Welcome to the first edition of our monthly Raleigh running guide! Each month, we will give you the scoop on upcoming running events in the area, providing a snapshot of our race calendar and highlighting one or two events of particular interest. Our January 2026 preview features a group trail run hosted by Sir Walter Running (Sat. 1/3) and notes the following upcoming local races:
Sat. 1/10: Mutts and Marshmallows
Sat. 1/24: UGTB Grindin’ Trail Run
Sun. 1/25: Occoneechee Mountain Challenge
Side Quest of the Month: The Squirrel Trail Run by Sir Walter Running
Shinleaf Cove – Credit: NC State Parks
Sir Walter Running is hosting The Squirrel Trail Run this Saturday, January 3rd at 9 AM. Come out and explore the fun point-to-point route, covering about 20 km (11.3 mi) of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from the Falls Dam gate to the Bayleaf Church Road trail crossing. Feeling extra squirrelly? Double back for the 40K to return to the Falls Dam gate.
The run will be partially supported with an aid station at the halfway point and at Bayleaf Church Road. If you can’t make the 9 AM start, no problem! You can check out the Strava segment here. If you plan to participate at 9 AM, be sure to RSVP to the SWR Strava event.
SWR Preview Article:
Squirrel Trail Run
Start Time:
9 AM, Saturday, January 3rd
Start Location:
Falls Lake Dam Gate
12101 Old Falls of Neuse Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Finish Location:
12700 Bayleaf Church Rd
Raleigh, NC 27614
January Races
Even with the colder weather this time of year, there are still some great opportunities to kick off the new year strong. This month’s preview includes a pet-friendly event at WakeMed Soccer Park and a couple of fun trail races to cap off the month.
Mutts and Marshmallows – Sat. 1/10 at WakeMed Soccer Park
Race Distances: Doggie Dash 8K, 8K, Doggie Dash 5K, 5K, Fun Mile
What to look for: Bring your furry friends to Mutts and Marshmallows, returning to WakeMed Soccer Park for its 12th year, raising money for the SPCA of Wake County.
UGTB Grindin’ Trail Run – Sat. 1/24 at Harris Lake County Park
Race Distances: 5 mi, 10 mi (trail)
What to look for: The UGTB Trail Run is a winter staple in southwestern Wake County, circling the peninsula at Harris Lake County Park for one or two plaps depending on your race distance.. Bring an extra pair of socks to change into after this run. The trails are often either frozen or muddy, but that’s part of what makes it fun! Cup O’ Noodles soup and cookies are often on hand at the finish.
Occoneechee Mountain Challenge – Sun. 1/25 at the Historic Occoneechee Speedway
Race Distance: 10 mi (trail)
What to look for: The Occoneechee Mountain Challenge starts and finishes on the Historic Occoneechee Speedway, hallowed ground as one of the original NASCAR tracks. The OMC’s scenic course will take you on a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail past the Occaneechi Indian Village site, to Occoneechee Mountain State Park. You’ll have about 700 feet of elevation gain as you circle Occoneechee Mountain and return to the track. Approximately 3.5 mi of the course is paved, 3 on wider trails, 3.5 mi on single track trails. Be mindful of potential winter trail conditions.
Looking Ahead
As the days continue to get longer, we will keep you posted on upcoming events in our February running guide! If we missed your favorite race here, or if you have any suggestions, please let us know.