North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 153 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
Three days of guided trail runs, lodge accommodations, meals, and trailhead shuttles in Roaring Gap NC.
A family mud and obstacle event in Morganton NC with a one mile course, 16 obstacles, giant sprinklers, inflatables and a lazy river. Registration includes a shirt and medal, photos are free and parking is $10 per car.
A single loop scenic 5K trail race at Kanuga in Hendersonville, North Carolina on August 8, 2026, capped at 300 entrants with chip timing, awards, and a virtual option.
Feed Charlotte 5K at McAlpine Creek Park raises funds for local food banks through a community organized 5K on August 8, 2026.
Old Fort Fifty takes place in Old Fort, North Carolina on August 8, 2026, with an event schedule and course maps available. Results may be posted automatically to Twitter when participants connect their accounts.
Trail endurance event at Daniel Stowe Conservancy where participants walk or run as many 5K loops as they wish within an eight hour window.
A 10th anniversary trail event at Hobby Park in Winston-Salem featuring 5K and 10K single track courses with roots, rocks and varied terrain. Field is limited to 200 runners and registration runs from May 1 to July 10.
Trail loop event at Rocky Branch Park in Belmont NC offering 50K, 25K and 5K laps, marked trails, staffed aid stations and unique handmade pottery finisher medals.
Epiphany Cross Country in New Bern on August 17, 2026 features separate girls and boys 5K races. Entry has no fee and registration was recorded on December 7, 2025.
A trail race day at Tryon International Equestrian Center offering marathon, half and 10K distances on a 6.5-mile loop through packed paths, single-track and meadows, with one cup-less aid station and on-site camping.
A trail event at Briar Patch Hunting property featuring a 20K made from repeated 5K loops, relay and individual divisions, and Beer Mile races. Beer or chocolate milk is offered before laps and beer is available to those 21 and older.
A roughly 14-mile mountain race that climbs Grandfather Mountain twice over technical singletrack with about 4,200 ft of gain and a 200-runner field.
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 women-only 5K obstacle mud run in Raleigh on August 23, 2026, held at North Carolina Motorsports Park with 18+ obstacles; open to women aged 7 and up who can run, jog, or walk the course.
Friday Night Lights Elon Opener is Elon's cross country season opener on August 28, 2026 in Elon, North Carolina. Women run four 1000 meter laps and men run six 1000 meter laps in an evening cross country meet.
Run at the Farm at Denton Farm Park features a scenic 5K on mixed grass, gravel, and paved surfaces with notable hills. The day also includes a community 5K followed by preseason middle and high school 3K and 5K races.
A women only 5K obstacle mud run in Charlotte with 18 plus obstacles, teamwork focus and support for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
September 2026
A memorial 5K run, ruck, or walk on the Longleaf Pine Trail in Fayetteville, NC. The untimed out-and-back event donates a portion of proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and includes T-shirts, bibs, and awards.
A trail event at Hagan-Stone Park offering half marathon and 10K runs plus ruck and virtual options, with morning, evening, and double-entry formats; evening races may require personal lights.
Join a dog friendly race at WakeMed Soccer Park featuring 6.5 mile, 5K, and one mile distances. Support local animal rescue efforts while running with your pup or family in this community event.