Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

Hit twisty trails and climbs at Black Copperhead Sting in Belmont NC on August 15, 2026, with 50K, 25K or 5K loop options. Aid stations offer savory and sweet fuel and finishers earn a one of a kind handmade pottery medal.

Kick off the cross country season at Epiphany Cross Country #1 on Monday August 17 2026 at The Epiphany School in New Bern. Separate 5K races for girls and boys, professionally timed for fast competition and community fun.

Run the Dark Horse Trail Series at Tryon Equestrian Center on Aug 22, 2026. Choose marathon, half or 10K over scenic 6.5 mile loops with rolling climbs and packed dirt trails, then enjoy stables tours, camping, swag and live results.

A multi-event race in Hampstead on August 22, 2026 featuring a 20K run completed as four 5K loops, a Beer Mile, team and individual entries, and age graded results plus a combined Beer Mile and 20K challenge.

Not A Sprint Ultra Races in Forest City NC stages timed 3, 6, and 12 hour events on an 8.34 mile out and back paved trail with aid stations and on-site medical support. A 50 mile finish within 12 hours earns a belt buckle.

The 2026 Sugg Farm Ultra in Holly Springs, NC was cancelled. The event used a 5 mile out and back trail loop with 20, 40 and 50 mile options, two aid stations, a cupless policy and allowance for one pacer on the final lap.

Join Carpe Diem Carpe Noctem Half Marathon and 10K at Hagan Stone Park with morning and evening starts plus a double option to run both sessions. Smooth trails, connecting day and night medals, a custom hoodie and postrace food await.

Run Quest of the White Wolf in Chimney Rock offering 50K, 25K and 10K on the Four Seasons Trail to a waterfall and back. Expect a fierce climb with 1,000 stairs one way, shifting weather, solid aid, and a handmade pottery medal.

Cane Creek Mtn Trail Run on September 12, 2026 in Snow Camp NC features a 10K and a half marathon over single-track trails with steep climbs and an optional 80 foot tower ascent. Aid stations, chip timing, shuttles, and finisher medals are..

Run, walk, or roll the American Tobacco Trail at the Donate Life NC Hero Run on Sunday, September 13, 2026 starting at Herndon Park in Durham. Choose a 5K, 1 mile or Sleep In Superhero entry and support organ donation outreach.

Catch Epiphany Cross Country #2 on Monday Sept 14, 2026 at The Epiphany School in New Bern, featuring spirited girls and boys 5K races. Local teams compete on a community course with plenty of excitement and team spirit.

Join the XC Experience 5K in Rutherfordton NC for a two lap cross country course through woods, fields and a stadium finish. Part of the ROC Race Series, this spectator friendly event offers awards and a lively course for runners.

Hit the scenic trails in Wilkesboro at the Chad Lovette Memorial Trail Run, with 5K and 10K timed options plus a 5K walk and virtual choice. Race in September to support the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life.

An iterative Last Man Standing race on a 3.1 mile (5K) loop in Kings Mountain, NC. Time limits cycle 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 minutes and reset; runners are eliminated for missed cutoffs and the final winner must complete a solo loop.

Run a certified 5K on a scenic 50 acre horse ranch in southern Gaston County on Saturday, October 10, with a 2K walk, a Half Pint kids run and a virtual 5K option. Family friendly event continues rain or shine with race day packet pick up.

Run five hourly 5K loops for a cumulative 25K at Jockey's Ridge State Park, including a dune crossing and team relay options. Chip timing, finisher medal and a festival vibe with food, music and beach access make this a fun fall challenge.

A 24 hour looped endurance run on a USATF certified 0.59 mile asphalt course in Lillington, NC. The event features electronic timing, a fully stocked aid station, on-site parking with tent space, and a costume miles award.

Papertown Trail Races returns to Chestnut Mountain Nature Park on October 10, 2026, with a 6.2 mile short race and an about 9 mile long race, chip timing, one on-course water station, post-race snacks, and awards for top finishers.

Run scenic looped trails at Medoc Mountain State Park with single track, varied hills and a summit loop in 5 and 10 mile options. Limited to 500 runners, the race offers shirts, unique medals and hearty postrace soup and hot dogs.

Monster Dash is a 5K trail run at Carolina Beach State Park on October 17, 2026. The race commemorates Great Trails State Day and raises funds for young runners.