Russell Fork Bike / Paddle / Run.....BADDLUN

RF BADDLUN 2019 - Canceled it would seem.

2019-08-21T01:41:00.002-04:00

Sorry ya'll (all 1 or 2 of you), 2019 isn't going to work out for me ... Russell Fork BADDLUN 2020 for real tho! My TI plate and screws are already training.

Back again! 9th Russell Fork BADDLUN 2019

2019-04-20T16:20:00.000-04:00

Saturday, October 12th, 2019

13 mile bike

8 mile paddle

3 mile run

20 yard swim

Mass start road ride from Rat Hole to Bartlick Bridge, kayak the Russell Fork Gorge to Carson Island, run back to Rat Hole, swim to shore. Shuttle's on you. Fun starts around 1:00 ... but don't rush me, bro!

2016 Russell Fork BADDLUN results

2016-10-10T16:20:00.000-04:00

Better late than never edition ... The top 3:

1. Zach Fraysier
2. Toby MacDermott
3. Geoff Calhoun

Zach Fraysier stepped up in 2016 with a notion to knock the RF BADDLUN crown off 4-time Champ Jay Ditty's dome ... and he succeeded. It fact that Jay didn't race made it just a bit easier ... everyone knows it would have been an epic battle! Maybe next time both will show up to duel ... or maybe perennial podium placers T-Mac & G-Cal will have a day in the sun?

8th Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN 2016

2016-04-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

Saturday, October 8th, 2016

13 mile bike

8 mile paddle

3 mile run

20 yard swim

Mass start road ride from Rat Hole to Bartlick Bridge, kayak the Russell Fork Gorge to Carson Island, run back to Rat Hole, swim to shore. Shuttle's on you. Fun starts noonish.

BADDLUN 2015 - SURF'S UP

2015-10-10T16:20:00.000-04:00

Gone surfing.

BADDLUN 2014 - FLOODED OUT

2014-10-12T16:20:00.000-04:00

Too much water.

7th Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN 2014

2014-09-15T23:53:00.003-04:00

Saturday, October 11th

GRIFF DON'T BADDLUN!

Let's do it again ... Same course, same format.

Sign-ups and shuttle plans, 11:00 @ Rat Hole. We'll start the fun a bit after noon.

13 mile bike,

8 mile paddle,

3 mile run,

20 yard swim.

The race: Mass start road bike ride from Ratliff Hole to Bartlick Bridge, kayak down the Russell Fork Gorge to Carson Island, trail run back to Ratliff Hole, swim across to shore. It's simple.

2013 Russell Fork BADDLUN results

2013-10-14T01:25:00.000-04:00

1. Jay Ditty - 2:29
2. Delaney Albright - 2:32
3. Geoff Calhoun - 2:34
4. Tim Madison - 2:36
5. Brian Mattingly - 2:39
6. Paul Stamilio - 2:40
7. Eric Henrickson - 2:42
8. Suzie Jacques - 2:49
9. Erin Savage - 2:51
10. Matt Walker - 2:51
11. Katrina Van Wijk - 2:52
12. Jeskimo Albright - 2:52
13. Dave "Whitesnake" Thomas - 3:11
14. Jeremy Briley - 3:14*
15. Zach Dean - 3:21
16. Katie Dean - 3:21
*swimma! (blow those whistles)

Actual Pre-Race safety meeting ... not the other kind.

4 time Winner Jay Ditty cooling his jets


3rd place finisher Jeff Calhoun is greeted at the finish by race winner Jay Ditty and runner up Del Albright

The 6th Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN is in the books. A strong field, punctuated by many strong ladies (and 1 old man), did battle in the Russell Fork Gorge and a fun time was had by all. Jay Ditty became a 4-time champ ... simply awesome. Delaney Albright put in a very strong effort and will be gunning for the win next year. Geoff Calhoun redeemed himself after a DNF two years ago and, with the help of a blazing kayak leg, found himself on the podium.

Many thanks to the Elkhorn City Heritage Council for feeding all the kayakers at the Paddler Appreciation Dinner ... October at the Russell Fork is truly something special.

