The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races take place on July 11, 2026, in Slade, Kentucky, at Natural Bridge Campground. This trail running event offers two distances: a 1-mile option and a 6.2-mile course, accommodating runners of varying abilities and goals. The race starts at 8:00 AM. Entry fees range from $30 to $50 depending on distance and registration timing. If you can't make it to Kentucky in person, the race organizers provide a virtual participation option, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own course and timeline. The Red River Gorge location offers access to the region's distinctive terrain and natural landscape.
From the Race Organizer
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 4:00-6:00pm 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!
Hotels Near This Race
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The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races 2026 — Slade, KY
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for July 11.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Slade, KY.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races 2026 — Slade, KY?
The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races 2026 — Slade, KY takes place on July 11, 2026. The race is held in Slade, Kentucky.
Where is The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races 2026 — Slade, KY held?
The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races 2026 — Slade, KY is held at Natural Bridge Campground in Slade, Kentucky.
Where can I find hotels near The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races 2026 — Slade, KY?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Slade. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
