North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 167 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 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
Evening cross country season opener in Elon on 09/04/2026 with women's 4 km and men's 6 km run on a 1000 meter lap course.
SDRC Charity 5k in Wilkesboro on September 5, 2026 is a 5K run/walk to raise funds for Ebenezers Christian Children’s home with food and yard games on site.
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 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.
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.
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.
Point to point trail race between Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina, offering 50 Mile and 50K options, a 50 Mile Relay, ruck and virtual races with substantial climbing.
Table Rock Ultras in Morganton NC offers 50K and 30K mountain trail races with summit running, technical sections, staffed aid stations, and on site camping at Steele Creek Park.
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.