Runners World has named the Rugged Red as one of the top 25 Running Trails in the US, so get ready for one of the baddest Trail Half Marathons East of the Rocky Mountains. You will be running deep in the heart of the Red River Gorge on rough trails, across a wooden swinging bridge, beside an amazing Natural Arch, and through several creek crossings. You have 5 hours to complete it and the fastest runner did it in a little under 2 hours. The youngest athlete was 13 and the most experienced was 71. Plan for Packet and Bib pick up on Friday from 5 to 9 pm at the registration tent at Natural Bridge Campground, behind the Welcome Center in Slade. Our insurance company requires a personally signed waiver and it must be turned in Friday before the race to get your bib. Please work it out with another runner to deliver your waiver and pick up your bib on Friday. We appreciate our volunteers and are expecting 700 runners. We need your help to make this a smooth process, and late registration is not an option. On Saturday morning be at the Rest Area in Slade at 6 am with bib showing to get on the bus. Runners only on the buses. No pets. At 6:30 am the buses will take you deep into the Daniel Boone National Forest and you will run back out ! After finishing at Gladie , the buses will return you to the Natural Bridge Campground for a runner’s networking and appreciation cookout. We expect 700 runners this year, and “day of ” registration is not an option. All personally waivers must be received by Friday night to get your bib.  There are some tough trail runners in these Eastern Kentucky Mountains. Are you one of them? Running is good for the body. Running these mountains is good for the Soul. Challenge yourself and Sign up now.

All runners must sign a USATF waiver in person at registration in addition to the waiver signed on Run Sign Up. Runners under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian to participate. There will be search and rescue teams along the course and EMTs and ambulances on stand by. Remember, you will get off the Parkway at exit 33 and turn right this year at the end of the ramp.

Important Information:
Bring plenty of water! We cannot stress this enough. There will be water stations along this half-marathon trail. Even so, we recommend that you carry water. Runners are the best judge of their body’s hydration levels.