Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2025-2026

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.

Take on the Dark Horse Trail Series at Tryon Equestrian Center on August 22, 2026, with marathon, half marathon or 10k options across scenic looped trails and rolling climbs. Rustic camping, one stocked aid station and a friendly festival v..

Not A Sprint Ultra Races brings timed endurance running to the paved Thermal Belt Rail Trail in Forest City NC on a largely flat 8.34 mile out and back loop with aid stations. Choose 3, 6, or 12 hour formats and earn a buckle for 50 miles.

Tackle 20, 40, or 50 mile trail ultras on a scenic 5 mile out and back loop at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs on September 12, 2026. Expect mulch, gravel and singletrack, hearty aid stations, finishers medals and limited entries that sell out f..

Run day or night at Hagan Stone Park in Carpe Diem Carpe Noctem, a Half Marathon and 10K on smooth marked trails with a moodier evening option. Complete both to link medals and take home a custom hoodie with post race food and photos.

Chimney Burn Ultra in Chimney Rock NC offers 50K, 25K and 10K trail runs featuring a dramatic out and back route past a waterfall and over long stair sections. Finishers earn handmade pottery medals from BlueGill; reg opens Jan 1 2026.

Join the Donate Life NC Hero Run in Durham on Sept 13 for a family friendly 5K, 1 mile fun run or Sleep In Superhero option along the scenic American Tobacco Trail. Proceeds support organ, eye and tissue donation outreach.

Join the Epiphany Cross Country meet in New Bern on Monday, September 14, 2026 for separate girls and boys 5 kilometre races at The Epiphany School. Enjoy spirited competition and classic cross country terrain.

Enjoy a scenic 5k on the R S Central High School cross country course in Rutherfordton as part of the ROC Race Series. Two wooded laps finish on the track for a spectator friendly community event for all ages.

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.

Take on The Last Wolf in Kings Mountain on Oct 10, a Last Man Standing loop race with 50K, 25K and 5K options. Run 3.1 mile gravel loops with expanding cutoffs and fight to be the final finisher.

Run rustic trails on a 50 acre horse ranch at Bit of Hope Ranch on Saturday October 10, with a certified 5K, a 2K walk, and a Half Pint kids run. A virtual 5K option welcomes every pace and family fun.

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.

Join the Medoc Trail Races at Medoc Mountain State Park in Hollister NC for 5 mile and 10 mile looped trail runs that climb a summit and wind along waterways. Expect rugged single track, aid stations and a festive finish.

Monster Dash is a fun 5K trail run through scenic Carolina Beach State Park celebrating Great Trails State Day. Join fellow runners for a spirited race that raises funds for young athletes and showcases the park's coastal trails.

Run the scenic trails at Carvers Creek State Park on October 17, 2026 for the Deerfly Trail Race, offering 11K and 6K distances. Bring your dog for dedicated dog divisions and enjoy Heckler Brewing's support while backing the Fayetteville R..

Trick or Trail in Hendersonville on October 24, 2026 offers a family friendly 5K and 1 Mile Spooky Sprint through the Historic 7th Avenue District and Oklawaha Greenway. Post race fun includes cider, vendors, a costume contest and fall fest..

Run the Triple Lakes Trail Race at Bur Mil Park, weaving scenic trails around Lake Brandt, Lake Townsend and Lake Jeanette. Choose marathon, half, 40 mile, relay, ruck or virtual entries and earn a custom finisher medal.

Take a chance at The Unforeseen, a dice determined trail race at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve on November 14. Loop the scenic 2.25 mile course until fate calls it quits, enjoy free photos and compete for a Damascus steel knife.

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend on trails at Cane Creek Mountains with the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Mile. On site and virtual options, finishers gear and post race food await on scenic singletrack.