The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon

The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon

The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Slade, Kentucky. The event uses a looping trail course on private property in the Red River Gorge and covers 13.1 miles. The venue is Natural Bridge Campground at 90 L&E Railroad Place, Slade, KY 40376. Events listed include an in-person Half Marathon, a VIRTUAL Half Marathon, and a Race Volunteer option.

Race details and features

Registration fees listed are $69 for the Half Marathon (reduced to $35 for ages 10-16), $60 for the VIRTUAL Half Marathon, and $0 for Race Volunteer. The virtual and volunteer registrations close October 2, 2026; a note says price increases after October 31, 2025. Packet pickup is offered on Thursday in Lexington and on Friday at the Natural Bridge Campground pavilion, with an additional last-chance pickup at the race venue.

Race features include commemorative long-sleeve performance shirts, custom finisher medals, awards for overall and age-group top finishers, free race photos, complimentary hot and cold coffee, a complimentary beer for participants 21 and older, and a BBQ lunch for racers. The event is cup-less for hydration; organizers will provide Shaklee hydration and water at the start area and water at five locations along the route. Proceeds benefit Search & Rescue Teams serving the Red River Gorge area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.