Belfast
Trail Running Calendar near Belfast 2026-2027
Explore the top trail runs near Belfast for 2026-2027! We've gathered 21 exciting trail runs in the area. Check out our detailed list below to find your next local trail run.
October 2026
Cross country championships and selection trials at Queens Playing Fields in Belfast on 3 Oct 2026, organised by Athletics Northern Ireland with 135 competitors listed.
Newcastle Way Marathon and Half Marathon on 4 October 2026 follows waymarked trails through Tollymore, Castlewellan and Murlough beach, with GPX files and set cut off times.
Three mountain SkyRaces in the Mournes on 10 October 2026, from 20 km to 50 km with substantial elevation gain and fixed cut-off limits.
A final edition 5 km mud run in Castlewellan on 11/10/2026 raising funds for children and young people affected by cancer, with junior and senior routes.
Nav Challenge 4 in the Mourne Mountains is a navigational event in County Dublin on 18 Oct 2026 with an unmarked route, no GPS allowed, and Level B kit required.
Annual NI and Ulster age-group cross country and the Bobby Rea Memorial take place in Billy Neill MBE County Park on 25 October 2026.
November 2026
Trail running in Tollymore Forest Park with 10 km, half, full and ultra options; 10 km and walk support Cancer Focus NI and some races award ITRA points.
A chip timed cross country meeting at Six Mile Water Park, Ballyclare, featuring junior and senior races as part of the NI Athletics XC league.
December 2026
Mixed tarmac and forest 5K and 10K runs in Tollymore Forest Park with chip timing, a medal and posted race packs.
A two-person team race of about 8.5 miles on roads, fields and forest tracks around Castlewellan, with medals for all finishers and spot prizes for fancy dress.
January 2027
A technical 10 km trail race through Glenariff Forest Park with scenic views and waterfalls, capped at 800 entrants and offering cash and age-category prizes.
February 2027
A lakeside 5K and 10K in Castlewellan Forest Park with chip timing, medals, posted race packs and series prizes.
March 2027
March 2027 trail event between Carrickfergus Castle and Belfast Castle offering a 52.4 mile ultra or a marathon over Cavehill Carnmoney and Knockagh.
April 2027
A point to point 42 km mountain marathon across the Mourne Mountains, summiting Slieve Donard and finishing in Donard Park, Newcastle.
June 2027
Belfast 24 is a community weekend ultrarunning festival on 26 and 27 June 2027 with multiple distances on a continuous 1 mile loop in Victoria Park.
Trail races along the Mourne Way in 2027 with routes run in the opposite direction, offering an ultra, a 42 km marathon and a ½ marathon finishing in Newcastle.