2014 Russell Fork BADDLUN training began yesterday ...

6th Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN 2013

2013-08-14T23:52:00.002-04:00

October 12th

Post Race by DJ Gribble

Same course, same format ... but this year we're going to raise money for ALS research in the name of all those fighting ALS ... Past, present, and future.

The race is still free - we'll figure out another way to gather donations.

Sign-ups and shuttle plans, 11:00 @ Rat Hole. We'll start the fun a bit after noon.

13 mile bike, 8 mile paddle, 3 mile run, 20 yard swim.

The race: Mass start road bike ride from Ratliff Hole to Bartlick Bridge, kayak down the Russell Fork Gorge to Carson Island, trail run back to Ratliff Hole, swim across to shore. Easy.

2012 Russell Fork BADDLUN results

2012-10-17T12:22:00.001-04:00

3 time winner Jay Ditty completes the Dynasty

1. Jay Ditty - 2:27:18
2. Toby MacDermott - 2:34:57
3. Eric Strittmatter - 2:36
4. Delaney Albright - 2:37:47
5. Brian Mattingly - 2:47:43
6. Ben Edson - 2:57:41
7. Dijon Biddle - 3:13:20
8. Matt Rudolph - 3:14:52
9. Dave "WhiteSnake" Thomas - 3:20:57
10. Clay Warren - 3:27:23
11. Jeremy Briley - 3:27:46
12. Jeff McGregor - 3:29:40
13. Jim Gunnz - 3:46:36
DNF - Jon Dale *
*swimma! (blow those whistles)

The start up Ratliff hill

The Whitesnake boofs the box

The Whitesnake shows the youngsters how to finish strong in 2012

The 5th annual Russell Fork BADDLUN is in the books. When a team wins a championship 3 times in a row they become a dynasty. Jay Ditty has become one such dynasty.

2013 Russell Fork BADDLUN training began several days ago actually ...

2012-07-25T00:29:00.003-04:00

5th Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN 2012

October 13th
Same course, same format...
Sign-ups and shuttle plans, 11:00 @ Rat Hole.
We'll start the fun a little after noon.

13 mile bike, 8 mile paddle, 3 mile run, 20 yard swim.

Mass start bike from Ratliff Hole to Bartlick Bridge, paddle down the Russell Fork Gorge to Carson Island, trail run back to Ratliff Hole, swim across to shore.

2011 Russell Fork BADDLUN results

2011-10-11T00:31:00.011-04:00

1. Jay Ditty - 2:23:02*
2. Cory Hall - 2:29:34
3. Toby MacDermott - 2:31:15
4. Eric Henrickson - 2:35:35
5. Brian Mattingly - 2:41:56
6. Jon Dale - 2:48:17
7. Ben Blake - 2:48:36
8. Drew Austell - 2:51:47
9. Jason Dillow - 2:53:09
10. DJ Biddle - 3:10:21
11. Jim Gunnzz - 3:27:45
DNF - Geoff Calhoun - wicked bike wreck
DNF - Matt Rudolph - wicked cramps

The 4th Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN is in the books. Dr. Jay Ditty showed up this year to defend his 2010 title and became the 1st repeat winner in BADDLUN history...and set a new course record to boot. Strong effort.

1st time racer Cory Hall had a very impressive showing and T-Mac used his superior kayak skillz to help propel him into the top 3.

The weather was perfect and the course didn't disappoint. 2 notable DNF's are a testament to what can and does go wrong during the course of a 2+ hour race up, down and around one of the deepest gorges in the United States.

BADDLUN 2012 training began yesterday.

* no timing shenanigans here. If you're gonna put on a race at least get the final times correct you knobs!

2011-07-29T17:20:00.003-04:00

4th Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN 2011

October 8th
Same course, same time...paddler appreciation party will hopefully follow in Elkhorn City, KY.
Sign-ups and shuttle plans, 11:00 @ Rat Hole.
We'll start the fun around noon.

13 mile bike, 8 mile paddle, 3 mile run, 20 yard swim.

Mass start bike from Ratliff Hole to Bartlick Bridge, paddle down the Russell Fork Gorge to Carson Island, trail run back to Ratliff Hole, swim across to shore.

This year there will also be a BADDLUN-Lite for those on a diet. Look HERE for details.

It's not a race...it's BADDLUN.

