What race distances can I run in Durham?
Durham has 5K (16). The 5K is usually the easiest entry point if you are new, and the links above jump straight to each distance.
North Carolina · Race calendar
Running Races in Durham, North Carolina
Upcoming running races in and near Durham, North Carolina - 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and more, with dates, pricing, finish-time stats, start-line maps, and local run clubs to train with.
21 upcoming races · 13 with finish-time stats
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The Durham races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
Sun, Aug 23, 2026Mini-Milers: Early Fall 2026 Durham, NCFrom $95Details Sat, Sep 12, 2026Love Durham Run 5k Durham, NCFrom $40Details Sun, Sep 13, 2026Donate Life NC Hero Run Durham, NCFrom $20Details Sat, Sep 19, 2026I AM Too Sexy 5K Durham, NCFrom $40Details Sat, Sep 26, 2026Bull City Race Fest Course Preview - Half Marathon Durham, NCFreeDetails Sun, Sep 27, 2026Kids Run Durham Durham, NCFrom $60Details Sun, Sep 27, 2026Stead Tread 5k Durham, NCFrom $35Register Sun, Sep 27, 2026Fifty 5Ks Finisher Party #2 Durham, NCFreeRegister Sat, Oct 3, 2026First Pentecostal Church Color Blast Durham, NCFrom $35Details Sat, Oct 3, 2026WUNC 50th Anniversary 5K Durham, NCFrom $50Register Sun, Oct 4, 202612th Annual Ostomy 5k, Durham NC Durham, NCFrom $35Details Sun, Oct 11, 2026Bright Futures Fun Run Durham, NCFrom $30Details Sun, Nov 8, 2026Jodi 5K Run & Walk Durham, NCFrom $40Details Sat, Nov 14, 2026The 17th Annual Durham Academy Turkey Trot Durham, NCFrom $35Details Thu, Nov 26, 2026TROSA Turkey Trot 5K Durham, NCFrom $35Details Sat, Dec 12, 2026Jingle Bell LEAP 5K Durham, NCFrom $20Details Mon, Jan 11, 2027RunBuds 2026 Durham, NCFrom $135Details Sat, Feb 27, 2027Duke Time for Time 5K Color Run Durham, NCFrom $10Details Sun, Apr 11, 2027Mountains-to-Sea Trail 13M & 50K Challenge Durham, NCFrom $50Details Sat, May 1, 2027Garmin Marathon Durham Durham, NCFrom $40Details Sat, May 15, 2027Lookin For A Cure Raleigh/Durham Durham, NCFrom $35Details
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Sep 10, 2026.
Common Questions About Racing in Durham
When is race season in Durham?
September is the busiest month for races in Durham, with 7 of the 21, followed by October with 4. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.
How early should I register for a race in Durham?
8 of the 21 races in Durham already have a price increase scheduled, so entry gets more expensive the longer you leave it. Race pricing almost always steps up as the date approaches, and signing up early is usually the cheapest option.
Are Durham races beginner-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Across the 13 races in Durham with published results, the typical median finish is around 34:57, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.
Where can I train for a race in Durham?
Browse Durham run clubs on RunSesh to find a training group at your pace.
Are there trail races near Durham?
Yes, one race around Durham gets you off the pavement: 1 is a trail race. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.