City Guide: Running in Charlotte, North Carolina

Looking for the top places to run, local running stores, run clubs, and more? Here’s your guide to running in Charlotte.

(Feature image: Photo by iStock.com/Jason Wilkes)

The Charlotte City Guide is developed in collaboration with Charlotte Running Company. Read more about the running specialty store in the Running Stores section below!

Whether you find yourself in Charlotte for a business conference or a Carolina Panthers game, don’t miss out on experiencing the local running scene. Charlotte offers scores of running opportunities, from well-maintained greenways throughout the city to one-of-a-kind destinations such as the trails within the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Find new friends to run with at more than 50 weekly run club meetups, many of which convene at local breweries around the city. And mark your calendar for Charlotte’s annual races, such as the Around the Crown 10K in September and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon in November.

Bookmark this city guide for your next trip to Charlotte, North Carolina!

When Is the Best Time to Visit Charlotte?
Running in Charlotte
Where to Run in Charlotte
Running Stores in Charlotte
Running Clubs in Charlotte
Destination Races in Charlotte
Top Places to Eat in Charlotte After a Run

When Is the Best Time to Visit Charlotte?

The best time of year to visit and run in Charlotte is during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. There are more than 100 running races each year in Charlotte, and most of them are scheduled during this timeframe.

Once summer hits, the heat and humidity challenge runners. If you visit between June and August and go for a run, slow your pace, hydrate properly, and avoid peak daytime temperatures.

Running in Charlotte

Charlotte could easily be nicknamed “the run club city” with the number of organized runs each week. There are many miles of greenways in and around the city making it easy to stay active when visiting or living here. For those who prefer trail running, there are several options nearby, including Anne Springs Close Greenway, Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park, and the trails within the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Where to Run in Charlotte

A wide dirt trail aligned on both sides by green trees — Anne Springs Close Greenway (Photo by Carissa Rogers Photography)

Anne Springs Close Greenway
While the Anne Springs Close Greenway is geographically located in Fort Mill, South Carolina, it’s less than a 30-minute drive south of Charlotte. It’s a great place to trail run, with 36 miles of trails and markers every quarter-mile. Consider jumping on the 7.2-mile (one-way) Blue Star Trail from the Blue Star Entrance, or at the halfway point at the Dairy Barn Entrance. This trail extends most of the length of the park and wraps around part of Lake Haigler. View the full trail map here.

After your run, hang out at the Gateway Canteen to refuel and enjoy one of the most idyllic places in the Charlotte area. Other activities on site include kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, horseback riding, and scheduled yoga classes. Dogs are allowed and must be on a leash. Note that there is a daily entrance fee.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a city greenway path that has multiple starting points along its 19 miles. The trail runs north to south, past numerous parks and along the east side of downtown Charlotte, until it reaches the South Carolina border.

Consider starting from the Tyvola Road entrance (2524 Tyvola Road, Charlotte). From here, run north toward NoDa to check out the Charlotte skyline. On this route, you’ll experience Uptown and the popular NoDa neighborhood. Check out different starting points and route options here.

Four Mile Creek Greenway at Piper Glen
Park at the Four Mile Creek Greenway parking lot (5803 Bevington Place, Charlotte) or at the Starbucks (6432 Rea Road, Charlotte) just across the street from the trailhead. Starbucks is a favorite meeting spot for several weekend run clubs, and many runners hang out afterward on the patio overlooking the greenway. You can get up to 12 miles on this out-and-back shaded greenway, which connects to Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway and McMullen Creek Greenway. View the trail map here.

Rail Trail
Park at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte) and head out onto the Rail Trail that runs alongside the light rail tracks. Run north through the booming South End neighborhood and into Uptown. You’ll pass dozens of breweries and enjoy some of the best views of Charlotte. Get up to 10 miles on this out-and-back route before returning for a beer and a bite to eat at the brewery.

An aerial view of five runners running on a single-track trail surrounded by trees — A trail within the U.S. National Whitewater Center (Photo courtesy of Whitewater)

U.S. National Whitewater Center
Head out to the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) to run more than 40 miles of trails on the property. USNWC is a top destination for Charlotte-area visitors, and you can easily make it a full-day adventure with whitewater rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and attempting a ropes course. There are multiple food and beverage options on-site for refueling, and plenty of trail races and concerts scheduled throughout the year.

