The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races
- Date
- June 27, 2026
- Distance
- 5K · 10K
From the Organizer
Are you up for a hilly trail challenge in the RRG? We have you covered with our Ascent 5K and brand new 10K distance for 2026!
Join us for The Ascent 5K & 10K on Saturday, June 27th at 8:00am for a race you'll never forget.
You'll run/walk/hike your 5K or 10K on private property which is not open to the public. Our race starts and finishes at the Natural Bridge Campground, just off the Slade exit in Red River Gorge country. The race is presented by the Rugged Red Race & Adventure Series. You'll only run/walk/hike a few miles to see some spectacular views and arches. But come prepared for some serious trail climbs with an unbelievable payoff.
RACE FEATURES:
- Spectacular courses on private property at the Red River Gorge
- Commemorative poly/cotton T-shirts (while supplies last)
- Finishers medals for both races!
- Special pricing ($20) and swag item for participants ages 12-18
- Convenient race day packet pickup from 6:30-7:45am at the Natural Bridge Campground (pavilion)
- Awards for Top 3 M/F Overall finishers in both races
- Free race photos
- Food, fun, music and fellowship to celebrate your finish
PACKET PICKUP - Our packet pickup will be held on Friday, 6/26/26) from 3:00-6:00pm at the Natural Bridge Campground (pavilion). The GPS address for the campground is 90 L&E Railroad Place, Slade, KY 40376. There will also be LAST CHANCE PPU on race morning from 6:30-7:45am at the same campground pavilion.
HYDRATION - Our race is cupless in 2026. We encourage you to bring some type of water bottle or hydration system. We'll have water available at the start (prerace) and in orange coolers at several locations along the course where you can refill.
REGISTRATION - Online registration will remain open until Friday, June 26th at 12 midnight. There will be no race day registration. We are ordering extra shirts which first come first serve.
TIME LIMIT - We are providing a 4-hour time limit to complete either the 5K or 10K. For the 10K that means keeping a pace of 38 min/mile. If you don't think you can keep pace then please sign up for the 5K where you'll have plenty of time to hike, relax and take in the views.
NEED ACCOMODATIONS FOR THE RACE? Check out all the options at www.TheGorge.com
ROUTE MAPS - Coming Soon!
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The 10K is the distance where running stops feeling like a starting point and starts feeling like a sport. Long enough to require a real training block. Short enough that race day is fully manageable for a first-timer who's put in the work.
Race day energy at a 10K is community at its best — strangers cheering you by name, people moving toward the same goal, an atmosphere that solo training can't replicate. It's fast enough that you'll spend the whole race pushing rather than managing your effort.
This is also the distance that builds the base for everything else. Most athletes who go on to run half marathons, do triathlons, or compete in HYROX started here. What you need: running shoes fitted to your stride, a training plan, and the race on your calendar. The registration is what makes the deadline real.
How long to train: 4–8 weeks for most fitness levels.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in KY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races?
- The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races is a running event held in Slade, KY. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races?
- Saturday, June 27, 2026 in Slade, KY at Natural Bridge Campground, Slade, KY. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races
Jun 27, 2026