North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 148 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
Trail loop event at Rocky Branch Park in Belmont NC offering 50K, 25K and 5K laps, marked trails, staffed aid stations and unique handmade pottery finisher medals.
Epiphany Cross Country in New Bern on August 17, 2026 features separate girls and boys 5K races. Entry has no fee and registration was recorded on December 7, 2025.
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 trail event at Briar Patch Hunting property featuring a 20K made from repeated 5K loops, relay and individual divisions, and Beer Mile races. Beer or chocolate milk is offered before laps and beer is available to those 21 and older.
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 in Raleigh on August 23, 2026, held at North Carolina Motorsports Park with 18+ obstacles; open to women aged 7 and up who can run, jog, or walk the course.
Friday Night Lights Elon Opener is Elon's cross country season opener on August 28, 2026 in Elon, North Carolina. Women run four 1000 meter laps and men run six 1000 meter laps in an evening cross country meet.
Run at the Farm at Denton Farm Park features a scenic 5K on mixed grass, gravel, and paved surfaces with notable hills. The day also includes a community 5K followed by preseason middle and high school 3K and 5K races.
A women only 5K obstacle mud run in Charlotte with 18 plus obstacles, teamwork focus and support for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
September 2026
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 on a 120-acre Conover farm on September 12, 2026, honoring veterans and supporting the Saddles and Salutes program.
A family-focused 5K and 1 Mile on the Ecusta Trail in Hendersonville with shirts, medals, chip timing and virtual options.
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.