Red River Gorge

Race and Adventure Series
Rugged RedThe Ascent 5K

THE RUGGED RED

RUGGED RED TRAIL HALF MARATHON

A one of a kind course seated in the Red River Gorge. It is very challenging and technical consisting of roots, rocks, creek crossings, steep inclines and declines, stair steps, and uneven trail. Racers should all have trail running experience before the day of race. Accept the Challenge and come Run The Rugged RED!

 

The Ascent 5K

This course may be shorter, but it is full of challenges and breathtaking views.  Plan to take your time with the difficult bits as well as the unmatched vistas.  Run with some friends so you can share this unique experience in pristine Kentucky woodlands.

OUR GALLERY

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
You are all incredible!! https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/5963#resultSetId-406731;page:3;perpage:100 Thank you to everyone that rose to the challenge of the Rugged Red!!
We can’t wait to see everyone this year for the RUGGED! A couple more reminders as we approach the big day! Packet pickup will ONLY be on 9/22 from 4pm-8pm at the Natural Bridge Campground. The race will start at 7am on 9/23. Please print out and sign the insurance waiver for the race (this is different than runsignup), we will also have some printed out for you to sign onsite. And a double reminder because it is so important, please go to the website and download the race map! We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone after the race with food, drinks and music!
Super important reminder! Please take the time to go to the link below and download the course map! https://www.ruggedred.org/rugged-red-2023/
After we announce awards, we are pumped to welcome the John Thomas Moore-Band to entertain you with some awesome tunes!
On this wonderful Wednesday, we are excited to announce, that Berserker Brew Coffee will be joining us as the coffee vendor!
Next on the list of amazing vendors that are coming out to the race… Wise Bird Cider! 🎉
We are so excited to roll out our vendors for the Rugged Red Half Marathon! First up, we want to welcome Ethereal Brewing! They will be serving up their amazing brews, slushees and possibly some snack options!
Load more

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“I loved Rugged Red, the volunteers, were great, Loved the race course and its challenges. The only suggestion I have is maybe have a few basic first aid supplies at the aid stations. As technical as that course is, just having some basic first aid at the checkpoints for falls, or mile 6 hornet stings lol, would be awesome. Really though this race lived up to all the hype, it was truly a great experience!”

Corine LeMaster Pitts

“Fantastic trail race! I especially liked the variable terrain (creeks, dirt, mud, sand, stone, rocks, and the suspension bridge!), single “loop” course (never repeating anything), the challenge of the elevation change, and the friendliness of the volunteers/participants. Awesome experience!”

Adam Hoefler

“Fortunate to have run every one of the Rugged Reds you have put on.”

Julie Bryan

“This was my first half! Loved this race and all the awesome people we would meet along the trail.”

Emily Schnitzler Geraci

OUR WHY

The Appalachia region has been a victim of poverty for as long as anyone can remember. We are trying to help ourselves make a new vision, a new future, that maintains our environment and culture but brings us up to being more economically stable….Read the whole story in About.

OUR SPONSORS