2010 Russell Fork BADDLUN results

2010-10-10T22:35:00.020-04:00

1 - Jay "Cylon" Ditty 2:26:31
2 - Brian Menzies 2:28:04
3 - "Shoeless" Charles King 2:28:55
4 - Gareth "Golden Boy" Tate 2:29:51
5 - Delaney Albright 2:34:18
6 - Chris Galloway 2:39:32
7 - Drew Austel 2:44:10
8 - Joey Jerrell 2:44:46
9 - Brian Mattingly 2:45:58
10 - Taylor Fearrington 2:49:08
11 - Matthew "Trek" Walker 2:49:44
12 - Jon Dale 2:56:50
13 - Jason Dillow 2:58:10
14 - Bart Bledsoe 3:02:09*
15 - Matt Rudolph 3:09:21*
16 - Dave “YTSnake” Thomas 3:10:55
T-17 - Anne Sontheimer 3:16:00
T-17 - Laura "4Real" Farrell 3:16:00
T-19 - Sarah Mello 3:41:10
T-19 - Lila Menzies 3:41:10
*swimma! (blow those whistles)

BADDLUN 2010 RACE VIDEO

The 3rd Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN is in the books. Congrats to Jay "Cylon" Ditty for besting the 20 strong field and setting a new course record. Yes, he might be an alien.

Congrats to Brian Menzies for taking the 2010 BADDLUN points series overall. Solid.

This year also saw a bumper crop of strong ladies proving to the men that they can BADDLUN too...better luck on beating ANY of the guys next year. Also congratulations to David "YTSnake" Thomas for becoming the 2010BMCAARPWC (2010 BADDLUN Masters Class AARP World Champion) as well as beating all the girls.

Thanks to Elkhorn City, Ky for coming out to cheer on the racers and serve us dinner afterward.

Thanks to The Albrights, et all for taking the time to take times.

Thanks to Bethany, Emily and everyone else who took photos and video...get that data to me ASAP!

2011 Russell Fork BADDLUN training begins today.

3rd Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN 2010

2010-07-15T00:38:00.005-04:00

October 9th
Same course, same time...paddler appreciation party to follow in Elkhorn City, KY.
Sign-ups and shuttle, 11:00 @ Rat Hole.
We'll start the fun @ noon.

13 mile bike, 8 mile paddle, 3 mile run, 20 yard swim.

Mass start bike from Ratliff Hole to Bartlick Bridge, paddle down the Russell Fork Gorge to Carson Island, trail run back to Ratliff Hole, swim across to shore.

It's not a race...it's BADDLUN.

Full BADDLUN Series info

2009-10-12T00:23:00.012-04:00

2009 Russell Fork BADDLUN Results

1 - Toby MacDermott - 2:28.17
2 - Gareth Tate - 2:30.41
3 - Brian Menzies - 2:31.30
4 - Delaney Albright - 2:38.02
5 - Brian Mattingly - 2:50.30
6 - Chris Galloway - 2:51.14
7 - Jon Crain - 2:54.49
8 - Jason Dillow - 2:57.06
9 - Matt Rudolph - 2:57.14
10 - Clay Warren - 3:10.07
T-12 - Jess Albright - 3:59.15
T-12 - Jon Dale - 3:59.15

Steve Ruth's pics are here...

The 2nd Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN is in the books. Congrats to Toby MacDermott for setting a new course record, besting Adam Herzog's time last year. The level of competition was higher this year as witnessed by faster times for many competitors. Two of our younger competitors showed plenty of brawn but not much brains by forgetting crucial gear (a paddle) and getting VERY lost...both having their own mini-epics within an epic race. Way to finish strong...just before we called in the search and rescue. The swim finish, again, proved to be one of the more challenging aspects to the whole race.

2nd Annual Russell Fork BADDLUN 2009

2009-02-02T11:20:00.006-05:00

October 10th, 2009.
Same course, same time...paddler appreciation party to follow in Elkhorn City, KY.
Sign-ups and shuttle, 11:00 @ Rat Hole.
We'll start the fun @ noon.

