About This Race
The Rootrock Trail Run brings together Chapel Hill's trail running community each October for a challenging test on technical single-track terrain. Set within the expansive Briar Chapel community on the south side of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, this race showcases the raw character of North Carolina's Piedmont region with root-and-rock-strewn trails that demand focus and technical skill from runners. Offering three distance options—5K, 10K, and half marathon—the event caters to runners across the experience spectrum while maintaining its reputation for technical difficulty. The race shares its venue with the afternoon Rootrock Mountain Bike Race, creating a full day of trail sports celebration. The 8:30 AM start time positions runners to tackle the demanding terrain in cooler morning conditions. With 500 participants annually, this mid-fall race has established itself as a fixture in the North Carolina trail running calendar. The single-track nature of the course and technical terrain make this an ideal race for runners seeking to develop their trail skills or test their mettle against some of the region's most challenging paths.
The course winds through 900 acres of preserved land within the Briar Chapel development, offering runners pure single-track trail experience. As the name suggests, the trails are characterized by exposed roots and rocky sections that require careful foot placement and constant attention. The terrain represents classic North Carolina Piedmont trail running—technically demanding without relying on significant elevation changes.
All three distances utilize the same trail system, with the 5K and 10K options offering shorter loops while the half marathon provides the full single-track experience. The 100% path terrain ensures runners stay connected to the natural environment throughout their chosen distance.
Practical Info
Mid-October in North Carolina typically offers ideal trail running conditions with temperatures in the 50s-60s F and lower humidity.
RDU - Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Chapel Hill offers numerous hotel options, with the race venue located on the south side of town for convenient access.
Best For
Notable Features
The Rootrock Trail Run stands out for its uncompromising commitment to technical single-track terrain and its integration with the local mountain biking community. The race's emphasis on root-and-rock navigation skills makes it an excellent training ground for runners preparing for more technical ultra events, while the three distance options allow progression within the same challenging trail system.