The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon is a trail running half marathon taking place October 3, 2026, in Slade, Kentucky, at Natural Bridge Campground. The race starts at 6:00 AM and features entry fees ranging from free to $105. If you can't travel to Kentucky, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete the half marathon distance on your own schedule and location. This event is best suited for runners with trail experience given the terrain and format.
From the Race Organizer
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 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 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. Also check www.TheGorge.com has other area lodging and activity information.
Course & Travel Notes
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon starts at 6:00 AM, about an hour and a half before sunrise at 7:32 AM on race day, so plan accordingly for pre-dawn conditions. Expect typical October weather with highs around 69°F and lows near 44°F, though rain occurs on roughly 39% of days this time of year. The venue sits at 705 feet elevation in Slade, Kentucky. Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is the nearest air hub, located 51.9 miles from the race location.
⛰️ 705 ft elevation☀️ Typically 69°F / 44°F · 39% chance of rain✈️ Blue Grass Airport (LEX) — 51.9 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Slade, KY. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Slade, KY
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 3.
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 Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Slade, KY?
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Slade, KY takes place on October 3, 2026. The race is held in Slade, Kentucky.
Where is The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Slade, KY held?
The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Slade, KY is held at Natural Bridge Campground in Slade, Kentucky.
Where can I find hotels near The Rugged Red Trail Half Marathon 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.