Full BADDLUN Series info

Russell Fork BADDLUN 2008 results

2008-10-12T23:57:00.012-04:00

The racers took off at noon and endured steep hills, big water, rocky trails and a Hollywood ending to put the 2008 BADDLUN in the books. Extra special thanks to Steve Ruth and the Elkhorn City Crew who got involved and helped make things happen, the Elkhorn City Heritage Counsel who fed us My Old Kentucky Homestyle that night and the fools that showed up in a desperate attempt to have some fun.

Best thing about the BADDLUN is that anyone could go out on any day the Russell Fork is running and do the course with just a little planning and an easy shuttle. Congratulations go to Adam Herzog for setting the first and current course record of 2 hours and 32 minutes.

Steve's pics are here...

Russell Fork BADDLUN 2008 Results:

1 - Adam Herzog - 2:32
2 - Brian Menzies - 2:36
3 - Gareth Tate - 2:38
4 - Paul Stamilio - 2:43
5 - Toby MacDermott - 2:48
6 - Brian Mattingly - 2:58
7 - Clay Warren - 3:25
8 - Will Stubblefield - 3:28
9 - Jason Dillow - 3:30
10 - David Clark - 3:48

***Matt Walker - DNF mechanical (3 g'damn flats!)
***Charles King - DNF logistics (missed g'dam turn!)

Bike / Paddle / Run...

2008-08-05T04:13:00.088-04:00

Russell Fork BADDLUN

Noon, Saturday, October 11th, 2008
Elkhorn City, Ky.

13 mile bike, 8 mile paddle, 3 mile run.
Mass start bike from Ratliff Hole to Bartlick Bridge, paddle down the Russell Fork Gorge to Carson Island, trail run back to Ratliff Hole. It's not a race...it's BADDLUN.

The plan...

Don't die!
Don't b weak!
Help others in need!
Good times!

No entry fee, no prizes, no teams...we do this shit for fun.
Great training for Lord of the Fork and Green River races.
Check in @ Ratliff Hole Pavilion 1 hour prior.

Beta...

Bike: Start at the bottom of Ratliff Hole and ride or walk up the steep entrance to the main road. This is a public road and riders should realize they will probably get crushed by a coal truck speeding past in a noble effort to secure vast amounts of fossil fuels for hippies to power up their vaporizers. Expect there to be traffic and ride thusly. You are on your own out there. Bring tubes, pumps and repair supplies. Climb out of Rat Hole, ride up to the top of the breaks, a downhill, a climb, and more down leads to Bartlick Bridge, the put-in for the upper Russell Fork.

Paddle: From Bartlick Bridge, safely navigate the Upper, Gorge and Lower sections of the Russell Fork to the Carson Island takeout on river left. If you don't know the Russell Fork pretty well you'll probably break rule #1 and will be punished accordingly. It's roughly 8 miles of paddling and it's gonna suck. Take it easy out there.

Run: This beautiful 3 mile trail / forest service road starts off tough with a long uphill on large gravel turning into an undulating, rocky road climbing several hundred feet above the river. The last mile of the trail quickly drops back down to river level. Run down the railroad tracks toward town and take the steep trail on the right before the rail bridge down to river level. Take the trail upstream to Ratliff Hole. People who make it this far will then swim across the river in slow moving water to the beach. The trail is very rocky and pretty darn steep both up and down. Care and focus will be needed so as to not injure oneself.

Forewarned is forearmed.

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There is no official or unofficial organization to this event. This is not a race but an informal meeting among friends to see who can bike, paddle and run through the Russell Fork Gorge the quickest. It is a celebration of the wild spirit of mountains and rivers in its purest form. You must stop to help if you see another person in trouble. The Russell Fork Gorge and surrounding area is extremely hazardous, and rescue may be impossible in the event of an accident. People will be biking on public roads with coal trucks. People will be paddling the Class 5 Russell Fork river alone, with no expectation of rescue support. The Russell Fork Gorge has many deadly features and rapids, including Towers, Fist, Maze, Triple Drop, El Horrendo, and Climax, among others. Many skilled paddlers have died in this gorge. Nonetheless, and regardless of how stupid someone is for participating in this activity, the people that do this willingly accept all responsibility for what happens. They are risking death or serious / permanent bodily injury.
WWGD? BADDLUN!!

!Viva El Griffo!