The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon is a trail running and running race on October 3, 2026 in Slade, KY, with an entry fee of $100.
- Date
- October 3, 2026 (72 days to go)
- Price
- $100
- Sports
- Trail RunningRunning
From the Organizer
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 -
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
Please check out the race website and our FB page for more info and updates and reach out to BobBaney12@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
73°
Typical Low
50°
Chance of Rain
36%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Beattyville 4n, 11 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Slade, KY
City Elevation
745 ft
Nearest Airport
LEX
Blue Grass Airport · 52 mi
Major Hub
CVG
Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport · 101 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
72
Days to train
- Race
- The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon
- Date
- October 3, 2026
Want more races like this?
Enter your email and we'll send more your way.
From Endurance Grid
About These Sports
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Trail Running
Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain makes for an exciting twist and adventure in your running journey.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Trail Running races near Slade, KY
Dirt Days Trail Series - East Fork SP Trail Run
From $23.50 · 3294 Elklick
87 miles away
EG PLUMMER MEMORIAL 5K
5K · From $25 · 1 Avenue of Champions South
59 miles away
Freedom 250 2.5K Trail Race
5K · From $25 · 1200 State Hwy 3189
74 miles away
Forkland Festival Fox and Hound 4K
From $25 · 16479 Forkland Rd
72 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Slade than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to SladeFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon?+
When and where is The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon?+
How do I register for The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon?+
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon
Oct 3, 2026