The Red Monster 50 Mile

Runners climb from Natural Bridge through Whittleton Campground on the Sheltowee Trace to Tunnel Ridge Road, then follow the Pinch'em Tight, Daniel Boone Hut, Gray's Arch and Rough trails to Chimney Top Road before returning on the Koomer Ridge, Buck and Sheltowee Trace trails. The 50 miler completes that loop four times, adds two small laps of the Daniel Boone Hut Trail and descends to the finish.

Aid stations sit at the Gray's Arch and Chimney Top Road parking areas. Expect singletrack with short road sections and stairs. A headlamp is required because most 50-mile runners will finish in the dark.

The Red Monster pairs a 25K with a 50 miler, both starting at 7:30 a.m. from Pavilions 3 and 4 at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, across from Whittleton Campground. The organizers bill it as the toughest test the Red River Gorge has to offer and tell runners to bring poles and climbing legs.

Caltopo puts the 50-mile route at about 50.7 miles. Packet pickup runs in Lexington and at Hemlock Lodge before race day, 50-mile runners can send a drop bag to the Gray's Arch aid station, and a pacer may join for the third and fourth loops.