Trail Running calendar near Pacolet 2026-2027

Trail ultras at Steele Creek Park near Morganton, NC offering a 50K to the summit of Table Rock and a 30K out-and-back. Technical single-track, creek crossings, substantial elevation gain, and aid stations without cups - bring a bottle.

Experience a scenic 8k trail race through the forests and wetlands of Lake Conestee Nature Park. Run or walk a five mile loop featuring natural trails and boardwalks with views of the lake and local wildlife.

A community 5K in Kannapolis that raises funds and donations for Leashes of Valor to help provide fully trained service dogs at no cost to post-9/11 veterans. The event is dog friendly and offers shirt and no-shirt registration options.

Test your endurance on the technical hills of the Palmetto Trail during this 13.1 mile run or hike. Enjoy a custom medal and a full breakfast after finishing this scenic course through the Croft Passage.

A trail running event at Rocky Branch Park with on-site and virtual 5K and 10K options; timing uses bib chips, participants receive a branded T-shirt and sticker, and proceeds support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The Last Wolf in Kings Mountain NC is a Last Man Standing loop race on a 3.1 mile (5K) gravel course where the time limit cycles 40 45 50 55 60 minutes then resets. Aid station provides basic food and hydration.

Experience a scenic 13.1 mile trail loop through Paris Mountain State Park featuring 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Run past tranquil lakes and waterfalls while enjoying panoramic summit views and vibrant fall foliage.

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.

Trail races at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park on October 10 with 20K and 10K options, chip timing, one water station on course, post-race snacks, and awards for the top ten men and women in each race.

A themed 5K where runners protect Velcro flags from stationed zombies, plus a one mile family fun run in downtown Morganton on October 10, 2026. Food trucks, beer sales, and a fall after party follow the runs.

Experience a trail running retreat at Sadlers Creek State Park featuring distances from a 10k to a 100 mile ultra. Enjoy a scenic looped course along Lake Hartwell with lakeside camping and a community campfire atmosphere.

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.

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 Last Person Standing race at Westminster Park on a *4.167 mile* loop with about 440 feet of elevation per loop. Runners repeat the loop hourly until one remains, with a pavilion corral, an aid station, crew spots, and race-specific rules.

A community 5K and 1 mile event in downtown Hendersonville with an event shirt and finisher medal for all. Costume contest, chip timing, a Fall Festival finish, vendors, and a virtual option round out the experience.

Test your endurance on the historic grounds of a former WWII training facility in South Carolina. Choose between 50k, 25k, or 8 mile technical trail courses at the rugged Croft State Park.

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 5K run/walk at Enoree River Vineyards with a grassy cross country course, one-lap option, race swag, and a wine pour at the finish; proceeds support the Newberry County Humane Society.

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.

A tailgate-style backyard ultra in Greenville featuring repeated 5 km laps on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, hourly raffle prizes, vendors, games and football on a big screen, with proceeds benefiting OVC Kenya.