The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K
Slade, United States • 27 Jun 2026
The Ascent Red River Gorge Trail Races
The Ascent features trail running events held on private property in the Red River Gorge area of Slade, Kentucky. Participants can choose between two race distances:
- 5K (3.1 miles)
- 10K (6.2 miles)
The courses are situated on land not open to the general public and include views of arches and the surrounding landscape. The routes are characterized by significant trail climbs and descents. Both races start and finish at the Natural Bridge Campground located at 90 L&E Railroad Place.
Participants must be at least 12 years old to enter. A time limit of 4 hours is provided for both distances, allowing for running, walking, or hiking. The event is a cupless race, requiring participants to carry their own water bottles or hydration systems to use at the refill stations provided along the course.
Registered participants receive a poly-cotton t-shirt and a finisher's medal. Awards are provided for the top three male and female overall finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers within 10-year age groups. Amenities at the finish include food, music, and free race photography. Packet pickup is available on the Friday afternoon before the race or on race morning at the campground pavilion. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.