3 running events in Powell County, Kentucky
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Powell County
3 events in Powell County-
Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
Come join us in the beautiful Red River Gorge for the first annual Howlin' Wolfe 25k/50K. Starting and finishing at Natural Bridge State Resort Park runners will have the opportunity to see several fantastic natural features in the Red River Gorge. The race will feature a mixture of road running, single track trail, and fire road. We are limiting this edition of the race to 200 runners between both events so make sure you register early!
Aid Stations will be placed at Gray's Arch parking area, Koomer Ridge Campground, and Auxier Ridge parking area. Stay tuned to our social media and this page for updates including swag, packet pickup, and other cool announcements!
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Sat, Jun 27, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
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, June 27th 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:
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Spectacular courses on private property at the Red River Gorge
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Commemorative poly/cotton T-shirts (while supplies last)
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Finishers medals for both races!
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Special pricing ($20) and swag item for participants ages 12-18
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Convenient race day packet pickup from 6:30-7:45am at the Natural Bridge Campground (pavilion)
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Awards for Top 3 M/F Overall finishers in both races
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Free race photos
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Food, fun, music and fellowship to celebrate your finish
PACKET PICKUP - Our packet pickup will be held on Friday, 6/26/26) from 3:00-6:00pm 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, June 26th 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!
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Sat, Oct 03, 2026 at 12:00 AMSee full details
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:
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Spectacular 13.1 mile looping trail course on private property in the scenic Red River Gorge
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Commemorative long sleeved performance shirts (Men's & Women's sizes)
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Custom Finisher's Medals
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Lively DJ playing great music to celebrate the accomplishment of all finishers
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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+)
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Free Race Photos (Thanks to Skyler Dickinson Photography)
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Complimentary hot and cold brew coffee (Thanks Berserker Brew)
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A complimentary West Sixth beer for all racers (21 & older)
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BBQ Lunch provided to all racers (Thanks Hungry Hiker Bar & Grill)
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Run The Red Teams (Teams of 5 or more SAVE $5/team member)
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Convenient Thursday Packet Pickup in Lexington, Friday PPU in Slade, KY
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Post race shakeout/massages by Lance Minnis
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Raffle for some great prizes!
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Great camping and lodging options in the RRG --- The entire Natural Bridge Campground is available for racers in 2026!
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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
ONSITE CAMPING/LODGING INFO
Please check out the race website and our FB page for more info and updates and reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
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