Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2025-2026

Quest for the Crest in Burnsville NC features 11K, 25K and a rugged 50K that tops out on Mt Mitchell. Expect steep climbs, hands on scrambling and rope sections for experienced trail runners.

Take on the Devil Makes Three trail races in Waxhaw NC on May 16, 2026 with a 50K three loop challenge or a single lap 10 mile option. Enjoy scenic technical trails, prairie and lake views, aid station support and a finisher medal.

Run the Cancer Active Trail Race in Black Mountain, choose in person or virtual 5K, and enjoy scenic trails. Aid stations, shirts for early registrants, and friendly volunteers make this a welcoming community event.

Take on the May Madness 50K near Hoffman NC on May 23, 2026, running ten 5K loops in a day on natural trails. Camping the night before and pottery awards for top finishers add local charm, so register early for this intimate ultrarunning ch..

Run the Momentus Back Yard Ultra on May 30, 2026 at Williams Rushing Farm in Monroe NC: repeat 4.167 mile loops each hour until one runner remains. Or try the Celebrity Fun Run for a single relaxed 4.167 mile loop on scenic farmland.

Run a rugged 50k loop, a net downhill half marathon, or a smooth 10k in Old Fort, NC with finishes at Camp Grier. Expect scenic ridge views, single track trails and full aid station support.

Take on Wicked Root 50K in Lowell NC on June 13, 2026, with 50K and 5K options on a scenic 10 mile loop featuring about 1,400 ft gain per loop. Aid stations are stocked and finishers earn unique handmade pottery medals.

Run scenic loops at Hollis Hills Farm in Ellenboro with 5K, 25K (3 loops) and 50K (6 loops) options, rustic aid stations and a 10 hour cutoff. Proceeds support the farm and finishers earn unique handmade pottery medals.

Hit twisty trails and climbs at Black Copperhead Sting in Belmont NC on August 15, 2026, with 50K, 25K or 5K loop options. Aid stations offer savory and sweet fuel and finishers earn a one of a kind handmade pottery medal.

Run the Dark Horse Trail Series at Tryon Equestrian Center on August 22, 2026 with marathon, half and 10k options. Enjoy scenic single track, meadow views, finisher medals and live timing on a friendly trail loop.

Run the Not a Sprint Ultra in Forest City, NC on a mostly flat 8.34 mile out and back course with shady sections and well stocked aid stations. Choose 3, 6, or 12 hour timed events and chase 50 miles in the 12 hour race.

Run the 4th annual Sugg Farm Ultra on September 12, 2026 in Holly Springs NC, featuring 20, 40, and 50 mile looped trail races with aid stations and hearty fuel. Limited spots ensure a focused, adventurous day for serious trail runners.

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.

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.

Join the Chad Lovette Memorial Trail Run at Cub Creek Park in Wilkesboro for scenic 5K and 10K trail options plus a virtual run or walk. Support the American Cancer Society and celebrate community on beautiful local trails.

The Last Wolf on Oct 10, 2026 in Kings Mountain NC is a Last Man Standing trail challenge with 50K, 25K and 5K options and unique finisher medals. Run repeating 3.1 mile gravel loops with rising time cutoffs and stocked aid stations.

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.

The Medoc Trail Races will take place in Hollister on Saturday 17 October 2026. You can run between 5 and 10 miles.