The Rugged Red – Kentucky’s Trail Half-Marathon deep in the heart of the world-famous Red River Gorge! 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 …
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The Rugged Red – Kentucky’s Trail Half-Marathon deep in the heart of the world-famous Red River Gorge!
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 bodies’ hydration levels.
Once the gun goes off, runners will run south on Chimney Top Road to the Rough Trail parking lot. The course turns to single track at this point, following Rough Trail west to Koomer Ridge Trail. This begins the steep descent from the ridge into the valley. Runners cross the Creek, turn left, and onto Koomer Ridge Trail. Run southwest on Koomer Ridge Trail for 1.6 miles then right onto Buck Trail. The trail climbs out of the bottom quickly (the first of 3 big climbs) via some stair stepping roots and rocks. The dirt trail soon peaks at a gorgeous overlook and stays level. Continue on Buck Trail until it intersects the Sheltowee Trace.
This super scenic, very enjoyable 1.5 mile dirt stretch with modest dips and slopes as it heads downhill to the creek bed. Great time to recover before the technical trail ahead. For the end portion, the trail climbs out of the creek bed for your second big climb. Single file running for the most part. Stay on the Sheltowee Trace–this is where we start seeing the trail marked by white diamonds and turtles painted on trees. Continue on the Sheltowee along the ridge for 1 mile to another steep descent and two creek crossings.
Veer left, staying on the Sheltowee Trace to the Suspension Bridge. This is a fast section where runners can recover and cool off in the numerous creek crossings. From the Suspension Bridge to Bison Way, after crossing the Suspension Bridge ,the trail crosses the main road hwy 715. Here the Sheltowee winds in and out of hollows and makes one more steep climb. Runners will pass Indian Arch and make the steep descent to Bison Way. Go right on Bison Way Trail.
Bison Way Trail to Finish Line: This mostly downward sloping, trail head crosses the creek once, climbs briefly, lasts one mile before it exits into a parking lot. In the last .2 miles, our race route turns left onto 715, which you’ll run up to the barn with the quilt square. Run across the field, across a small bridge, up to and around the historic Gladie cabin, and straight away finish across the field outside the Gladie Center.
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AMAZING!!!!
This race makes you feel like family! The folks putting on the race care for everyone of the runners and the love they put in to this race shows. It … MORE
This race makes you feel like family! The folks putting on the race care for everyone of the runners and the love they put in to this race shows. It is a trail race that has everything that The Red River Gorge has to offer but if you train on trails with similar vert (2000”) you will be fine! I was hoping for 2:45 and came away with 2:37. This race warms my soul like no road race can! Love it!
Beautiful single-track trails at RRG
Prior to the race, you load up on buses to be shuttled to the start. There was a lengthy delay in loading on the buses this year, as it was … MORE
Prior to the race, you load up on buses to be shuttled to the start. There was a lengthy delay in loading on the buses this year, as it was dark and foggy out. However, the restroom situation at the rest stop was greatly improved with brand new restrooms there.
Even though there was a great deal of rain in the weeks leading up to the race, and the race was very nearly cancelled, the trails were still muddy, but generally in better condition than I expected.
There were two aid stations on the course, which offered water and chocolate.
Spectators could cheer the runners in at the finish line. From the finish line, runners were bused back to the parking area, where there was a post-race barbecue. This year, they had burgers and chips and soda. Somehow there was no water at the post-race barbecue.
The medals were nice and the race t-shirts are super soft.
Gorgeous, technical course
The race and the course were incredible. The barbecue afterwards was really nice too. Medals for all finishers. Cool prizes for the top 3 male/female finishers, and little certificates to … MORE
The race and the course were incredible. The barbecue afterwards was really nice too. Medals for all finishers. Cool prizes for the top 3 male/female finishers, and little certificates to age group winners.
The port o potty situation where the buses shuttled runners to the start was one of the most horrific ones I’ve ever seen. I know there were some logistical problems due to the rest area being closed, but port o potties are pretty essential!
This race runs in waves, and I think a lot of people estimate a faster finishing time, just because they don’t know how much these trails will slow them down. This makes for runner traffic backing up on the trails, and it is difficult to pass.
Overall a good race, and will give it another go.
Tough trail run with beautiful scenery
This is one of the toughest races I've done (though I'm primarily a road runner). Very tough trail course with lots of elevation changes. In a beautiful and somewhat remote … MORE
This is one of the toughest races I’ve done (though I’m primarily a road runner). Very tough trail course with lots of elevation changes. In a beautiful and somewhat remote area of Red River Gorge in eastern Ky. Because it’s remote don’t expect any posh accomodations or elaborate swag. If you want a beautiful, technical course that’s very challenging try it out. I think the winning time was just over 2 hours for 13.1