North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 155 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
September 2026
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 community run at Long Leaf Park offering a timed 5K and a non-timed 1.5 mile fun run, with in-person and virtual options supporting ovarian cancer awareness and research funding.
October 2026
A memorial 5K in New Bern, NC with in-person and virtual options in early October. The race uses the Dragonfly trail at Martin Marietta Park and offers T-shirts, awards by age group, one water station, and light refreshments.
Trail races on the historic Bartram Trail near Franklin, NC offering 25K and 50K with significant elevation gain, aid stations, a 150 runner field limit, and an afternoon festival.
A trail running event at Rocky Branch Park with on-site and virtual 5K and 10K options; timing uses bib chips, participants receive a branded T-shirt and sticker, and proceeds support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
A Last Man Standing race in Kings Mountain, NC featuring 3.1 mile loops with shifting time cutoffs and elimination until a solo final loop is completed.
A certified 5K trail run on a 50 acre horse ranch near Gastonia, NC, accompanied by a 2K walk, a Half Pint race for ages 7 and under, and a virtual 5K option. The event runs rain or sunshine and will be canceled for lightning.
Test your endurance at Jockey High Ridge State Park by completing a 5k loop every hour for five hours. Run the full 25k solo or pair up with a teammate to tackle this unique coastal loop challenge.
Test your limits on a USATF certified asphalt loop in Lillington. This supported endurance event features a lit course at night and convenient trackside camping for a personalized running experience.
Second annual trail races at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park with a 6.2 mile short course and a roughly 9.3 mile long course, chip timing and one water station.
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.
Multi-hour trail event in Valdese, NC on October 10, 2026 offering 3, 6 and 12 hour options on a three mile loop.
A timed 5K trail run at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge on October 10, 2026 featuring three gravel loops through fields and forests and a family Fun Run to the future pig habitat.
Join this cross country event in New Bern North Carolina featuring dedicated races for middle school and high school athletes. Run through a natural course at the Epiphany school grounds with 5K and youth distances available.
Timed running and rucking events in Whittier, NC featuring 24 hour, 12 hour, 6 hour and 3 hour formats, a 1.4 mile loop course, and on site lodging.
Trail races at Medoc Mountain State Park featuring a 10 Miler and a 5 Miler, chip timing, stocked aid stations, event swag and post race food with live bluegrass music.
Monster Dash is a trail 5K at Carolina Beach State Park on October 17, 2026. The day includes a cross country meet for teams and the event raises funds for young runners.
Deerfly Trail Race at Carvers Creek State Park features timed 11K and 6K courses plus canine-only events on October 17, 2026. The event is limited to 200 participants and includes year-six shirts, coins, and cash awards for course records.
A trail ultramarathon in Uwharrie National Forest using a 20.5-mile figure 8 loop, offering 100M and 100K distances with a 150-runner limit.
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.