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!
December 2026
Third annual charity beach run at Ft. Macon Park with multiple race categories, festive race packages, trophies for winners, and a free Reindeer Fun Run for kids.
Community 1 mile and 5K run at Park Road Park on December 5, 2026 supporting Grandma’s House with cupless stations, merchandise, medals, and awards.
Community 5K and kids fun run at Enka High School supporting Elves for Enka, which provides holiday gifts and essentials to about 200 students.
Timed trail event in Lillington, NC on a 1.17-mile loop with 9-, 6-, and 3-hour race options; proceeds support the Harnett Food Pantry.
Trail event at Crowders Mountain, Kings Mountain NC offering 100 mile, 100K, 50 mile, marathon and half marathon routes with four aid stations.
Trail races at Cedarock Park on December 12, 2026 offering 5K, 10K and half marathon with race hoodies, aid stations, hot soup and a free kids race.
A holiday 5K and 1-mile fun run at Silver Coast Winery with themed course sections, a Santa’s Workshop post-race party, finisher medals, guaranteed shirts for early registrants, and proceeds supporting the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association.
A roughly 5-mile trail race in Lenoir on 12/12/2026 featuring single-track, gravel and short hardtop sections, part of the Foothills Run Series, with early packet pickup, post-race s'mores and awards including Dirty Santa gift selection.
A trail-to-channel 5K, 1 mile and kids run at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte with mixed terrain, post-race hot chocolate and age-group awards.
Trail races of 3 and 7 miles at Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle NC with limited entry, technical shirts, age-group awards, and post-race breakfast.
An unstructured day of running in downtown Winston Salem where participants set their own distance and use a central aid station from sunrise to sunset.
Celebrate the New Year at McAlpine Creek Park with a 5K race or a Kids Dash. Enjoy a certified crushed gravel course with scenic lake views and a festive midday countdown followed by a post race lunch.
Annual 50K around Denver NC starting at Lake Norman Brewery, mixing road and rooty trail sections with aid stations near miles 10 and 20.
January 2027
Trail half marathon and 5K at Carolina Beach State Park on January 2, 2027, with timed courses, medals and post race beer for participants 21 plus.
Point to point 20k on the Mountains to Sea Trail from Falls Dam to Bayleaf Church Road with an aid station at Possum Track Road and a virtual Strava option.
Trail event at Raven Rock State Park on 01/03/2027 featuring runs and a hike over rocky, technical trails with limited parking.
Trail races at Salem Lake on January 8 and 9, 2027 offering a night 5K, looped 12.5K to 50K distances, and a four person 50K relay.
Trail running event on January 9, 2027 in Lake Lure NC offering 5K, 10 Miler, 20 Miler and 50K over rugged trails with steep climbs and fast descents.
Trail half marathon in South Mountains State Park near Connelly Springs NC with 12.9 miles, about 2,600 ft elevation gain, two creek crossings and one full aid station.
Two trail races at Little River Regional Park on January 9, 2027 featuring 10 miles and 7 kilometers on marked single track with three aid stations and proceeds for park upkeep.