Northern Ireland
Trail Running Calendar Northern Ireland 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Northern Ireland for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 29 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Northern Ireland below and join the trail community at these great events!
September 2026
A 11.9 km mountain race in County Cavan featuring 870 meters of climbing and forming part of the Ulster Championship and North West League.
Cross-country races at Palace Demesne, Armagh on 27 September 2026 with youth and senior categories and set entry fees; on-day entry is not permitted.
October 2026
A mountain running event in County Down on 3 October 2026 covering 11.90 km with 870 m climb, organised by Mourne Runners as part of the IMRA Ulster Championships and NIMRA League; GPS is not allowed and Level C kit is required.
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.
Nighttime trail and endurance races at Montalto Estate in October 2026, offering 3/6/12 hour challenges plus 5 km and 10 km loop races.
Challenge yourself against nature at the final Bog Run in Castlewellan Forest Park, a muddiest 5k course featuring forest paths, mud pits, and fun obstacles for all ages.
Cross country event at Billy Neill Playing Fields on 11 October 2026 with youth and senior races from 1 km to 8 km plus team competitions.
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.
A 5K and 10K event at Mary Peters Track in Belfast featuring mixed track and forest routes, chip timing, posted race packs, and on-site parking.
November 2026
Cross country at Ormeau Park on 8 November 2026 with races for multiple age groups, team and individual prizes, and entries via SiEntries.
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.
Cross country at Six Mile Water Park Ballyclare on 14 November 2026 with junior and senior races up to five miles; chip timed and part of the NI Athletics XC league.
Trail and road race at Gosford Forest Park offering 5 km and 10 km courses through woodland and past Gosford Castle as part of the Run Forest Run Series.
National Senior & Even cross-country championships on 22 November 2026; venue and further race details are currently to be confirmed.
December 2026
Mixed tarmac and forest 5K and 10K runs in Tollymore Forest Park with chip timing, a medal and posted race packs.
January 2027
A technical 10 kilometre trail race through Glenariff Forest Park featuring scenic views, waterfalls and a prize pot in excess of £1,000.
February 2027
A winter 5K and 10K event at Antrim Castle Gardens, with the 10K visiting Shanes Castle ruins and offering views of Lough Neagh.
Rabbit Run in Ballypatrick Forest on 13 Feb 2027 offers full and half marathons and a 10 km, mostly off road, fully marked course with a seven hour cutoff.