Trail Running calendar near Bristol 2025-2026

Tackle a scenic, challenging half marathon through rugged trails and creek crossings at South Mountains State Park near Connelly Springs, NC. Limited to 200 runners on January 10, 2026, this race delivers big climbs, Appalachian views, and..

Take on the Stone Mountain Massacre in Roaring Gap NC with 50K, 25K and 8 Miler options over rugged scenic trails. The 50K features a mythic quest to collect sacred stones and finishers receive a unique pottery medal.

Spend Valentine's Day at Golden Road Vineyards for a festive 5K with in person and virtual options plus a relaxed Sip & Stroll that includes the same perks. All finishers earn a custom medal and a complimentary mimosa to celebrate.

Tackle Froggy Mountain Warrior 100, a winter 100 mile group run in Galax, VA raising funds for veterans with 22toomany. Ten rugged 10 mile loops, big climbs and winter conditions make for a raw, rewarding self supported challenge.

Run the Land and Lakes Relay, a scenic team race from Warren Wilson to Fonta Flora Brewery near Lake James. Teams of 4 or 6 run legs from 2.7 to 8.7 miles through scenic lakeside country, finishing at the brewery with a post race party.

Run the scenic Catawba Falls 15k in Old Fort NC on Feb 28, 2026, a rugged trail that follows the river and climbs to waterfalls and mountain viewpoints. Proceeds support local trail conservation and finishers enjoy local post race food.

Join the 5th annual Union Mills Wilderness 5K and 10K on Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 in Union Mills, NC for timed races on scenic riverside and mountain routes. Proceeds support the Union Mills Learning Center.

Join the BigFoot Tech Trek 5K on March 7, 2026 in Marion NC for a friendly campus run on McDowell Technical Community College's Tech Trail. Loop a pond and soak up Blue Ridge Mountain views on a course welcoming all paces.

Challenge yourself at the Warbird 100 in Hyden, Kentucky, a race weekend offering 100 mile, 50k and half marathon options. Shorter runners soak up the energy as many 100 mile runners finish, making for a festive finish.

Tackle the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker in Old Fort NC, with epic 50 Miler and 55K options across rugged singletrack, steep climbs, and scenic ridgelines. Expect technical terrain, big elevation gain, and unforgettable mountain views.

Run scenic single track with lake views at Lake James Races, featuring a 7 mile and a 5k from Fonta Flora Brewery. Chip timed in person and virtual options with a wooden finisher medal, commemorative shirt and a beer for 21 plus runners.

Run the scenic New River Trail in Fries Virginia on flat dirt out and back courses that follow the river and Chestnut Creek. Distances from 10K to 100k suit every trail runner, with aid stations and a buckle for 100k finishers.

Leatherwood Marathons on April 11, 2026 challenges runners on steep private trails in the Leatherwood Mountains with a 12 mile loop rising about 3,050 ft per lap. Distances from 25K to 100 mile promise an epic test.

Seven Sisters 25k in Montreat NC is a rugged mountain trail race on mostly singletrack, winding over ridges and scenic overlooks. Expect steep climbs, technical terrain and a true backcountry challenge for experienced trail runners.

Run the Union Half Marathon and Relay in Big Stone Gap on April 11, 2026 along the scenic Greenbelt and Powell River Trail with two historic train tunnels. Finishers get a unique medal and race shirt, perfect for solo runners and teams.

Run the Froggy Mountain Sweet Sixteen 50K in Galax, Virginia on April 18, 2026. Tackle 1 mile loops with about 500 feet gain per loop and a 16 hour cutoff, while enjoying aid stations, hot meals and free camping.

Experience Troublesome Hollow in Bristol VA April 25 to 26 2026 on fast riverside trails with swinging bridges, trestles and a brief climb to a fire tower. Choose 50K, 25K or a 3 mile walk with professional chip timing and aid stations.

Run scenic mountain trails at Grayson Highlands State Park May 2 and 3, 2026 with distances from 8 Mile to 50 Mile, big climbs and sweeping views. All finishers receive a hat and medal and proceeds benefit the park and local rescue.

Hellbender 100 is a rugged 100 mile trail race through the Black Mountains up to Mt Mitchell, with 48,000+ ft of elevation gain and pacers allowed. Finishers earn a buckle and race proceeds support local nonprofits.

Quest for the Crest is a rugged point to point trail race that climbs to the Mt. Mitchell summit, offering 11K, 25K and an epic 50K option. Expect technical, steep terrain, stunning views and commemorative finish gear.