The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K

Race Overview

Join us for The Ascent 5K on Saturday, June 27th at 8:00 am for a race you'll never forget.

Location

You’ll run/walk/hike your 5K 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 course: on private property at the Red River Gorge
• Commemorative T-shirts: poly/cotton T-shirts (while supplies last)
• Race day pickup: Convenient packet pickup from 6:30-7:45 am at the Natural Bridge Campground (pavilion)
• Awards: for Top 3 M/F Overall finishers

Packet Pickup

Our packet pickup will be held on Friday, June 26th from 3:00-6:00 pm 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 packet pickup on race morning from 6:30-7:45 am 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 will be first come, first serve.

Time Limit

We are providing a generous 2.5 hour time limit to complete the 5K course.

Accommodations

Need accommodations for the race? Contact reservations@cliffviewresort.com

More Information

For more details, visit the race page: The Ascent 5K.

View the route map here: ROUTE MAP.