, half and 10K distances on a 6.5-mile loop through packed paths, single-track and meadows, with one cup-less aid station and on-site camping.
A 20K run made from repeated 5K loops at Briar Patch Hunting property with beer or chocolate milk options, relay teams, and Beer Mile events.
A roughly 14-mile mountain race that climbs Grandfather Mountain twice over technical singletrack with about 4,200 ft of gain and a 200-runner field.
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 ages 7 and up.
Scenic mixed-surface farm course in Denton NC with steep hills, featuring a community 5K and a preseason 3K and 5K school invitational.
A women only 5K obstacle mud run in Charlotte on August 30, 2026 with 18+ obstacles, entries from age 7 and a partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
September 2026
Elon Cross Country season opener with a women's 4K of four 1000 meter laps and a men's 6K of six 1000 meter laps in Elon, North Carolina.
A community charity run/walk at Cub Creek Park in Wilkesboro with a short trail section, park path course, on-site food and games, and separate adult and child registration fees.
A memorial 5K run, ruck, or walk on the Longleaf Pine Trail in Fayetteville, NC. The untimed out-and-back event donates a portion of proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and includes T-shirts, bibs, and awards.
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.
Join a dog friendly race at WakeMed Soccer Park featuring 6.5 mile, 5K, and one mile distances. Support local animal rescue efforts while running with your pup or family in this community event.
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 at Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area feature a 10K and half marathon over single-track trails, steep climbs, and an optional climb of an 80 foot observation tower with frequent aid stations and chip timing.
Chip timed 5k and 10k trail races at Shining Hope Farms in Conover on Sept 12, 2026, supporting the Saddles and Salutes veterans program.
Inaugural Railway 5K and 1 Mile on the Ecusta Trail in Hendersonville, presented by Aetna, with in-person and virtual options, shirts, medals, and family-friendly amenities.
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.