Check out the full USNWC trail system map. The 1.6-mile Lake Loop allows dogs off-leash; check details here. There’s no fee to use the trail system but other activities require the purchase of a pass.

As with any running route, take the necessary precautions for a safe run. Whenever possible, run with a buddy. Tell someone you know where you’re going and when you expect to return, bring your cell phone and an ID, and remain aware of your surroundings.

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The inside of a running store with apparel on a table and a back wall with men's and women's apparel hanging on hooks and a person shopping — Charlotte Running Company (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Running Company)

Running Stores in Charlotte

Charlotte Running Company
The team at Charlotte Running Company is committed to providing exceptional customer service and has been named a Best Running Stores award winner, including Store of the Year in 2021. Stop in for a video gait analysis and expert advice to help you find your next pair of running shoes. Brands stocked include Adidas, Altra, Asics, Brooks, Diadora, HOKA, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, On, Reebok, Saucony, and 361 Degrees.
Charlotte Running Company opened the doors to its first location in 2000, and it has since become a staple in the Charlotte running community with four store locations and a myriad of events throughout the year.
Dilworth: 1412 East Blvd, Charlotte; 704-377-8786
South Charlotte: 5355 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte; 704-708-5220
Lake Norman: 146 Mooresville Commons Way, Mooresville; 704-799-1400
Riverwalk: 829 Terrace Park, Rock Hill, South Carolina; 803-327-8300

Fleet Feet Charlotte
Stop in Fleet Feet for your last-minute gear needs from brands such as Brooks, HOKA, New Balance, and more. The company’s fit process includes a 3D foot scanning technology. Fleet Feet Charlotte also offers half and full marathon training programs.
Waverly: 7211 Waverly Walk, Charlotte; 980-880-5424
Meyers Park: 1027 Providence Road, Charlotte; 980-443-3288

Run for Your Life
Charlotte’s oldest running store first opened in 1989 and now has three locations. Find gear from brands such as Brooks, Saucony, Asics, On, Rabbit, Oiselle, GU Energy Labs, Maurten, Honey Stinger, Hammer Nutrition, and more. Check the shop’s social media channels for upcoming events.
Piper Glen: 6416 Rea Road, Charlotte; 980-495-5404
Midtown: 901 South Kings Drive, Charlotte; 704-358-0713
University: 1816 East Arbors Drive, Charlotte; 704-503-1105

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Running Clubs in Charlotte

We aim to keep this guide updated regularly, but things can change quickly! Before attending a group run on this list, check the group’s social media or website to confirm the date, time, and location.

Barn Burners Run Club
When: Mondays at 6:15 p.m.
Distance: 2-4 miles
Starting Point: Trolley Barn Fermentory & Food Hall at 2104 South Blvd., Charlotte
Find Barn Burners Run Club on Facebook.

Heist Brewery Run Club
When: Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 3, 5, and 7 miles
Starting Point: Heist Brewery at 2909 North Davidson Street, Charlotte

Mad Miles Run Club
When: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 1-2 miles
Starting Point: Camp North End at 1701 North Graham Street, Charlotte
Learn more on the Mad Miles Run Club website.

OpenTap Run Club
When: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 1.5, 3, and 5 miles
Starting Point: OpenTap at 5010 Carmel Center Drive, Charlotte

South End RunBots
When: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 1.2, 3.2, and 5.1 miles
Starting Point: Wooden Robot Brewery at 1440 South Tryon Street, Charlotte

Legion SouthPark Run Club
When: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 3 and 5 miles
Starting Point: Legion Brewing South Park at 5610 Carnegie Boulevard, Charlotte

Sycamore Run Club
When: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 3-6 miles
Starting Point: Sycamore Brewing at 2151 Hawkins Street, Charlotte

Triple C Beer Runners
When: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: Up to 5 miles
Starting Point: Triple C Brewing Company at 2900 Griffith Street, Charlotte

Ballantyne Running Club
When: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 1.5, 3, and 5 miles
Starting Point: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery at The Bowl at 15025 Bowl Street, Charlotte

Summit Coffee On The Plaza, hosted by Charlotte Running Club
When: Fridays at 6:15 a.m.
Distance: 3 and 5 miles
Starting Point: Summit Coffee OTP at 2501 The Plaza, Charlotte

Find many more Charlotte-area running groups to run with on this Charlotte Running Club list.

