United States

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte is a fast-growing city and the second largest banking center in the United States. If you’re in financial services…you’ll end up in Charlotte at some point. Charlotte is fairly spread out. This is our guide to the best places to go running in Charlotte, North Carolina. There are good running options right downtown, but a car will help you access a wonderful network of trails surrounding the city. A system of greenway trails is constantly growing and provides miles of options for recreation, transportation, and fitness. In addition to the Greenway trails, Charlotte running highlights include historic architecture and lovely residential neighborhoods, a well developed trail alongside the Trolley, and some terrific trail running opportunities. Charlotteans say “Beer is the perfect post-run recovery beverage”. Because of this, there are numerous brewery group runs almost every day of the week.

Public transport in Charlotte is mainly downtown and includes buses and a trolley (and the trolley running trail!). The Uptown Shuttle provides free transportation to the Convention Center and most hotels, but if you need to get about, a car is needed.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Charlotte, NC

Booty Loop

The most well-known running loop in Charlotte, featuring the idyllic Myers Park neighborhood with its tall oaks,... more...

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  • All Routes
  • Iconic Routes
  • Weather & Climate
  • Where To Stay
  • Stores & Group Runs
  • Events

Charlotte has a humid, subtropical climate. Summers months are are hot and humid, with highs averaging 90F with warn nights. Make sure you hydrate appropriately. Winters are short and generally cool to mild, with a January daily average of 40.1 °F. Rain is frequent throughout the year, with thunderstorms in spring and summer. Overall, Charlotte’s climate is great for running year-round but be prepared for the summer heat!

The majority of hotels are located in Uptown. Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquarters are located here. All of the ‘iconic’ routes in this guide are accessible from Uptown, with the Parks and Stadiums Loop being most convenient. A few hotels are located near the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The closest route to these hotels is Mallard Creek and Clark Creek Greenway. Additional hotels are located at the junction of interstate 485 and 77. From this location, the Anne Springs Close and McMullen Greenways are nearby. Finally, the Airport is located to the West of the city. If staying at an airport hotel without a car your best bet is to use The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) that runs from the Airport to Uptown.

See running overview map for store locations.  Click on it for location, directions, and details on group runs.

Stores

Charlotte Running Co. Dilworth, South Charlotte, Northlake and Lake Norman.

Group runs: from Dilworth Store on Monday at 6:30 Pick Your Distance Run — 4, 6, or 8 miles.

The Ultra Running Company Myers Park and SouthEnd. The Ultra Running Company is the most trusted provider of holistic running knowledge, products and experiences in the market.

Run for your Life Midtown, Piper Glen, and University

Running Clubs and Group Runs

Charlotte Running Club Offers a variety of group runs every day of the week. See website for details on meeting points and distances.

Charlotte Runners Offers a multiple group runs every day except Wednesday. Numerous brewery runs offer visitors fun routes and delicious craft beers. See website for details on meeting points and distances.

US National Whitewater River Ram Run on Thursday night runs. 1.5, 3, and 6 mile options. Stick around to enjoy the live music at River Jam. Meets at 6:30pm at the Trail Center.

Looking for road or trail races in this area? Find them on RaceRaves, the best online race calendar and reviews community for runners!

Find races in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte has running events seemingly all week long. There’s almost always something.
Events Calendars #1. Events Calendar #2

Some Major Events:

Charlotte Race Fest April. Half marathon, 10K, and 5K.

Charlotte Marathon November. Formerly the Thunder Road Marathon. Also Half Marathon, Relay and 5K.

Firecracker 5K July. In celebration of Independence Day.

Charlotte 10 Miler February. Also a 4 mile run.

Trail Race 13, 9, 4 Miles January.