---
title: Dirt Circus trail running festival by UltraSignup
description: Join UltraSignup at Dirt Circus in one of nine cities across the United States. Dirt Circus is a one-day trail running festival celebrating the trail community.
image: https://dirtcircus.ultrasignup.com/hubfs/Dirt%20Circus%20feature%20image%20(9).png
---
[.png?width=493&height=96&name=UltraSignup_logo_horizontal_Normal_PNG%20(1).png "UltraSignup_logo_horizontal_Normal_PNG (1)")](https://ultrasignup.com/)
*Dirt Circus is a celebration of community and sport, a spectacle of all things trail running, an exhibition of what's possible when we come together on the trails.*
PROMOTING LOCAL RACES
Trail running is a unique sport because of the people within the trail community. At the heart of the community are the local races and the race directors.
Dirt Circus is a chance to get to know your local race directors and learn about new races. The race directors are the architects of the dreamiest and most challenging events. They are the voice inside your head that keeps asking you "can you do it?" Come on down to Dirt Circus and hang out with them.
## 2026 Schedule
**January 31— **Tempe, AZ with Sole Sports - [See Photos!](https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=oa.1670904037530917&type=3)
**May 30** — Chicago, IL with The Running Depot, Crystal Lake - [See Photos!](https://www.mistydawn.photography/Running-Races/Dirt-Circus/Dirt-Circus-Crystal-Lake-2026/n-v86s7V)
**June 6** — San Francisco, CA with San Francisco Running Co - [See Photos!](https://boundaryvisualmedia.pic-time.com/hYh9c3smnaJnw)
**July 22** — Seattle, WA with Seven Hills Running Shop - [See Photos!](https://bretjorgensen.smugmug.com/Dirt-Circus-Seattle-2026?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcATSAtdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAadmqjyc6Vs39F1AO4JU3qSXQKdIUQsO2bcCZvejktLqt44JeGjJBM9FyaIhVg_aem_w_RY4XB91Q_ZDIbkusMJOA)
**August 8** — Boulder, CO with Runners Roost Boulder - [See Photos!](https://photos.app.goo.gl/brBD89ZjjLhjbRvx5)
**August 22** — Park City, UT with Rendezvous Run - [See Photos!](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8tz9f8pjuk9a2ae2fx07f/AEZzdfCeyQjn3unLgtDmtJI?rlkey=wzls4nia3673c3zqicbsd92ll&st=4lsnjmbr&e=1&dl=0)
**August 29** — Los Angeles, CA with A Snail’s Pace, Chino Hills - [See Photos and Video!](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/separdrtqndve7cx2y2pe/AEmV0yOJrhfKy38F8No1Tpw?rlkey=etq2fsc2os8e53iwzxm3nveyv&st=ru8o8i3d&e=2&dl=0)
**September 16** — Atlanta, GA with Big Peach Running Co, South Fulton - [See Photos!](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/d6zol2y9swxmpueklqhgz/ADq0sYGri206wnozcmc0FUA?rlkey=7y64m5t33q3onypb5yku2gzvw&st=wx1o4fqm&e=1&dl=0)
**October 18** — Dallas, TX with Trailhead Running Supply, Flower Mound - [Register Now!](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133669)
**November 8** — Nashville, TN as part of the [U.S. Trail Running Conference](https://ustrailrunningconference.com/) - [Register Now!](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=135107)
## free community events
Each event is FREE but space is limited.
What to Expect
- Celebrate local trail running, learn about local races and talk to race directors.
- Community Run with shoe demos from your favorite trail running brands.
- Raffles and giveaways!
- Race Expo - learn about local races, coaches, and local clubs.
- Local brand reps hawking their wares
- Food, drinks, and more available for purchase
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Dirt Circus San Luis Obispo 2024
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Circus Performers at Dirt Circus Tempe 2025
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Dirt Circus Tempe
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Hyner Trail Challenge at Dirt Circus East Coast 2024
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Group Runners at Dirt Circus East Coast
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Dirt Circus Tempe with partner Sole Sports
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Group run Dirt Circus San Luis Obispo
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Latinas Run Dirt Circus Tempe
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Hanging with friends at Dirt Circus SF 2024
## Why a Circus?
Once upon a time, ultrarunning looked a little different. The sport has its roots in [pedestrianism,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedestrianism) where people would gather under the big top and walk and run for sport. Bets were made, the limits were pushed, and popularity soared. So come entertain yourselves with us, under the metaphorical big top.
Our goal is to connect runners with races and with one another, to highlight race directors, running stores, coaches, and the other local businesses that make up the fabric of our trail running community. The best way we know how to do that is by going for a run together. This sport is a little wild and we like it that way, so come join the Dirt Circus with us.
Meet with race directors, find your next event, run with friends, win prizes and more. Think of it as a live and in-person version of [ultrasignup.com](https://ultrasignup.com/), but even more fun.
## FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to attend Dirt Circus?
A: Dirt Circus community events are free!
Q: Where exactly will the events be in each city?
A: You can find this information on the individual event pages. We will continue to add more info as the permits are finalized.
Q: What will the community run be like? Who should participate?
A: The community run will be a 1 hour, no drop run. We encourage all event attendees to participate!
Q: I am a race director, how do I exhibit at a Dirt Circus event?
A: Reach out to Carrie Meng, [cmeng@ultrasignup.com](mailto:cmeng@ultrasignup)to get set up in the event expo.