Trail Running in New York
New York has 26 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. Most of the calendar falls in the warmer months: 18 of 26 races (69%) take place between May and September, with June (6 events) the busiest month. No single city dominates the calendar. Mendon leads with 3 races, followed by Penn Yan (2), New York City (2), and Gansevoort (1). The remaining 69% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Trail-running races by month in New York
Jun (6) · Aug (6) · Oct (5) · Sep (4) · Jul (2) · Nov (2) · Apr (1)
Showing 24 of 26
Trail Running
Mendon Mauler Trail Run
Mendon, NY
Trail Running
Mendon Mauler Trail Run
June 13, 2026
Mendon, NY
Trail Running
5th Annual Seize the Day: Amer’s Epilepsy Trail Race 5K/10K and One Mile Walk/Fun Run
August 2, 2026
Mendon, NY
Trail Running
Live Well Community Wellness 5K- Greenway Trail
September 27, 2026
Dolgeville, NY
Trail Running in Nearby States
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.