North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 183 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
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 trail race at Camp Chestnut Ridge in Efland NC offering a 1 mile fun run, a 5K, an 8 mile and a virtual 5K with proceeds supporting camp programs.
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Briar Chapel with a variety of trail races ranging from 2 miles to 10K. Enjoy smooth paths or technical single track trails followed by post race pie and festive awards.
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.
A Thanksgiving 5K run/walk and junior course at The Village Green in Cashiers, NC on November 26, 2026, benefiting the nonprofit park with pies and medals for top finishers.
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.
A holiday weekend trail run in Briar Chapel on November 28, 2026 offering 5K and 10K courses, repurposed vintage tees and medals, a post race party, and a free kids race with prizes.
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.
A mixed in-person and virtual running event in Cary offering 5K, 10K, 13.1 and an Ultra Series 65.5 with medals, warmers, and multiple award categories.
Regional cross country meet in Charlotte on Nov 28, 2026 with 5K and 3K races; top 10 in the high school championship advance to Brooks XC Nationals.
The 5th annual Run the Fort 5K at Fort Macon State Park follows a varied coastal trail and raises funds for the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Plain.
December 2026
Two-day event in Pittsboro, NC with a 40 mile ultramarathon, a 40K, a 40 mile age graded team relay, and a 4 mile race, plus live music and camping.
Experience the eighth annual Lake Norman State Park Trail Race featuring 30K and 50K distances on smooth rolling single track trails in Troutman North Carolina.
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.
A 24 hour run on the Roanoke Canal Trail in Weldon NC with a flat 4.2 mile loop, chip timing, aid station, medals for all, and a special buckle for 100 mile finishers.
Join a festive timed trail run on a scenic 1.17 mile loop in Lillington to support the Harnett Food Pantry.
Test your resilience at Crowders Mountain with trail races ranging from a Half Marathon to a 100 Miler featuring significant elevation gain and rugged terrain.
Experience the natural beauty of Cedarock Park with a variety of trail races in Burlington. Enjoy twisty single track trails followed by hot soup and a finisher hoodie at this long running December event.
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.