Best Trail Races in the U.S. | a Trail Runner's Paradise

Last updated on April 14th, 2021 at 04:54 pm

The United States covers a lot of space geographically, and we are lucky enough to have vast wildernesses set aside for recreation and preservation. With this in mind, there are countless wonderful trail races from coast to coast that weave throughout these beautiful landscapes. In this post, we provide a guide to the best trail races in the United States.

Whether looking for a 10k, half marathon, or a full marathon the list below will have something for you to consider… Just don’t be surprised if the list below encourages you to start planning your next trip.

1. Moab Trail Marathon, Utah

If you’ve heard of Moab, Utah it is probably because it is home to some of the most insane rock formations and canyons in the entire world. Yes…in the entire world.

Now, imagine hanging out with a bunch of people who share your passion for trail running, and getting the opportunity to run around those rock formations. That is exactly what the Moab Trail Marathon offers. Below we outline the available distances you can enter.

Available Distances / Routes

5K
Half marathon
Full marathon

If you aren’t sure this race is for you, I highly recommend you take a look at the photos on the Moab Trail Marathon website. Whether you are looking to compete for a win in any of the categories, or you are just going to take in the beautiful scenery, this race does not disappoint. Check out the results from past races, or start looking into registering.

2. Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, Colorado

If you’ve followed elite trail running for any amount of time you, it is likely you have heard of the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon.

Not only has this race become renown among trail runners in the United States, but it has become a world famous race due to its inclusion in the Golden Trail Racing Series.

The Golden Trail Racing Series is essentially the World Cup of trail running, as elite runners compete in a series of trail runs taking place on six continents, as they compete to be the best trail runner in the world.

Available Distances

As you can tell from the name of the event there are multiple events at this race.

The Ascent: 13.32 miles up Pikes Peak. Essentially the entire half-marathon course is going up-hill. Because this half is so physically demanding, and because the ascent draws interest from all over the world, there is some qualifying required if you are wanting to enter this race.
The Marathon: 26.2 miles The marathon is unique in that the first half of the race follows the same path as the Ascent half-marathon. That is to say, the first half of the race will be completely up-hill. The second half of the race, however, is going right back down the mountain. This means you will be really putting the work on your legs as you spend half the race going straight up, andthe other half going straigh down.

Learn more about the course for both the Ascent and the Marathon by taking a look at the Pikes Peak Course Information page.

Because the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon have become so popular among trail runners across the world, you will have to first meet minimum qualification standards to be considered.

3. Rock n' Knob Challenge, Pennsylvania

Are you a fan of mountain running? Do you love steep ascents and bombing down hills at incredible speed? If you answer yes to either of these questions, you should definitely run in the Rock n’ Knob Challenge, as it is the highest trail race in all of Pennsylvania.

If you are used to running the Rocky Mountains you might think Pennsylvania doesn’t have any elevation worth noting, but don’t forget about those beautiful rolling mountains that make up the Appalachian Mountain Ranges. It gets steep out there, and this trail racing event capitalizes on its position relative to the Appalachian ranges. Taking place at the second largest mountain in Pennsylvania, Blue Knob, this race definitely deserves to be on our list. Take a look below to see what distances you can register for.

Available Distances

10k (course map)
Half-marathon (course map)
Full-marathon (course map)

Don’t think for a second that these Appalachian ascents are going to be easy to tackle; the full-marathon will put a whopping 6,500 ft. of elevation gain onto your legs.

4. Leave No Trace Half and Full Marathon, Ohio

Not all awesome trail races take place in canyons, or on mountains. The Leave No Trace Half and Full Marathon is a hidden trail racing gem. Why is this a hidden gem? Primarily because the race is located in Ohio, not necessarily considered a hub of competitive trail running.

With the above being said, the Leave No Trace Half and Full Marathon takes place at Camp Manatoc surrounded by The Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is home to lush deciduous forest, creek crossings, miles of single track, and a surprising amount of elevation change through the courses distance.

Another reason this race makes our list is that it is a part of the Midwest Trail Racing Festival. So bring your tent, your recovery gels, and a good spirit because this even is truly worth spending time at.

5. XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Half Marathon, Alabama

The south has some pretty cool trail races to consider, and the XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Run taking place in Oak Mountain State Park is right up there with the best. At 9,940 acres, Oak Mountain State Park is Alabamas’ largest park, and it provides ample space for tons of singletrack. Below are the available races at this event:

Available Distances

5k
10k
20.6k (half)

One of the unique aspects of this trail race is its connection to a larger sponsor. XTERRA is the primary sponsor for the races, and as such, the winners of each age group at these races will gain free entrance for the XTERRA World Trail Racing Championships, which take place in Hawaii each year.

If you are interested in a southern trail racing experience and aren’t fully married to the idea of running a marathon this is definitely worth considering.

6. Trapp Mountain Marathon, Vermont

Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, the Trapp Mountain Marathon offers a unique trail racing experience in what might be one of the most quaint races on our list.

One of the best parts of this race isn’t just the scenery the Green Mountains provide, but also the time of year the race takes place…October in Vermont means peak colors on the deciduous trees that make up the natural environment.

Having the race in October also ensures a likelihood that you will be running in some nice brisk temperatures.

Available Distances

Half-marathon: Consists of 1900 ft. of elevation gain and 1900 ft. of elevation loss.
Full-marathon: Two loops of the half-marathon route.

Taking place at the Trapp Lodge property, the course is comprised of about 2/3 double wide trail and 1/3 single track, and the course boasts a recently added climb to the highest point on the property (Round Top Mountain).

Vermont is supposed to be an awesome place to visit, so maybe its time to build a trip around this unique trail race.

7. XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Race, Arizona

Are you in the Southwest and looking for a hugely popular trail race with tons of single track and landscape variation? If the answer is “yes”, the XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Race might just be your best option.

The XTERRA Black Canyon Trail Race includes climbs, descents, sandy beaches, and tons of single track. Not surprisingly in a race that takes place in and around a Canyon, you will have a lot of exposure on the run so paying attention to where your feet hit will be very important.

Available Distances

6k
10k
21k (half marathon)

If you’re in the Southwest, and you are seeking a community focused trail half-marathon with beautiful scenery, this is it. The course is point-to-point, which means you won’t be repeating any of the surroundings. Point-to-Point races always keep the race interesting.

8. Mount Magazine Trail Run, Arkansas

If you didn’t know it, Arkansas has some mountains. They may not be the rockies, but they will feel rocky enough when taking on the approximately 18 miles of course for the Mount Magazine Trail Run in Arkansas.

Taking place near Signal Point, which is the highest point in the entire state, you will be sure to experience amazing views, deep forest, and some good elevation gain.

The distance for the Mount Magazine Trail Run is 18 Miles (+/-), which makes for a unique distance. It should be stated that this race seems to be more “casual” in the sense that many perceive it as being more for fun than competition. You can check out the results from 2019 to see if the times would be in line with your level of competition. Keep this in mind if you are trying to select a trail race for a competitive experience.

9. The Rut Mountain Runs, Montana

The Rut Mountain Runs are a series of trail races taking place over three days in Big Sky, Montana. If a city name like Big Sky doesn’t give away what these races are all about, let me tell you: Awesome views and mountainous terrain. Below are the available distances you could register for.

Available Distances

5k: Includes 3,623 ft. of elevation gain. This could be considered more of an ascent than anything else
11k: Includes 1,700 ft. of elevation gain through its course
28k: Includes 7,800 ft. of elevation gain, and 2,375 ft. of descent through its course
50k: Includes 10,500 ft. of gain, and 3,200 ft. of descent through its course

Take note of the killer elevation gains required of runners for any of the four distances you could register for.

Since this is a three trail running festival as well, you should consider going for the fun alone. Three days, people who love what you love, and some of the most beautiful trail scenery in the country. Check out the full weekend of events to see what fun you would be in for.

10. Skyline to the Sea Half and Full Marathon, California

California is a huge state, and its landscapes change drastically depending on where you are located. For the Skyline to the Sea Trail Races the name expresses that you try to capture as many of these natural landscapes as possible in a single run.

Starting in California’s Saratoga Gap the races descend from the Santa Cruz Mountains all the way down to the coast of the Pacific Ocean. As you might expect, there is a ton of variety in scenery throughout this course; Monteray Bay, redwood forest, insane sandstone formations, and more are all part of the course.

