Trail Running Calendar North Carolina 2026-2027

A 100-mile ultra in Hickory using a 4-mile mixed-surface loop, open to solo runners and teams of 2 to 10, featuring about 70% trail, over 15,500 feet of elevation, and marked signage for night running.

Trail races at Briar Chapel on October 17, 2026 offer 5K, 10K and Half Marathon courses on root and rock filled single track, with chip timing, frequent aid stations, post race food, and a free kids race for ages 11 and under.

A four hour timed challenge of repeated one mile loops at Weymouth Woods with a separate five kilometer three loop option. Aid station support, race shirts and medals are provided and prizes go to the top male and female.

An 8.5 miles trail race in DuPont State Forest on October 17, 2026 benefiting Friends of DuPont Forest. The well marked singletrack route features nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain, two water stations and a post race forest festival.

A Halloween-themed 5k and 1 Mile in Hendersonville on October 24, 2026, presented by Aetna, with costumes encouraged, finisher medals, a Fall Festival at the Farmers’ Market, a virtual 5k option, and a costume contest with prizes.

Experience an iconic North Carolina trail race at Bur Mil Park featuring scenic watershed trails around three lakes. Choose from half marathon, marathon, or forty mile distances with solo, relay, and rucking categories available.

Trail races at Lake James State Park in Nebo North Carolina on October 24 and 25 2026 featuring a 50K, relays, and a half marathon that support local trail development.

A 24 hour loop event at Mint Hill Park with a 1.35 mile mixed surface course. Solo runners and relay teams share a marked loop with an aid station, parking, tent space, and awards for 100K and 100 mile finishers.

A 25-hour timed trail event at Camp Grier in Old Fort, NC, run on a scenic 3.6-mile loop with about 600' of gain per lap. Free tent camping, staffed aid stations, electronic timing, and milestone awards for 25/50/75 miles.

Tideland 24 is a fully supported 24 hour ultramarathon in Cedar Point, NC on a USATF certified 1.37779 mile loop through marsh and forest. Proceeds support the Marine Raider Foundation and finishers who reach 100 miles earn a belt buckle.

Experience a scenic trail run at Hines Farm and Stables with distances for all ages. Enjoy professional photography and a sweet frozen yogurt reward at the finish line of this community event.

The Unforeseen is a trail event at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve on November 14, 2026, featuring a dice determined race distance or a six hour lap challenge. The 2.25 mile loop is on gravel and single track with aid at the pavilion.

A 5K trail run with a virtual 5K option on November 14, 2026 at The Simpson Event Center in Monroe, NC, featuring an expo, vendor food trucks, participant giveaways, and proceeds benefiting the UCSO Foundation.

Single loop 100K in Pisgah Forest around Looking Glass Rock with multiple summits above 6,000 ft and varied trail surfaces. Nine aid stations, mandatory mountain safety gear, drop bag locations and a 20 hour cutoff.

Experience an off road 5K cross country run in the Vein Mountain area of North Carolina. All finishers receive a medal and the first thirty participants to register receive an event t-shirt.

Trail races and a hike at a North Carolina state park near Washington, NC. Distances include 10K, half marathon 13 miles and 50K, with boardwalked trails and sustainable wood medals for finishers.

A 16 hour endurance event at Carolina Beach State Park where participants run a 4.5 mile loop as many times as they wish. The course features trails, sand, roots and two short climbs, with camping options and aid station support.

Oakwood 24 in Raleigh on Nov 21, 2026 supports Healing Transitions and uses a flat 2 mile loop around a lake. The event offers competitive entries, relay team options, and an open format for runners, walkers, and cyclists.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Briar Chapel with a variety of trail races ranging from 2 miles to 10K. Enjoy smooth paths or technical single track trails followed by post race pie and festive awards.

A Thanksgiving morning event in Boone, NC featuring timed 5K and 10K trail races plus an untimed 5K fun run/walk on the Greenway, with finisher medals, age-group prizes, event shirts, a food drive, and on-site first aid.