Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2025-2026

The Birds of a Feather Trail Trot is a Thanksgiving Day running event held at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC. Participants can choose between a mellow 2-mile course featuring paved and smooth trails or a rugged 5K course with roots and hills. Both distances offer untimed fun runs and timed race opt..

The High Country Turkey Trot 10k is part of a festive running event held annually in Boone, North Carolina, featuring both a 10k and a 5k timed trail race, along with a fun run/walk. Participants can enjoy scenic routes through the Boone Greenway and Kennedy Trails, with awards for top finishers and..

The Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Mile race is a festive running event held in Snow Camp, North Carolina, the day after Thanksgiving. This trail race offers participants the chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Cane Creek Mountains while engaging in a healthy activity to kick off th..

The Derby 50K is an ultra-running event taking place in Ellerbe, NC, featuring a scenic 31.5-mile course comprised of three loops through rolling hills on both asphalt and dirt. The race starts and finishes at the Derby Community Building, where participants can enjoy a complimentary spaghetti lunch..

The Turkey Chase is a running event taking place in Cary, North Carolina, featuring multiple race options including a 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K, and 5K, as well as virtual versions of each distance. Scheduled for November 29, 2025, participants can also join a Kids in Strollers category. The even..

The Shakori 40 Running Festival is a vibrant event that unites the running community in a celebration of nature, camaraderie, and live music. Scheduled for December 5-6, 2025, in Pittsboro, NC, the festival features a variety of races including a 40-mile ultramarathon, a 40K open race, and a 40-mile..

The Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival is a unique running and mountain biking event held at Camp Grier in Old Fort, NC. Participants can choose from 3, 6, 12, or 24-hour trail runs and bike rides, all set in a festival atmosphere featuring vendors, live music, and guest speakers from the endurance..

The Lake Norman State Park Trail Race features two challenging events: a 30K and a 50K, set against the scenic backdrop of the park. Participants will navigate smooth, rolling single-track trails with no repeat loops, ensuring a fresh experience throughout the race. The 30K course includes approxima..

The Cape Fear Holiday Run is a festive trail running event taking place in Lillington, NC, featuring 3-hour, 6-hour, and 9-hour timed races on a scenic 1.17-mile loop. Participants can enjoy a fun and accessible course while supporting a good cause, as all proceeds benefit the Harnett Food Pantry. T..

The Beast of the East 100 is an exciting trail running event taking place in Kings Mountain, NC, featuring multiple race distances including a 100 Miler, 100K, 50 Miler, Marathon, and Half Marathon. The course showcases the stunning trails of Crowders Mountain, with participants summiting both mount..

The Run at the Rock - Half Marathon is a popular trail running event taking place at Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC. Scheduled for December 13, 2025, this annual race features three distances: 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon, catering to runners of all skill levels. Participants can enjoy scenic trails..

The Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K is a scenic trail running event taking place in Carolina Beach, NC. Scheduled for January 3, 2026, the race features two distances: a half marathon (13.1 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles), catering to runners of all skill levels. Participants will enj..

The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Trail event, organized by Trivium Racing, features a Half Marathon and a 5 Mile race held at Northeast Park in Gibsonville, NC. This winter trail fest invites participants to embrace the challenge of running through scenic trails while earning a unique medal and hoodie. The..

The Groundhog's Lap Race is an exciting endurance event taking place at Haw River State Park in Greensboro, NC. Participants can choose to run for 3, 6, or 12 hours on a scenic 3.25-mile singletrack trail loop. This unique race format allows runners to challenge themselves while enjoying the beautif..

The Uwharrie Mountain Run is an annual trail running event held in the Uwharrie National Forest of central North Carolina, featuring challenging single-track courses of 8, 20, and 40 miles. Celebrating its 35th year, the event attracts both recreational and elite runners, offering a unique experienc..

The Stone Mountain Massacre is an exciting running event taking place in Roaring Gap, NC, featuring a challenging 50K, 25K, and 8-mile race. Participants will navigate a scenic yet rugged course through Stone Mountain State Park, collecting tokens from aid stations along the way. Each runner must ca..

The Llama Experience Ultra is a unique running event taking place in Lake Toxaway, NC, featuring 12-hour, 6-hour, and 3-hour race options. Participants will enjoy a scenic trail on the private land of Earthshine Lodge, where they can run loops while interacting with friendly llamas. The event includ..