Trail Running calendar near Mountain City 2026-2027

Experience the scenic trails of Lake James State Park with a 7 mile or 5k run starting from a local brewery in Nebo. Enjoy rolling hills, beach views, and a post race beverage in a beautiful natural setting.

A 5k in Valdese, NC on April 4, 2026 supporting awareness for humane treatment of incarcerated people. The course features a slope, rock stairs, a suspension bridge near 0.5 miles and an out and back on the Valdese greenway.

This unique event challenges runners with successive one-mile loops at the Statesville Soccer Complex. Each round, the required finishing time gets shorter. It's part of a larger championship series where runners can earn points and compete..

Experience flat and scenic dirt trails along the New River in Southwest Virginia. This cupless event offers distances from 5 km to 100 km with a supportive atmosphere and beautiful river views for all participants.

Confront the steep, rugged loops of the Leatherwood Mountains. This trail event offers distances from 10 miles to 100 miles, each with significant elevation gain on private trails. Aid stations provide essential fuel, and the 100-miler requ..

The Seven Sisters 25k is a demanding mountain trail run in Montreat, NC, on April 11, 2026. Covering about 14.5 miles with 4,000 feet of climb, it traverses steep, technical ridges. Prior trail experience and mandatory safety gear are requi..

Experience the annual Union Half Marathon and Relay across two scenic trails in Big Stone Gap. Run through historic train tunnels on a USATF certified course while supporting local cross country and youth medical research.

The Froggy Mountain Sweet Sixteen 50k presents a challenging looped course in Virginia, with 500 feet of gain per mile. Runners have 16 hours to complete the distance, supported by aid stations every mile and free on-site camping. It offers..

Experience a premier gravel cycling event through the rugged Wilson Creek Gorge and Grandfather Ranger District with scenic 58 and 85 mile routes starting in downtown Lenoir.

Run through the Appalachian legends of Southwest Virginia at the Troublesome Hollow 50K. This weekend event offers flat riverside trails, iconic swinging bridges, and a hilltop fire tower. The 50K and 25K races are the first step in the 'Fr..

Experience the nature trails of Jennings Park at this community 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run in Statesville. Enjoy food trucks, vendor booths, and a stroller friendly course perfect for all fitness levels.

The 13th annual Grayson Highlands trail races traverse the scenic paths of Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. Runners can choose from four distances, each featuring significant elevation gain. All participants receive unique swag, wi..

Test your endurance on a scenic farmland trail loop at the Soggy Bottoms Back Yard Ultra. Choose your distance every 30 minutes in this family friendly event where entry is a donation to a local cause.

Hellbender 100 The Hellbender 100 is a 100-mile trail race. The 2026 edition will use an alternative course, combining elements of the 2025 route with the original course, due to trail conditions. The route passes through the Black Mountain..

Quest for the Crest is a demanding mountain ultra in Burnsville, NC, featuring a 50k and 25k point-to-point course. The races tackle steep, technical trails with massive elevation gain, including a climb to Mount Mitchell. Participation req..

Experience a community focused obstacle course race at a motocross training facility in North Carolina. Navigate a dirt bike track, creek runs, and pond crossings across distances ranging from 1 to 6 miles.

Join this community trail race in Black Mountain to support cancer patients. Choose between an in person 5k through mountain trails or a virtual option to participate from anywhere.

Mad Dash in Conover features a 5K, a tri-sport challenge with a swim and obstacle course, and a kids' fun run. It's held at the Treetop Adventures park on Lake Hickory. The event supports local adventure initiatives and includes live music.

Run the new Trail Days Half Marathon on the scenic Virginia Creeper Trail during the Appalachian Trail Days Festival. Enjoy a professionally timed event with a shirt and finisher award, followed by a festive afternoon in Damascus Town Park.

Experience the single track trails of the Flag Rock Area Trails system in the City of Norton. This twelve kilometer race is part of the High Knob Triple Crown series and features scenic woodland terrain.