The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races
When is The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races?
The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races takes place on Saturday, June 26, 2027 in Slade, KY.
What distances does The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races offer?
The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races offers 6 events: 5K, 5K, 10K, 10K, Virtual Runner/Walker, Virtual Runner/Walker.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 3.1 mi | $35.00 | Register |
| 5K | 3.1 mi | $30.00 | Register |
| 10K | 6.2 mi | $35.00 | Register |
| 10K | 6.2 mi | $30.00 | Register |
| Virtual Runner/Walker | — | $50.00 | Register |
| Virtual Runner/Walker | — | $50.00 | Register |
How much does The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races cost?
Registration for The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races starts at $30.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races held?
The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races is held in Slade, KY at Natural Bridge Campground.
About The Ascent Red River Gorge 5K & 10K Trail Races
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 2027!
Join us for The Ascent 5K & 10K on Saturday, June 26, 2027, 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
- Food, fun, music and fellowship to celebrate your finish
PACKET PICKUP - Our packet pickup will be held on Friday, 7/25/27 from 4:00-7:00pm 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 2027. 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, June 25, 2026 at midnight. There will be no race day registration. Shirts are first come, first serve so register early.
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!
10K Route Map
Loop course
Elevation change is approximately 1,500 feet for the 6.2 miles
Three water fill stations along the route
Start/Finish at the Natural Bridge Campground
First 1/10th and last 1/10th miles is on mowed grass/field
Commemorative Race Shirts
Our 2026 commemorative race will be an army green super soft poly/cotton blend (short sleeves). See mockup below.