• The Smoky Mountain Relay, a challenging race in which teams of six or 12 runners jointly traverse 212 miles through the Smoky Mountains in an epic overnight relay, will be held April 22-23, beginning at Pink Beds Picnic Area near Brevard and finishing at Nantahala Outdoor Center. $100. smr.smokymountainrelay.com/

• The Pisgah Running Adventure Race, slated for Sunday, May 8, at the Davidson River Campground near Brevard, will challenge teams of two or more to reach four of five checkpoints and get back to the starting point as fast as possible. Routes vary between 20 and 30 miles and should take more than four hours to complete. $60. www.active.com. 

• The Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon will return for its second year on Saturday, May 14, in Waynesville. The route winds through tree-lined streets before ascending for mountain views, starting on Main Street and ending at Frog Level. $55 before April 7. smokieshalfmarathon.com.

• The Cradle to Grave 10K and 30K will cover miles of trail Saturday, May 14, at the Cradle of Forestry in America. The race starts on the Pink Beds Trail past fields of wildflowers and beaver ponds, returning by a series of different, varied trails. Lunch and entertainment will be provided after the race. $45 for the 10K abd $65 for the 30K before April 1. www.active.com.