Trail Running calendar near Fries 2026-2027

Experience a technical mountain race at Grandfather Mountain featuring fixed ropes and ladders. This 14 mile course climbs the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Range twice for a true Appalachian trail adventure.

A themed 5K and a 500 m kids run on August 22, 2026 at East Davidson High School in Thomasville, NC. The event uses a campus cross country course, encourages decade attire, and includes an award for best dressed.

A trail race in Damascus, Virginia with 16, 30, 40 and 50 mile options along Iron Mountain ridgelines and mixed terrain. The 2026 event uses a modified town route, the field is limited to 400 runners, and time limits apply for each distance..

An obstacle mud run at the Jerry Long Family YMCA with a 3.1-mile 5K for ages 7+ and a 1-mile Fun Run for all ages, supporting YMCA health programs and offering new medals for 2026.

A sixth annual trail run at Shining Hope Farms in Conover, NC offering chip timed 5k and 10k distances on a 120 acre farm. The event honors veterans and first responders while raising funds for Saddles & Salutes scholarships.

Point-to-point trail ultramarathon linking Pilot Mountain State Park to Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina, offering 50 mile, 50K, and 50 mile relay options. Courses feature technical singletrack, fire roads, and substantial elevatio..

Trail ultras near Morganton NC at Steele Creek Park include 50K and 30K courses with significant climbing, creek crossings, technical single track, and aid stations offering drinks and basic food; runners should bring reusable water bottles..

A five mile ascent near West Jefferson NC with about 1600 feet of climbing to a summit above 4600 feet. Timed and untimed options are offered and all finishers receive a custom bell.

A memorial trail event in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on September 26, 2026 offering timed 5K and 10K runs, an untimed 5K walk, and a virtual option. Chip timing and RFID-tagged bibs are used and proceeds support the American Cancer Society.

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 timed loop festival in Damascus, Virginia offering 3, 6 and 12 hour races on a scenic one mile park loop, with camping for registered runners, live music, food trucks, aid stations, shirts, and awards.

A 13.1 mile trail half marathon at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN, featuring technical single track, steep climbs, creek crossings and more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Proceeds support park trail improvements and top finishers rece..

A fundraising event at North Cross School on October 4, 2026 featuring a chip timed competitive 5K, a non timed 5K walk, and a 0.8 mile Kids Fun Run with participation medals and age group awards.

A 100 mile point to point on the Virginia Creeper Trail in Abingdon, Virginia. USATF certified course with crew access, well stocked aid stations and chip timing, serving as the final leg of the From Start to Heart series.

A trail running festival in Max Meadows VA on October 10 and 11 2026 offering 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and 25K races. Course maps, elevation gain figures, cutoff times, and a runner handbook are provided.

A family-friendly event on October 10, 2026 in Morganton featuring a 5K Zombie Run with flag-capture rules and awards, plus a one mile costume fun run and an after party with food trucks and activities.

Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest in Valdese, NC on October 10, 2026 offers three hour, six hour and twelve hour loop events on a roughly three mile course with trail and crushed cinder greenway. Food, vendor space, and occasional live music are plan..

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.

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.

A night trail run at Explore Park using the Mountain Bike Nationals XCO course in reverse, with a short paved approach and about 3.6 miles of marked single track lit by reflective arrows and glow sticks.