North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 179 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
September 2026
A 20th annual 24-hour ultrarace at Hinson Lake on a USATF certified 1.5032-mile loop with electronic timing, marked trail, footbridges, and parking and camping options.
Memorial trail run and walk in Wilkesboro, NC with timed 5K and 10K races, an untimed 5K walk, and a virtual option supporting the American Cancer Society.
A USATF-certified 5K trail run starting at Sandhills Community College and winding through Southern Pines Reservoir Park with official timing and awards.
5K9 Dog Jog in Cary, NC on September 26, 2026 offers in person and virtual 5K options with vendors, dog activities, participant shirts, and race awards.
A one day cross country festival in Oxford, NC featuring 11 races across youth, middle school, high school, collegiate, and adult divisions, with proceeds supporting Central Children's Home of North Carolina and Durham Striders Youth Association.
Trail races at Salem Lake Marina feature a 30K, a 7-mile loop, and a 5K on a mostly shaded wooded trail, with water stops, packet pickup, post-race food and beer, and proceeds benefiting the Salem Lake Trail System.
A community run at Long Leaf Park offering a timed 5K and a non-timed 1.5 mile fun run, with in-person and virtual options supporting ovarian cancer awareness and research funding.
A trail 5K and walk at Common Ground in Stanley NC supporting a $2,000 scholarship for an East Gaston High School senior.
October 2026
A memorial 5K in New Bern, NC with in-person and virtual options in early October. The race uses the Dragonfly trail at Martin Marietta Park and offers T-shirts, awards by age group, one water station, and light refreshments.
Trail run in Franklin NC with 25K and 50K routes on the Bartram Trail, substantial elevation gain, multiple aid stations and post-race festivities.
A 5K and 10K trail event with in-person and virtual options on October 3, 2026 at Rocky Branch Park in Belmont; proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
A mostly grassy 5K trail run and a 1 Mile kids fun run in Canton, NC with proceeds supporting Pisgah High School Cross Country.
An ultra trail event at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte offering looped courses in either 50 mile or 50K distance with aid stations and drop bag support.
Community 5K at Asheville Christian Academy on October 3, 2026 with professional timing and proceeds supporting the ACA Cross Country Teams.
A vineyard 5k at Divine Llama Vineyards on October 4, 2026 with chip timing, finisher medal, a wine pour, and age group awards on a grassy two lap course.
A military inspired Special Forces style fitness event in Pisgah National Forest, NC that tests participants' physical and mental toughness across multiple days.
A community 5K trail run/walk at Rescue Squad Park on October 9, 2026 with timed divisions for grades 4–12 and adults; registration closes Oct 2.
Test your endurance at Kings Mountain in a unique elimination race where the time limit for each 5K loop shifts from forty to sixty minutes before resetting.
A certified 5K trail run on a 50 acre horse ranch near Gastonia, NC, accompanied by a 2K walk, a Half Pint race for ages 7 and under, and a virtual 5K option. The event runs rain or sunshine and will be canceled for lightning.