Race Week! RRG Ultra Race Info

It’s finally race week, and we’re excited about the 2025 Red River Gorge Ultra. Let’s get into the details. RUNNERS: PLEASE READ EVERYTHING!!!!!

Parking (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT)

Since our venue change to Natural Bridge State Park, we are under very strict instructions regarding parking. Failure to adhere to the below could result in your car being towed while you’re out on the trail.

Parking Location: Shelter 2 - CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

Parking Instructions

  1. There are two parking lots side by side: the Sky Lift Lot (for Sky Lift visitors) and the Shelter 2 Lot (for us)

  2. When arriving, runners must park in the RIGHT parking lot near the shelter.

  3. DO NOT park in the lot to the left, that is for Sky Lift visitors.

  4. When you arrive at the Shelter/Sky Lift area, please follow the GREEN/WHITE signs to the correct parking area.

Aid Stations & Cut Offs

Please click the button below for aid station details, mileages, cut off times and more.

One minor change from our last update (50K ONLY):

  1. We’re moving aid station number 4 to the D. Boone Hut trailhead and turning it into a fluids only aid station.

  2. This move is only a move of about 40 yards in terms of where the aid station is.

  3. We’re primarily doing this to avoid confusion for runners and make the course easier to navigate.

  4. You’ll go from mile 11.5ish to 20.5ish with no opportunity to stock up on food (there is water/Gatorade at mile 14.5ish) pace and plan accordingly.

Please also note updated 50K cut off times. Those cut off times will be strictly enforced.

Online Course Map

Use the link below to access the online course map.

You can display an interactive elevation profile by clicking the PROFILE icon next to the route on the lefthand side of the map.

Use the export option to download GPS files.

Course Markings

50K course will be marked with PINK flags in the ground.
25K course will be marked with WHITE flags in the ground.

Some areas will have white signs with arrows directing runners where to go.

REMEMBER: It is the runner’s responsibility to navigate the course. Study the course map thoroughly. Download the GPS files to your watch or phone. If you get lost, it’s your fault!

Sharing The Gorge

Spring in the Red River Gorge is extremely busy, AND this week and next week are SPRING BREAK for many colleges and school districts in the area. So the Gorge will be PACKED this weekend. You’re not the only ones on the trail, so please respectfully share the trails.

When running on Tunnel Ridge Road (the gravel section) or on the paved roads within the park, please stay supremely alert and aware of oncoming traffic.

Timing & Results

Preliminary results will be streamed “live” to Ultrasignup. Data signals at the race are ok, but can be spotty. So if your results are not displaying immediately upon finishing, don’t worry! We’ll have final results posted for both races by Sunday night.

If there are issues/errors with your time, please contact us and we will address it promptly.

Cups & Fluids

We are a cupless race!

Aid stations will have no cups for runners. Please carry a bottle, cup, canteen, bladder, dog bowl, whiskey jug, coffee mug, or an old boot to drink out of.

Fluids: All aid stations will be have water and Gatorade. All aid stations EXCEPT D. BOONE HUT (50K) will also have COKE.

Food: Aid stations have food. What kind of food? Find out when you get there. If you’re a picky eater, you picked the wrong race!

Trail Conditions

The Red has seen some rough weather recently. The trails are currently in good condition, but there could be some minor blow downs that you’ll have to navigate around, under, and over. Most of the big’ns have been removed as of last weekend.

The weather forecast is calling for rain most of this week. So expect wet, slopping conditions. Yes, you’ll get your feet wet - probably within the first couple of miles - so don’t waste everyone’s time emailing us that question!

Final Thoughts

  1. The deadline for transfers, deferrals, etc has passed. Everything is locked in at this point.

  2. Shirts are available for those who ordered one in advance. Extras are $15 cash or Venmo.

  3. If you do not show up for the race, we do not ship shirts/medals.

  4. Yes, trekking poles and all that stuff are permitted. Don’t email us about that either.

  5. Bad attitudes are NOT permitted. Let’s have fun and not take ourselves too seriously.

This is our 10th and FINAL year of the Red River Gorge Ultra. So let’s have fun and make it count!

See you this weekend!

-NOE Team

Michael WhismanComment