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Destination Races in Charlotte

Charlotte Running Co. Trail Race | January | Fort Mill, South Carolina | 13 Miles, 9 Miles, 4 Miles
Charlotte 10 Miler and 4 Mile Run | February | Charlotte | 10 Miles, 4 Miles
Truist Corporate Cup 5K & Half Marathon | March | Charlotte | Half Marathon, 5K
Craft Beer Half Marathon | March | Charlotte | Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, 5 Miles
Charlotte Racefest | April | Charlotte | Half Marathon, 10K, 10K Relay
Meck Mile | May | Charlotte | 1 Mile
Around the Crown | September | Charlotte | 10K
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon | November | Charlotte | Marathon, Half Marathon, Relays, 5K

Top Places to Eat in Charlotte After a Run

An aerial photo of a pink smoothie, an orange juice, a few pastries, and a bowl topped with banana and granola — Green Brothers Juice (Photo courtesy of Green Brothers Juice & Smoothie Co.)

Green Brothers Juice & Smoothie Co. — If you’re craving a healthy juice or an ingredient-packed acai bowl, Green Brothers is your place. The menu includes superfoods and high-protein smoothie options, and gluten-free and vegan baked goods. This is a great stop after a morning or afternoon run or a visit to a local running store.
Dilworth: 2230 Park Road, Charlotte; 803-526-7447
Foxcroft East: 7802 A Fairview Road, Charlotte; 704-576-9319
South End: 2725-B South Blvd, Charlotte; 980-293-1964
Piper Glen: 6432 Rea Road, Charlotte; 704-962-6248
Birkdale: 16815 Cranlyn Road, Huntersville; 980-402-8302

Mattie’s Diner — Stop in for burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes after an evening run. Or fill up after a morning long run with a stack of flapjacks, a breakfast potato bowl, or an omelet. The Mattie’s Diner Run Club meets here on Tuesday evenings.
3100 The Plaza Street, Charlotte; 980-299-0005

The outdoor patio of a coffee shop with several tables and chairs with umbrellas, a few plants, and a sandwich board — Summit Coffee’s SouthPark location (Photo courtesy of Summit Coffee Co.)

Summit Coffee — Swing by for a pastry and a coffee, matcha, or hibiscus berry lemonade. Summit Coffee hosts three weekly group runs: Tuesday mornings at the Eastover location, and Friday mornings at the On The Plaza and Ballantyne locations.
On the Plaza: 2501 The Plaza, Charlotte; 980-498-5414
NoDa: 416 East 36th Street, Charlotte; 704-919-0338
SouthPark: 4625 Piedmont Row Drive, Charlotte; 980-335-2718
Ballantyne: 13743 Conlan Circle, Charlotte; 704-910-5044
Eastover: 343 Providence Road, Charlotte; 980-207-3199

Sycamore Brewing — Founded in 2013, Sycamore Brewing is one of the largest breweries in North Carolina. Choose from a wide selection that includes IPAs, lagers, blonde and wheat ales, ciders, and a nonalcoholic beer. The taproom includes a beer garden, cafe, and airstream food truck with food items ranging pizzas and burgers to salads and dips. The Sycamore Run Club meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
2151 Hawkins Street, Charlotte

Trolley Barn Fermentory & Food Hall — Adjacent to the Rail Trail, this is an ideal spot for a post-run bite to eat. Grab a beer from the Trolly Barn and choose from three food stalls. Menu items include burgers, Philly cheesesteak, smoked brisket, gyros, poke bowls, and a variety of salads — many of which can be made gluten free. The Barn Burners Run Club meets on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. After the run, the group takes over the upstairs space for food, beverages, and socializing.
2104 South Boulevard, Charlotte; 980-938-0984

A pint of beer on a table with a blurr — Wooden Robot Brewery (Photo courtesy of Wooden Robot Brewery)

Wooden Robot Brewery & Coffee Bar — Try a variety of pours, including pilsners and IPAs, sours and fruit beers, and a coffee-infused blonde ale. Wine, ciders, seltzers, and nonalcoholic options are also available. At the South End location, pair your beverage with wings, a burger, or a chicken sandwich. This location also has a coffee bar that serves a few breakfast items including an egg, cheese, and meat breakfast sandwich (gluten-free buns are available!). The NoDa location has a rotating food truck schedule. The South End Run Bots meet on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., and the NoDa Run Club meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
South End: 1440 South Tryon Street, Charlotte; 1-980-819-7875
NoDa: 416 East 36th Street, Charlotte; 1-980-938-6200

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