Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2025-2026

Run the OWLS Fort Macon 5K through wooded trails, footbridges and coastal vistas at Fort Macon State Park. Support Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter while enjoying a timed trail run and a race tee for participants.

Run the Seven Sisters 25k in Montreat NC, a scenic yet rugged ridge loop that traverses multiple peaks and overlooks. Technical trails and big climbing reward experienced runners with stunning views and a finisher award, prior trail experie..

Hit the sand at the Sledgehammer Beach Run in North Topsail Beach on April 11, 2026, with half marathon, 10K and 5K beach and virtual options. The race honors a Marine World War II veteran and benefits Semper Fi and America’s Fund.

Run 12M and 50K on the scenic Mountains to Sea Trail around Falls Lake, starting and finishing at Blue Jay Point County Park. Winding single track, roots, rocks and water crossings create a technical but rewarding trail experience.

Event overview Uforea is a trail running event in Troy, North Carolina, on April 18, 2026. The event is held on trails in the Uwharrie National Forest and is organized by the UwharrieUltras team. Registration opens October 20, 2025. The eve..

Smoky Mountain Relay sends teams on just over 200 miles of road and trail through Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC. Teams rotate through marked legs and finish with a lively party featuring live music, food and drinks.

Take on the Owls Roost Rumble at Bur Mil Park with half marathon and 4 mile trail options around scenic Lake Brandt on rolling singletrack. Ruck and virtual entries welcome and finishers earn a connectable North Carolina Trail Mega Medal.

Run laps beneath waterfalls on a scenic 3 mile singletrack loop with 400 feet of climb per lap at the Firefly Trail Run. Choose 12 hour, 6 hour or 5K formats, enjoy stocked aid stations, camping, custom medals and a festival vibe.

Run under the stars on rolling trails lit by hundreds of LED tea lights at the Moonlight Bootlegger 5K in Hagan Stone Park. Bring a headlamp and enjoy live bluegrass, a commemorative moonshine mason jar and post race cocktails or mocktails.

Hellbender 100 is a 100 mile trail ultramarathon from Old Fort North Carolina into the Black Mountains including the summit of Mt Mitchell on May 8 2026. Expect huge climbing, rugged terrain and pacers allowed for this epic challenge.

Tackle rolling hills and scenic single track through hardwood forest at Camp Caraway in the Northern Uwharrie Mountains. Choose 5K or 10K, enjoy chip timing, medals and trophies, and help fund camper scholarships.

Quest for the Crest in Burnsville NC May 16 17 2026 is a rugged point to point trail race to the summit of Mt Mitchell over steep technical terrain. Multiple distances offer big elevation gain, shuttles and memorable finisher swag.

Tackle rugged singletrack and gravel at the Agapé 100k and 50k, a looped trail ultramarathon at Camp Agapé in Fuquay Varina NC on May 15 to 17 2026. Expect technical terrain, big climbs and limited spots for a true ultrarunning challenge.

Run the Devil Makes Three 50K or 10 Miler in Waxhaw, NC on May 16, 2026, tackling technical trails, prairie grass and scenic lake views on a looped course. Finishers earn medals and optional custom shirts are available.

May Madness is a field 50K near Hoffman, North Carolina made of ten hourly 5K laps, offering a social, strategic challenge. The loop winds sandy and wooded trails with little shade, so bring fluids, sun protection and a sense of adventure.

Take on the Momentus BackYard Ultra at Williams Rushing Farm near Monroe, NC on May 30, 2026. Choose the signature hourly BackYard Ultra loop or a single loop Celebrity Fun Run on a rustic dirt course with camping and live music.

Ridge to Rails in Old Fort NC offers scenic, challenging trail races across the Old Fort Gateway Trail system with 50k, half marathon and 10k distances. Rugged loop and point to point courses reward runners with forest views and big elevati..

Wicked Root 50K in Lowell NC on June 13 offers a bold 50K or fun 5K over rugged 10 mile loops with 1,400 ft climb per loop and a 10 hour cutoff. Aid stations are stocked and every finisher earns a unique handcrafted pottery medal.

Run a charming farm race in Ellenboro NC with 50K, 25K or a short loop while every registration supports farm development. Enjoy a looped course with a stocked aid station and unique handmade pottery medals for finishers.

Join the Sweaty Backyard Cox Ultra in Concord on July 25, 2026, a last person standing loop challenge with hourly laps. This Bronze qualifier sends the winner to the 2026 Capital Backyard Ultra with entry paid.