Trail running is a fun and competitive sport that is practiced all around the world. With thousands of miles of trails all over North America, it can be difficult to determine where to run. Here are some of the overall best North American trail races that all trail runners should strive to compete in.
1) JayPeak Trail Running Festival
This race takes place in Jay, Vermont and is ideal for people of all ages. It typically occurs the first weekend in September and includes a variety of different distances. You can sign up to participate in the 5K, 25K, 50K or a kid’s trail race. This festival has something for the whole family and is a great way to get little ones interested in the sport. While running on the trails, you will have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and gorgeous lakes.
2) Emerald Bay Trail Run
This 7.5 mile trail run takes place in Lake Tahoe, California. You will be able to run through the D.L. Bliss State Park and see all that nature has to offer. You will have amazing views of the Sierras and the beach. You can go for a swim in the lake after your fun. This course is considered to be a faster course because a lot of the trail is downhill, even though there is some light to moderate climbing at certain points.
3) Moab Trail Marathon
This trail run takes place in Moab, Utah in November. It is one of the hotter trail runs, but is great for people looking to run in canyons and on rugged terrain. This event features a 5K, half marathon and full marathon. You will be able to run on the red desert rocks, through natural arches, and in sand. This is a great run for people who love the outdoors and new adventures.
4) Paul Mitchell XTERRA Trail Run Series in Hawaii
This trail run takes place in one of the most secluded and beautiful places in North America. This run in Hawaii will give all runners a unique and beautiful experience. As runners run through this paradise, they will have breathtaking views of mountains, oceans, wildlife and more. This race features a 5k run, 5.8k run, 10k and half marathon. There is something for all experience levels and thrill seekers.
5) Runner’s World Half and Festival
This trail run takes place in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This race is sponsored by Runner’s World and is a great event for people of all ages. It typically occurs in October and provides all participants with a beautiful view of the foliage in the middle of Fall. This festival has different races, including a 3.8 mile trail run, 5K, 10K and half marathon. It is great for people of all experience levels and requires only a 30 dollar registration fee.
6) Golden Lead Half Marathon
This half marathon takes place in Aspen, Colorado in September. This trail race is an extraordinary race through the mountains and trails of Colorado. There is about a 1000 foot elevation gain during the race making it one of the more difficult and slower races. While there is this elevation gain over the course of the race, it brings you to new heights and lets you see the world from a higher perspective. The cost of registration for this race is 80 dollars.
7) Run for the Toad Race
This 25K and 50K race takes place in Cambridge, Ontario in Canada. This is one of the largest trail races in Canada and is ideal for those who love the rush and attention of a road race, but the scenery of a trail race. The course takes place over a 12.5 loop of rolling terrain. You can see the beauty of Canada while you run alongside of some of the most popular and top distance athletes around the world. This race takes great care of all runners and provides exceptional aid and fuel stations around the course. There is a runner cap on this race, so it is important to register early for the race so that you are guaranteed a spot.
8) Brookvale Trail Ultra Marathon
This race takes place in Brookvale on Prince Edward Island. It provides a unique and beautiful place to run during the Summer months. This race offers a 10K, 25K and a 50K to encourage people of all ability levels to get out and run. The trail takes place over a 25K loop through ski trails, old country roads, and small towns. This trail race is a very hilly race so all runners will need to climb up hills at some point of the race. When you finish the race you will be given a oak tree seedling to plant. This helps runners give back to the world while running.
9) Gorge Waterfalls
The Gorge Waterfalls race takes place in Cascade Locks, Oregon and features a 50K and a 100K race. It is great for extreme long distance runners who want to see waterfalls and the beauty that this earth has to offer. The race gains 6000 feet in elevation over the course of the race. You will see amazing views of cascading waterfalls throughout the race. This race is a very popular race and due to the excitement of the race, you must register months in advance. Participants are then chosen by lottery to participate in the race.
10) 7 Sisters Trail Race
This trail race is ideal for mountain lovers seeking adventure. This race is a 12 mile out and back race that has you running on the high and rocky mountains in Amherst, Massachusetts. To most experts, this race is considered to be run on one of the most difficult trails in the Northeast. There is over 3500 feet in elevation gain over the course of the race, making it difficult to go up and easier to go down. This race takes place in early May and has a 50 dollar registration fee for all runners.
