North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 179 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
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.
Honor the victims and first responders of 9 11 by walking or running 2977 stairs at this 25th anniversary commemorative event in Winston Salem
Trail races at Hagan-Stone Park offering morning and evening half marathon and 10K options, plus double session and virtual entry choices.
A community run in Cary, NC on September 12, 2026 featuring in-person and virtual 5K and 6.5 mile races, dog friendly Doggie Dash options, and support for Second Chance Pet Adoptions.
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 in Hendersonville NC on the Ecusta Trail with in person and virtual options, medals, shirts, and chip timing.
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 run on September 13, 2026 in Durham with a 5K, a 1 mile fun run and a virtual option supporting organ, tissue, and eye donation education.
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.
Trail event in Morganton, NC offering a 50K to Table Rock summit and a 30K out-and-back, with aid stations, on-site camping, and defined refund and cancellation policies.
A mountain trail ascent in West Jefferson NC of about 5 miles and 1600 feet gain, with finishers receiving custom bells and a donation to local trail conservation.
Lap-based Last Runner Standing event at Historic Rural Hill on Sept 19, 2026, featuring a 1.75 mile loop, escalating prizes, a corn maze, and community-focused amenities.
A trail 5K and Half Mile Fun Walk along the historic Roanoke Canal in Roanoke Rapids with proceeds supporting replacement batteau replicas and a neon-theme raffle.
First annual Patriot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run in Morganton, NC features a 5K on the Freedom Cross Country trail and a 1 mile Fun Run on the Freedom Park track.
Navigate the Broad River Greenway using GPS coordinates in an adventure race featuring land navigation and an optional paddling component for individuals and teams.