Available Distances

Half-Marathon
Marathon
50k

If you wouldn’t mind finding yourself in the Santa Cruz mountains for an awesome trail run you should really look into registering for one of the distances this race offers. After all, how often do your trail runs take you through Big Basin Redwoods State Park?

11. Jemez Mountain Trail Run, New Mexico

New Mexico deserves a little love on this list, and the Jemez Mountain Trail Run makes it easy. Taking place in Los Alamos, New Mexico on and around Jemez Mountain the scenery is great, and there are a number of distances you could register for.

Available Distances

15 mile
50km
50 mile

While there isn’t a true half or full-marathon, there are three different distances you could select from if registering for this race.

If you are in or around New Mexico and looking to take in some of the sights Jemez Mountain offers you should look into registering for this trail race.

12. Uwharrie Mountain Run, North Carolina

Taking place in North Carolina’s Uwharrie National Forest, the Uwharrie Mountain Run offers one of the Carolina’s most unique trail racing experiences. What makes this trail race so unique? For one, the course is 100% single track! This is rare even for some high profile races, as bridle trail, double wide track, and even some small roads exist as a part of the course for many trail races. Not at the Uwharrie Mountain Run, where single track rules.

One other notable about this race is that it is a winter race. Taking place in February it is likely to be cool, which isn’t a bad thing when taking on a potential distance of 40 miles. After all, if it is between running that distance when it is 40 degrees vs a summer run of 100 degrees, which would you pick?

Below we go through the distances available at this trail race

Available Distances

8 mile
20 mile
40 mile

If you happen to place high enough to win one of the awards at this trail race you will get to experience another unique aspect of this race: Handmade Pottery Awards.

Are you intrigued by this trail race? Check out more information about the course, trail warnings, and more here: Uwharrie Course Information.

13. Escarpment Trail Run, New York

The Escarpment Trail Run is not for the lighthearted. In fact, this 18.5 mile trail run is more a race for the prideful than anything else. By that I mean that this race does not give awards out at the finish line, and there are no age-group categories. Instead, you are to derive enjoyment from your run and accomplishment in finishing. This doesn’t mean they don’t track your time. They do keep times, and winners from past events are posted on their website along with results from past years.

This is truly a difficult route. The course IS NOT a simple trail. It IS a rugged hiking route with extremely difficult terrain to complete. The race boasts the slogan, “Mountain Goats Only” as this expresses the type of terrain you will experience.

This race does not include road crossings, includes 10,000 ft. of elevation gain, and has some of the most difficult terrain for running of any trail race on this list…in other words, this race is awesome, and if you have the opportunity (and experience) to take this race on…do it.

14. Dirty Kiln 10K and Half Marathon, Pennsylvania

Not all great trail races need to be marathon distance. The Dirty Kiln 10k and Half-Marathon at Canoe Creek State Park is a perfect example. For anyone wanting to take part in a trail race in the Allegheny region of the country, this should be on your shortlist. Below are the available distances you can run at this race event.

Available Distances

10k
Half-Marathon

The two distances you can register for each take place at Canoe Creek State Park and feature loops around the parks’ main lake.

Both the 10k and half-marathon are comprised of single track, double wide track, bridal trails, stream crossings, and beautiful scenery.

If you want to learn more about this Appalachian race, check out the course map to get a better feel for what this race has to offer.

15. Seward's Mount Marathon Race, Alaska

Seward’s Mount Marathon Race in Alaska is a 5k… but it isn’t just any 5k. It is considered by many to be “the most difficult 5k in the entire world.”

This reputation, and the course itself is the reason we have decided to include a 5k on this list of great trail races in the US.

The race takes place at Mount Marathon and includes a 3,022 ft. ascent up a wooded brush covered trail called “Squirrels Inn.” Once at the peak you will eventually make your way back down the mountain through a section of route deemed “The Gut.” While you need to focus on speed during a race you will also need to focus on holding back a bit in this race because a face plant is very possible. Check out this detailed course map.

Just how steep is the ascent and descent for this race? Well the slope you will be running is at a 34% grade on average… That is significant.

It might be a short race, but Alaska is a beautiful state so you could build an entire vacation around this short distance. If you do decide to take on Seward’s Mount Marathon Race be sure you have a base level of strength and fitness built up, because its not for the faint of heart.

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