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
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating outdoor adventure at The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races, taking place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in the stunning Red River Gorge region of Slade, Powell, Kentucky. This exciting event features two challenging race distances—5K and the brand new 10K—set against the backdrop of breathtaking views and unique geological formations. The races kick off at 8:00 AM from the Natural Bridge Campground, with participants experiencing exclusive access to private trails not open to the public.
Participants can expect a thrilling course filled with hilly climbs and rewarding vistas, all while enjoying a lively atmosphere complete with food, music, and community spirit. Each finisher will receive a commemorative medal, and the first 200 registrants will get a stylish poly/cotton T-shirt. Plus, there are special pricing options for younger participants aged 12-18! Make sure to register online before the July 10 deadline and join us for a day filled with fitness, fun, and fellowship. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable trail race experience!
Participants can expect a thrilling course filled with hilly climbs and rewarding vistas, all while enjoying a lively atmosphere complete with food, music, and community spirit. Each finisher will receive a commemorative medal, and the first 200 registrants will get a stylish poly/cotton T-shirt. Plus, there are special pricing options for younger participants aged 12-18! Make sure to register online before the July 10 deadline and join us for a day filled with fitness, fun, and fellowship. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable trail race experience!
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 3:00-6:00pm 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 3:00-6:00pm 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
Trail 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
Trail 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
Participate 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
