Deerfly Trail Race

Get ready for an exhilarating journey into nature at the sixth annual Deerfly Trail Race, set for Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Fayetteville, NC. This celebrated event, organized by the Fayetteville Running Club, invites runners to explore the picturesque Sandhills portion of Carvers Creek State Park. Participants can choose between two engaging distances: the 11K (approximately 6.8 miles) or the shorter 6K, both of which also offer special dog-friendly categories for those who wish to run alongside their canine companions.

The course promises a scenic adventure through stunning longleaf pine forests, where runners might spot active red-cockaded woodpecker trees, marked with white bands, or even a fox squirrel darting through the woods. With the 11K featuring approximately 377 feet of elevation gain and loss, and the 6K presenting around 249 feet of gain and 246 feet of loss, the trails are characterized as entirely gravel and narrow, offering a true trail running experience. Typical race day conditions in mid-October bring pleasant highs around 75°F and lows near 53°F, with only a 10% chance of precipitation.

Limited to just 200 runners, the Deerfly Trail Race ensures a close-knit atmosphere and a unique experience, offering cash awards for new course records. Every participant receives a specially designed, unique Deerfly-themed race shirt and coin for the year. The excitement begins Friday evening with packet pickup at Heckler Brewing Company, providing a fantastic opportunity for fellowship before race day. The start and finish lines are conveniently located at the Carvers Creek State Park - Sandhills Access, where onsite parking is available.