The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon

HERE'S TO YEAR 12 OF THE RUGGED RED RACE!!!!

Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 7:15am in Slade, Kentucky

Join us as we run in one of the most spectacular trail settings in the United States and provide support to the men and women who serve on the search & rescue teams that regularly save lives in the Red River Gorge area.

RACE FEATURES:

• Spectacular 13.1 mile looping trail course on private property in the scenic Red River Gorge
• Commemorative long sleeved performance shirts (Men's & Women's sizes)
• Custom Finisher's Medals
• Lively DJ playing great music to celebrate the accomplishment of all finishers
• Overall Top 3 M/F and Top 3 M/F in the following age groups (0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+)
• Free Race Photos (Thanks to Skyler Dickinson Photography)
• Complimentary hot and cold brew coffee (Thanks Berserker Brew)
• A complimentary West Sixth beer for all racers (21 & older)
• BBQ Lunch provided to all racers (Thanks Hungry Hiker Bar & Grill)
• Run The Red Teams (Teams of 5 or more SAVE $5/team member)
• Convenient Thursday Packet Pickup in Lexington, Friday PPU in Slade, KY 
• Post race shakeout/massages by Lance Minnis
• Raffle for some great prizes!
• Great camping and lodging options in the RRG --- The entire Natural Bridge Campground is available for racers in 2026!
• A trail running experience like none other!

You can find the course map here -

HALF MARATHON ROUTE

COURSE HYDRATION:   Our race is cup less.  Please bring a water bottle or self-hydration system.  We will have Shaklee hydration and water at the start area and water at 5 locations along the 13.1-mile route.

SPECIAL AGE BASED PRICING (Ages 10-16)  We are offering a $35 registration fee for those running who are ages 10-16)

PACKET PICKUP (PPU):    We are hosting several packet pickup opportunities.  Our packet pickups will be held on Thursday, 10/1/26 from 5-7pm at J&H Running Company (197 Moore Drive in Lexington) and on Friday, 10/2/26 from 4-8pm at the Natural Bridge Campground (pavilion).  This is the race venue.  We will also hold last chance PPU on race morning (Saturday, 10/3/26) 5:45-7am at the same location.  The address for Natural Bridge Campground is 90 L&E Railroad Place, Slade, KY 40376

CAMPING/ACCOMODATIONS:  To book a campground spot for the race weekend YOU NEED TO CALL the Natural Bridge Campground (90 L&E Railroad Pl. Slade, KY 40376) at 606-663-9352   The campground booking website shows that there are no spaces available because they are being blocked for those participating in the race.  Online booking is not available.   Also check www.TheGorge.com has other area lodging and activity information.