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!
December 2026
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.
Test your endurance with a 3 mile or 7 mile uphill run at Pilot Mountain State Park ending with scenic views and a 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.
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.
Trail event at Raven Rock State Park on 01/03/2027 featuring runs and a hike over rocky, technical trails with limited parking.
A weekend of trail races at Salem Lake offering a night 5K, looped 12.5K courses up to a 50K, and a four-person 50K relay, with water stops on looped courses, a seven hour cap for the 50K, finishers swag, and post-race food and beer.
Experience the natural beauty of Lake Lure North Carolina with a range of trail races including 5K 10K 25K and 50K distances organized by Dirty Wolf Ultras.
Experience the rugged beauty of South Mountains State Park on a scenic 12.9 mile trail half marathon featuring 2,600 feet of elevation gain and multiple mountain overlooks.
Trail races at Little River Regional Park on January 9 2027 feature 10 mile and 7 kilometer courses on marked single track with aid stations and community funding.
Multi-distance ultramarathon weekend in Wilmington on January 15–16, 2027 offering 100M, 50M, 50K and relay formats with camping and on-site amenities.
A January trail event in Gibsonville, NC offering a 13.1 mile half with two river crossings, a 5 mile race, ruck divisions and virtual options. The race includes chip timing, on-course support, a hoodie and finisher medal.
Tsali Ultra in Bryson City NC on January 16 2027 offers 8K, 30K and 50K trail races with aid stations, drop bags, cupless policy, and enforced cutoffs.
Test your endurance on a private 6.2 mile singletrack loop in Concord, featuring 1,350 feet of elevation gain per lap and a six hour time limit.
A charity running event at Kimberley Park with multiple distances including a 49 mile individual option and a team relay, supporting HOPE of Winston Salem.
Trail running in Charlotte with 5K and 10K options followed by a plunge into the Deep Water Solo pool.
A 10 mile trail race in Hillsborough that climbs Occoneechee Mountain with 700 ft of gain, mixed surfaces, two aid stations, and chili, bread, and coffee at the finish.
February 2027
Test your endurance at Stone Mountain with a 50K, 25K, or 8 Miler trail race featuring a unique stone-collecting quest and handcrafted pottery medals.
Winter single track trail races of 8, 20 and 40 miles in Uwharrie National Forest on February 6, 2027. Aid stations, finish food, pottery awards, shirts, parking and shuttles are provided.
5K and 10K trail races through shaded forests and singletrack near Winnabow NC on 02/06/2027, produced by Set Up Events.