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Trail Running in Georgia

Georgia has 16 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. No single city dominates the calendar. Dawsonville leads with 3 races, followed by Watkinsville (1), Dacula (1), and Flowery Branch (1). The remaining 63% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.

Showing all 16

Freedom Trail 5K
Trail Running

Freedom Trail 5K

July 3, 2026
Watkinsville, GA
Summit Sundown - Night Trail Race
Trail Running

Summit Sundown - Night Trail Race

July 25, 2026
Dacula, GA
Cherokee Bluff/Flowery Branch Trail Run 5K
Trail Running

Cherokee Bluff/Flowery Branch Trail Run 5K

August 8, 2026
Flowery Branch, GA
Summer's End 5k/10k Trail Run
Trail Running

Summer's End 5k/10k Trail Run

August 15, 2026
Rincon, GA
Brandon English 5K -ish Trail Run
Trail Running

Brandon English 5K -ish Trail Run

September 5, 2026
Canton, GA
Feeling Loopy Trail Race
Trail Running

Feeling Loopy Trail Race

September 12, 2026
Thomaston, GA
Skyland Trail 5K Run/Walk
Trail Running

Skyland Trail 5K Run/Walk

September 12, 2026
Atlanta, GA

Trail Running

17th Annual Joshua's Wish Gold Ribbon Trail 5K Run/Walk

Macon, GA

Trail Running

17th Annual Joshua's Wish Gold Ribbon Trail 5K Run/Walk

September 19, 2026
Macon, GA
Paladin Pacer 5K Trail Race
Trail Running

Paladin Pacer 5K Trail Race

September 19, 2026
Cumming, GA
Quail Trail 5K
Trail Running

Quail Trail 5K

October 24, 2026
Thomasville, GA
West Georgia Track Club Trail Race 7.5K & 15K
Trail Running

West Georgia Track Club Trail Race 7.5K & 15K

November 14, 2026
Carrollton, GA
Fast Bananas Trail Race at Serenbe
Trail Running

Fast Bananas Trail Race at Serenbe

November 14, 2026
Palmetto, GA
Amicalola Falls Trail Marathon
Trail Running

Amicalola Falls Trail Marathon

December 5, 2026
Dawsonville, GA
IronHike Amicalola Falls Appalachian Trail Approach Fall 2026
Trail Running

IronHike Amicalola Falls Appalachian Trail Approach Fall 2026

December 9, 2026
Dawsonville, GA

Trail Running

IronHike Amicalola Falls Appalachian Trail Approach Fall 2026

Dawsonville, GA

Trail Running

IronHike Amicalola Falls Appalachian Trail Approach Fall 2026

December 10, 2026
Dawsonville, GA
Yates-Astro Resolution Race and Trail Run to Benefit Bethesda Academy
Trail Running

Yates-Astro Resolution Race and Trail Run to Benefit Bethesda Academy

January 9, 2027
Savannah, GA

Frequently asked questions

What is trail running?
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.