The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon
- Date Sat 3rd October 2026
- Time 6:00AM EDT
- Location Slade, Kentucky
- Price Free - $77.02
- Races 3 races
- Distances Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon, taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the beautiful Slade, Kentucky! This year marks the 12th anniversary of this exciting event, featuring a stunning 13.1-mile looping trail course that showcases the breathtaking scenery of the renowned Red River Gorge. Participants can enjoy a variety of fantastic perks, including commemorative long-sleeved performance shirts, custom finisher's medals, and a lively atmosphere with music to celebrate every runner's accomplishment.
In addition to the exhilarating race, attendees can look forward to complimentary hot and cold brew coffee, a refreshing West Sixth beer for those 21 and older, and a delicious BBQ lunch provided by Hungry Hiker Bar & Grill. With opportunities for awards in multiple age categories and a chance to win great raffle prizes, this event is perfect for runners of all ages and skill levels. Don't miss out on a unique trail running experience filled with camaraderie and community spirit! Mark your calendars and join us for an incredible day in the heart of Kentucky's natural beauty!
In addition to the exhilarating race, attendees can look forward to complimentary hot and cold brew coffee, a refreshing West Sixth beer for those 21 and older, and a delicious BBQ lunch provided by Hungry Hiker Bar & Grill. With opportunities for awards in multiple age categories and a chance to win great raffle prizes, this event is perfect for runners of all ages and skill levels. Don't miss out on a unique trail running experience filled with camaraderie and community spirit! Mark your calendars and join us for an incredible day in the heart of Kentucky's natural beauty!
Organiser's Description
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 -
HALF MARATHON ROUTE [https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14.0/-83.7175/37.7965&pubLink=XnO4ijwX0ofHyUpYWw5ou0EJ&folderId=e1854f58-7b43-413c-8d76-1b15c6484154]
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
ONSITE CAMPING/LODGING INFO [https://naturalbridge.camp/]
Please check out the race website and our FB page for more info and updates and reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
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 -
HALF MARATHON ROUTE [https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14.0/-83.7175/37.7965&pubLink=XnO4ijwX0ofHyUpYWw5ou0EJ&folderId=e1854f58-7b43-413c-8d76-1b15c6484154]
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
ONSITE CAMPING/LODGING INFO [https://naturalbridge.camp/]
Please check out the race website and our FB page for more info and updates and reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $8.02 Fee & Long Sleeved Poly/Cotton T-Shirt (Unisex/Men's)
Sat 3rd October 2026 (7:15AM EDT)
$77.02
Race is a Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) Trail Race with a 5.5 hour time limit (25 min/mile pace). Awards for Top 3 M/F Overall and 5 Year Age Divisions. Participants receive a commemorative Rugged Red performance shirt and can earn a finisher's medal by finishing the race in the designated time limit. -
VIRTUAL Half Marathon
Incl. $7.30 Fee & Long Sleeved Poly/Cotton T-Shirt (Unisex/Men's)
$67.30
Can't run The Rugged Red in person but want to support our great cause? Consider signing up as a Virtual Runner/Walker/Hiker. For a $60 donation you can run/walk/hike your own Rugged Red Half Marathon on your own schedule on your own trails. We'll mail you your commemorative race shirt and finisher's medal. (Optional) You have the option of logging your time or indicating completion of our virtual 13.1 on the race website. -
Race Volunteer
Incl. Long Sleeved Poly/Cotton T-Shirt (Unisex/Men's)
Sat 3rd October 2026 (6:00AM EDT)
Free
We will need 15-20 enthusiastic volunteers to work a race day shift to make this race great. If you sign up we'll be in touch with you to determine the best fit for you in terms of volunteer hours and role/job at the race.
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
Natural Bridge Campground, 90 L&E Railroad Place, Slade, 40376, KY, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon
