Trail Running in Washington
Washington has 15 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. Bellevue is the busiest city with 3 races, ahead of Enumclaw (2) and Port Orchard (1).
Showing all 15
Trail Running
Fidalgo Trail Run
Anacortes, WA
Trail Running
Fidalgo Trail Run
September 26, 2026
Anacortes, WA
Trail Running
North Bend Trail Fest 30k - 10k
North Bend, WA
Trail Running
North Bend Trail Fest 30k - 10k
October 3, 2026
North Bend, WA
Trail Running
Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation Trillium Trail Run
May 8, 2027
Bainbridge Island, WA
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.