The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon
When is The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon?
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon takes place on Saturday, October 2, 2027 in Slade, KY.
What distances does The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon offer?
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon offers 4 events: Half Marathon, VIRTUAL Half Marathon, VIRTUAL Half Marathon, Half Marathon.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $69.00 | Register |
| VIRTUAL Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $60.00 | Register |
| VIRTUAL Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $60.00 | Register |
| Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $69.00 | Register |
How much does The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon cost?
Registration for The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon starts at $105.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon held?
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon is held in Slade, KY at Natural Bridge Campground.
About The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon
HERE'S TO YEAR 13 OF THE RUGGED RED RACE!!!!
Saturday, October 2, 2027 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 -
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, 9/30/27 from 5-7pm at J&H Running Company (197 Moore Drive in Lexington) and on Friday, 10/1/27 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, 10/2/27) 5:45-7am at the same location. The address for Natural Bridge Campground is 90 L&E Railroad Place, Slade, KY 40376
CAMPING/ACCOMODATIONS: To book a campground spot for the race weekend YOU NEED TO CALL the Natural Bridge Campground (90 L&E Railroad Pl. Slade, KY 40376) at 606-663-9352 The campground booking website shows that there are no spaces available because they are being blocked for those participating in the race. Online booking is not available. For other lodging options check WHERE TO STAY
THE 2026 RUGGED RED HAS IT ALL!
Our Race Beneficiaries - Search & Rescue Teams of the Red River Gorge Area
GIVING BACK TO THOSE WHO GIVE BACK EVERYDAY!
If you think running 13.1 miles on the beautiful trails at RRG is tough, spend an afternoon or evening with the Search & Rescue Teams that assist those people in need at the Red River Gorge. These men and women literally put their lives on the line to help others. Our race benefits these 501(c)3 volunteer driven organizations who perform life-saving work throughout the year in the RRG area.
We hope you'll consider a $5, $10, $20 or more donation toward our $5,000 fundraising goal. 100% of donations made by Rugged Red participants will be split between the Search & Rescue Teams in Powell, Wolfe, Lee and Menifee Counties.
We thank these heroes for their unwavering service to those in need of aid who are lost or injured in the back country of Red River Gorge, Kentucky. When you see them serving at the race we'll hope you'll thank them for their service.
Over $10,000 in Overall & Age Group Prizes!
Enjoy a Complimentary West Sixth Beer When You Finish!
We have partnered with West Sixth Brewing to offer our racers a complimentary beer to celebrate your finish of The Rugged Red. West Sixth will be on hand serving beer from their tent. Additional beer may be purchased by runners and spectators. You'll have a tear off ticket on your bib to present to the West Sixth team to claim your free beer (21 and older).
RUN THE RED TEAMS --- Expand and Enhance Your Rugged Red Experience
NEW FOR 2024 - RUN THE RED SOCIAL TEAMS
Expand and enhance your race experience by forming a "Run The Red" Social Team or joining an existing team. Invite your friends, family, running buddies or work mates to join the fun! Have fun creating a catchy team name.
We offer a $5 discount to all participants of teams of 5 or more and we'll have a prize for the largest team! Trail running is always better when you do it with others.
Race Bling - Our 2026 Finishers Medal
2026 Race Swag - Super Soft Poly/Cotton Long Sleeved T-Shirts!
Get your size while it is still available!
We will have multiple colors available - First come first serve!