The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon

The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
• Time: 7:15 AM
• Location: Natural Bridge Campground, Slade, KY

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

• Scenic Course: 13.1 mile looping trail course on private property in the scenic Red River Gorge
• Commemorative Shirts: Long sleeved performance shirts (Men's & Women's sizes)
• Custom Medals: Finisher's Medals for all participants
• Celebration: Lively DJ playing great music to celebrate the accomplishment of all finishers
• Overall Awards: Top 3 M/F and Top 3 M/F in various age groups
• Free Photos: Provided by Skyler Dickinson Photography
• Complimentary Drinks: Hot and cold brew coffee (Thanks Berserker Brew) and a complimentary West Sixth beer for all racers (21 & older)
• BBQ Lunch: Provided to all racers (Thanks Hungry Hiker Bar & Grill)
• Team Discounts: Run The Red Teams (Teams of 5 or more SAVE $5/team member)
• Packet Pickup: Convenient Thursday and Friday options prior to the race
• Post-Race Massage: Shakeout/massages by Lance Minnis
• Raffle Prizes: Great prizes to be won!
• Camping: Great camping and lodging options available at the Natural Bridge Campground
• Unique Experience: A trail running experience like none other!

Course Information

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 at five locations along the 13.1-mile route.

Pricing Information

Special Age-Based Pricing: We are offering a $35 registration fee for those running who are ages 10-16.

Packet Pickup

• Date: Thursday, 10/1/26 from 5-7 PM at J&H Running Company
• Location: 197 Moore Drive, Lexington
• Date: Friday, 10/2/26 from 4-8 PM at the Natural Bridge Campground (pavilion)
• Race Morning Pickup: Last chance PPU on race morning (Saturday, 10/3/26) from 5:45-7 AM at the same location

Natural Bridge Campground Address: 90 L&E Railroad Place, Slade, KY 40376

Camping and Lodging

Onsite Camping/Lodging Info

Additional Information

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.

For more details, visit the official race page.