Trail in Chapel Hill, North Carolina | 2026-2027

Philosopher's Way Trail Runs - 10 mile and 7 kilometer [trailheads.org] [Register at runsignup.com]
Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Description

We are excited to present the 18th running of the Philosopher’s Way Trail Runs at Carolina North Forest in Chapel Hill, NC on Sunday, April 26th, 2026!

If you prefer to run or walk the course on your...

We are excited to present the 18th running of the Philosopher’s Way Trail Runs at Carolina North Forest in Chapel Hill, NC on Sunday, April 26th, 2026!

If you prefer to run or walk the course on your own, the courses will be open Monday, April 28th through Sunday, May 3rd. For those not running the in-person event on the 26th, the courses will be marked, and we invite registrants to run or walk anytime during park hours (8:00 am to 6:00 pm). We will provide information on how to upload evidence of your run, and we will do random drawings for prizes (from our amazing sponsors) from among all runners who upload their results. In the event of single-track closures, there will be courses marked on the Forest’s gravel roads.

🗺️ View Google Map of race headquarters

🏃‍♀️ View & download course maps

Logistics

In-person race logistic document

Self-timed event logistics document

Cost

$45 for race registration, which includes a custom designed shirt (in the size of your choice if registering before April 7th).

Sponsors

7k 10 Miles Gravel Run Trail Walk
122 Municipal Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Zen Squirrel Trail Run [runsignup.com]
Sat, May 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Description

The 7th Annual Zen Squirrel Trail Run is where it all started for Roadless Races in 2019, and it's BACK! Offering 2 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile distance options, this race brings together trail runners...

The 7th Annual Zen Squirrel Trail Run is where it all started for Roadless Races in 2019, and it's BACK! Offering 2 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile distance options, this race brings together trail runners for fun, challenge, and healthy competition. Runners will be treated to some awesome courses that include a mixture of smooth and flowing dirt trails, rock and root strewn single-track, and challenging hill climbs. After finishing the race, enjoy post-race food, great music, a free kids race, and an awards ceremony with fun contests and lots of giveaways.

Sprawling over 900 acres and located on the south side of Chapel Hill, NC, Briar Chapel is a green community that boasts a vast network of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. In addition to 20+ miles of fantastic trails at Briar Chapel, centrally located Great Meadow Park, with its beautiful lawn, stage, and pavilion, offers a perfect setting area to start and finish a race.

2 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles Mountain Biking Run Trail
161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Rootrock Trail Run - 5K/10K/Half Marathon [runsignup.com]
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 at 8:30 AM

Description

The 6th Annual Rootrock Trail Run at Briar Chapel, held on the morning of October 17, puts runners to the test on 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon courses featuring miles of stellar, root- and rock-strewn...

The 6th Annual Rootrock Trail Run at Briar Chapel, held on the morning of October 17, puts runners to the test on 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon courses featuring miles of stellar, root- and rock-strewn single-track. After racing, athletes enjoy a festive post-race vibe with food, great music, a free kids’ race for treasure, and a fun awards ceremony packed with giveaways.

Complementing the afternoon 3rd Annual Rootrock Mountain Bike Race, the Rootrock Trail Run is a popular mid-fall challenge and the first leg of the Rootrock Trail Races.

Athletes who register for both events receive a special award and 10% off each race (select the Rootrock Trail Races Bundle during registration).

Get pumped for an awesome day of trail racing action!

About Briar Chapel

Sprawling over 900 acres on the south side of Chapel Hill, NC, Briar Chapel is a green community with an extensive network of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. Centrally located Great Meadow Park, featuring a beautiful lawn, stage, and pavilion, provides the perfect start-and-finish area.

5k 10k 13.1 Miles Half Marathon Mountain Biking Run Trail
161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Rootrock MTB [runsignup.com]
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Description

The 3rd Annual Rootrock Mountain Bike Race at Briar Chapel, held on the afternoon of October 17, challenges mountain bikers of all abilities on fun and demanding courses. Riders will tackle a dynamic...

