North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 173 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
November 2026
Trail race in Brevard NC on November 21 2026 offering 50K, 25K and 7.5 mile options on technical fern lined single track with aid stations.
Backyard ultra in Beaufort NC on 11/21/2026 with a 1 mile loop and a bell every 15 minutes, suggested $5 cash buy in per round and a 50/50 pot for a turkey giveaway.
A timed 5K run/walk at Starmount High School supporting Compassion Care Center, plus a 100 m Pastor Dash and awards across multiple age groups.
A community trail event at Camp Chestnut Ridge with 1 mile, 5K, and 8 mile options on dirt and gravel trails; proceeds support camp scholarships.
A 5K through Merchant Millpond State Park in Gatesville on 11/21/2026 with a youth mile; event profits support the Shine Through Foundation.
Bright Lights 5K & Fun Run at Daniel Stowe Conservancy on November 25, 2026, features a 5K and 1 mile fun run, medals or ornaments, and a sneak peek after party.
A Thanksgiving Day trail event in Chapel Hill with 2 mile, 5K and 10K courses, plus a free kids race and post-race pie.
A Thanksgiving morning running event in Boone offering 5K and 10K races, a fun run/walk, and a shirt-only nonprofit option, with on-site music, photo staging, costumes, giveaways, and a picnic shed with food and hot drinks.
10th Annual Wilson Gobble Wobble is a Thanksgiving morning 5K and 1 mile family run or walk that raises funds for The Arc of Wilson County.
Thanksgiving 5K Run Walk and a free Junior Warrior Course at The Village Green in Cashiers NC, with pies and medals for top finishers and proceeds supporting the nonprofit park.
Trail races on Black Friday in Snow Camp North Carolina with a 13.1 mile and a 7.5 mile course, offering run, ruck, economy and virtual options on marked single track trails with aid stations.
Post Thanksgiving trail run at Briar Chapel offering 5K and 10K single track courses, repurposed vintage swag, a free kids race, and a post race party.
Experience a low key no frills 50k run through the rolling hills of North Carolina. Enjoy a community pasta lunch and support local animal advocates while completing this three loop course on asphalt and dirt roads.
Turkey Chase in Cary, NC offers in-person and virtual 5K, 10K, half marathon and additional events with medals, hat or warmer and bus transport to Umstead Park.
Regional cross-country meet in Charlotte on November 28, 2026 with 3K and 5K races, youth and high school championship fields, and national championship qualification spots.
A 5K at Fort Macon State Park supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Plain, featuring mixed coastal terrain, timed options, and tiered entry fees.
A chip-timed 5k at Cape Fear Vineyard with a two-lap course through Greene's Lake, race swag including a wine pour, and support for a local conservation foundation.
December 2026
Two day trail festival near Chapel Hill, NC with a 40 mile ultramarathon, a 40K, a 40 mile age graded team relay, a 4 mile race, camping and live music.
30K and 50K trail races at Lake Norman State Park near Troutman NC with single track loops, multiple aid stations, a nine hour cut off, and finishers medals.