The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races
- Date Sat 11th July 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Slade, Kentucky
- Price $57.50
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races, taking place on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, in the breathtaking Slade, Powell area of Kentucky. This exciting event offers runners, walkers, and hikers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning trails of Red River Gorge, with both a challenging 5K and a brand new 10K distance available.
Starting at 8:00 AM from the Natural Bridge Campground, competitors will traverse private property not open to the public, showcasing spectacular views and impressive arches. Participants can expect thrilling climbs with rewarding vistas along the way. All finishers will receive medals, and there will be commemorative T-shirts available while supplies last. With special pricing for younger participants aged 12-18, a food truck on-site, and plenty of opportunities for fun and fellowship, this event promises to be a highlight of the summer. Don't miss out on this chance to embrace the beauty of nature while challenging yourself in a supportive and festive environment!
Starting at 8:00 AM from the Natural Bridge Campground, competitors will traverse private property not open to the public, showcasing spectacular views and impressive arches. Participants can expect thrilling climbs with rewarding vistas along the way. All finishers will receive medals, and there will be commemorative T-shirts available while supplies last. With special pricing for younger participants aged 12-18, a food truck on-site, and plenty of opportunities for fun and fellowship, this event promises to be a highlight of the summer. Don't miss out on this chance to embrace the beauty of nature while challenging yourself in a supportive and festive environment!
Organiser's Description
OUR ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED RACE ON JUNE 27TH WAS POSTPONED TO SATURDAY, JULY 11TH DUE TO WEATHER
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, JULY 11TH 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
* Bigfoot Burgers Food Truck
* Food, fun, music and fellowship to celebrate your finish
PACKET PICKUP - Our packet pickup will be held on Friday, 7/10/26) from 4:00-6:00pm 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, July 10th 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!
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, JULY 11TH 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
* Bigfoot Burgers Food Truck
* Food, fun, music and fellowship to celebrate your finish
PACKET PICKUP - Our packet pickup will be held on Friday, 7/10/26) from 4:00-6:00pm 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, July 10th 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!
Races
-
5k
Incl. $7.50 Fee & Poly/Cotton Short Sleeved T-Shirt
Sat 11th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$57.50
CLOSEDTrail 5K (3.1 miles) with a 4-hour hour time limit. Awards presented for Top 3 M/F Overall & Top 3 M/F (10-year age group) finishers. Minimum age - 12 years old -
10k
Incl. $7.50 Fee & Poly/Cotton Short Sleeved T-Shirt
Sat 11th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$57.50
CLOSEDTrail 5K (3.1 miles) with a 4-hour hour time limit. Awards presented for Top 3 M/F Overall & Top 3 M/F (10-year age group) finishers. Minimum age - 12 years old -
Virtual Runner/Walker
Incl. $7.50 Fee & Poly/Cotton Short Sleeved T-Shirt
$57.50
CLOSEDParticipate virtually and run/walk/hike your Ascent 5K or 10K from your own local trail. For your $50 donation you'll receive a commemorative T-shirt and finisher's medal.
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Natural Bridge Campground, 90 L&E Railroad Place, Slade, 40376, KY, United States
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The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races
