NC Local Trail Races

Between coaching the local Fleet Feet trails program and chatting up anyone with half an interest in talking about trails (hiiii!), I’ve kept a mental list of local races that seem popular, as well as other races that seem promising. This year I formalized the list, and I wanted to share it with you!

Oh hey! It’s been a while since my last blog post (over a year!) But I’m excited for things coming up this year, and wanted to share a few thoughts. I still want to catch up on a few race reports from last year, but I also have several trail and ultra topics that have been bouncing around in my head for the past few years.

First up: a list of local (ish) trail races! These are races that have come up in trail groups and conversations year after year, plus a few others that I’ve found via searching for local beginner-friendly trail options. This list is focused on the greater NC area (basically anything within a few hours’ drive from central NC), mostly trails, with options from 5K up through 100 milers, plus the World Majors and a few tried and true popular road races. It’s sorted by date (though you’ll find a few “?” rows — these are races that, at the time I put this list together, hadn’t yet announced the 2023 race date), and includes rough location and distances offered at the race.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, nor is it an endorsement of any races listed here. Rather, this is a list of races I’ve seen pop up on local trail runner race calendars year after year, or other local races that give some variety to distance, terrain, and experience. I hope you enjoy! And if you sign up for any of these races, let me know in the comments!