The 3rd Annual Rootrock Mountain Bike Race at Briar Chapel, held on the afternoon of October 17, challenges mountain bikers of all abilities on fun and demanding courses. Riders will tackle a dynamic mix of smooth, flowing dirt trails, root- and rock-strewn single-track, and punchy hill climbs. After racing, athletes enjoy a festive post-race vibe with food, great music, a free kids’ race for treasure, and a fun awards ceremony packed with giveaways.

Complementing the morning 6th Annual Rootrock Trail Run (5K/10K/Half Marathon), Rootrock MTB is the second leg of the Rootrock Trail Races.

Register for both events and receive a special award and 10% off each race (initiate registration through Rootrock Trail Run and select the Rootrock Trail Races bundle).

Get pumped for an awesome day of trail racing!

About Briar Chapel

Sprawling over 900 acres on the south side of Chapel Hill, NC, Briar Chapel is a green community with an extensive network of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. Centrally located Great Meadow Park, featuring a beautiful lawn, stage, and pavilion, provides the perfect start-and-finish area.

5.5 Miles 12 Miles 17 Miles 24 Miles Mountain Biking Run Trail
161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Birds of a Feather Trail Trot [runsignup.com]
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Description

Welcome to the 4th Annual Birds of a Feather Trail Trot, a Thanksgiving Day trail run at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC! Gather your flock and start your holiday on the right foot. Choose from a...

Welcome to the 4th Annual Birds of a Feather Trail Trot, a Thanksgiving Day trail run at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC! Gather your flock and start your holiday on the right foot. Choose from a mellow 2-mile course featuring paved paths, grass, and smooth trails, or take on the more rugged 5K — or the all-new 10K — with plenty of roots, rocks, and rolling hills. An untimed fun run option is available for the 2-mile course.

After your run, stick around for a slice of pie (yum!), a FREE kids race (kids 11-U), and an awards ceremony packed with fun contests and giveaways. Run with your flock and celebrate family, fitness, fun… and PIE!

Make it a Thanksgiving Weekend Double! Run with your flock at the Birds of a Feather Trail Trot on Thanksgiving Day, then burn off that holiday feast two days later at the Leftovers Trail Run on Saturday, November 28. Register for both events at the same time and receive 10% off each event (select Thanksgiving Weekend races during registration).

2 Miles 5k 10k Fun Run Run Trail
161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Leftovers Trail Run [runsignup.com]
Sat, Nov 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Description

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Leftovers Trail Run, happening Saturday, November 28 — two days after Thanksgiving and our Birds of a Feather Trail Trot. Choose a 5K or 10K and enjoy the scenic, fun, and...

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Leftovers Trail Run, happening Saturday, November 28 — two days after Thanksgiving and our Birds of a Feather Trail Trot. Choose a 5K or 10K and enjoy the scenic, fun, and challenging single-track trails of Briar Chapel.

Embrace the spirit of adventure with a vintage bib, tee, and medal of your choice, all leftover from past events and creatively repurposed for this budget-friendly, eco-conscious race — a true swag scramble. After your run, stick around for the post-race party featuring great food, a free kids race, and an awards ceremony packed with fun contests and plenty of giveaways.

After the race, any remaining tees will be sold at steep discounts — perfectly timed as holiday shopping ramps up.

Make a weekend of it! Kick things off with the Birds of a Feather Trail Trot on Thanksgiving Day, then burn off that holiday feast two days later at the Leftovers Trail Run. Register for both events at the same time and receive 10% off each race (select Thanksgiving weekend races during registration).

5k 10k Run Trail
161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Into the Woods 5K presented by Access Paving and Construction [runsignup.com]
Sat, Dec 05, 2026 at 9:05 AM

Description

Calling all runners, walkers and four-legged friends, come out for our Annual Into the Woods 5K! This is a super family friendly race, with a unique mix of trail and road! Racers receive a race tshirt (if you sign up before 11/17) and medal; there will also be prizes for top finishers! (must sign up by 11/17 to receive a race shirt)

5k Run Trail Walk
160 Woodland Grove Lane, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

7 events in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Local Clubs & Organizations