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Trail Running
Singletrack, dirt and vert. Filter, sort and register.
Discipline Guide
Trail running leaves the pavement behind for singletrack, dirt roads and mountain vert, and The Kinetic Chronicle tracks trail races from short 10K scrambles to rugged 50-mile mountain epics. Typical distances range from 10K and half-marathon trail races up to 50K and 50-mile ultras, with elevation gain that can exceed 10,000 feet on a single course. The directory includes forest singletrack races, high-alpine mountain runs, desert slickrock events and beginner-friendly dirt-road races. Notable events span classic mountain 50Ks, SkyRace-style vertical kilometer climbs, long ridge traverses and local trail series that double as gateways into ultra running. Use the filters to sort by state, date or distance and register directly with the organizing club or race director.
What shoes do I need for a trail race?
Trail running shoes with aggressive lugs and a rock plate give grip on dirt, mud and loose rock while protecting your feet. Road shoes work on smooth dirt roads but slip on technical singletrack. Match your shoe to the course's surface and expected conditions.
Is trail running harder than road running?
Trail running is slower per mile because of uneven footing, elevation and softer ground, but the impact on your joints is often lower. Most runners find the variable terrain engaging and the time-on-feet more forgiving than pounding pavement.
Do trail races have aid stations?
Most trail races of 15K and longer have aid stations with water, electrolytes and basic food. Longer events add hot food, salt, first aid and sometimes crew access. Distances between aid vary widely, so review the course map before race day.
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