Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

Push your limits on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail at Not A Sprint Ultra Races, a multi hour timed event offering 3, 6 and 12 hour races. Well stocked aid and a 50 mile belt buckle for 12 hour finishers make this a sunny late summer challenge.

Join the 4th annual Sugg Farm Ultra at Bass Lake Park on Sept 12, 2026, for 20, 40 or 50 mile races over scenic 5 mile trail loops with rolling hills and aid stations. Limited spots and past sellouts make early registration essential.

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.

Join the Cane Creek Mountain Trail Run for 10K or Half Marathon through a new 1,000 acre natural area. Technical single track, a steep climb and an optional tower stair climb promise big views and bold trail fun.

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.

Take on a backyard ultra style challenge on a 3.1 mile gravel loop with rising time limits each cycle that eliminates runners until one finishes solo. Choose Last Man Standing, 50K, 25K or 5K and enjoy aid station snacks plus a unique finis..

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.

Test your endurance at Cape Fear 24 Hour in Lillington NC, running as much as you like on a USATF certified 0.59 mile mostly flat loop around the town parks. Park lights keep the loop lit after dark, with a stocked aid station, food, and a..

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 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..

Tackle rugged singletrack in Uwharrie National Forest October 17 to 18, 2026 at the Uwharrie 100 Mile and 100K. Both races loop a 20.5 mile technical figure 8 under a canopy of roots and rocks, offering a true mountain trail challenge.

A 100 mile looped trail event in Hickory, NC on October 17 to 18, 2026 for solo runners and teams of 2 to 10, featuring about 70 percent trails, significant elevation, stocked aid stations, night running rules, and pacer and crew provisions..

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..