Derby Firecracker 2026

Description

Come join us for the 45th annual Derby Firecracker Race on the 4th of July! Pick between a certified 4 mile course or a fast certified 1 mile course. Enjoy a looped course that begins and ends in Derby's High Park. A cash reward to our fastest male and female runners in each race of $50.00 will be awarded as well as age group awards!

What's New?

Shirts this year will be tri-blend shirts! Shirts will be guaranteed for the first 400 registrants. So be sure to sign up early! Finisher medals will be given to all runners! One finisher medal for those that run both races. If you or somebody you know would like to volunteer, let the race director know. The races are chip-timed by the experienced crew of Timer Guys! Results can be found at Timer Guys, https://timerguys.com/results/ Race photos can be found on the Derby Running Club Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/DerbyRunningClub/

Kids age 1-12 pricing is $20.00 before May 26th, $25.00 until July 3rd, and $30.00 race day. A $5.00 Price increase for all other registrants will be on May 26th, again on June 15th, and lastly on race day.

4 Mile Race

The Four Mile Race will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. It is open to all ages and abilities, including runners and walkers. Veterans will be recognized before the start of the 4 Mile Race. This course starts at the North end of High Park and exits the South end before turning West on the Madison Ave sidewalk. The runner then turns North into the Derby High School campus to then cut across the high school parking lot to Rock Road. Continuing on the Rock Road sidewalk, turn back East on James St, pass the aid station at the 2.5 mile mark, and reenter the park at the North entrance roundabout. The final stretch will make a loop within the park to the finish line.

1 Mile Race

The One Mile Race will follow the Four Mile Race at approximately 8:30 a.m. It is open to all ages and abilities, including runners and walkers. The 1 mile starts and ends within High Park after making a loop around the ponds.

Aid Station Refreshments

An aid station with water will be at the 2.5-mile mark of the 4-mile race. Bottled water and pre-packaged snacks will be provided after the race at the finish line.

Join the Derby Run Club

Want to save an extra $5.00? Join the Derby Run Club for the low price of $25.00 for families and $20.00 for individuals. What all benefits do you get for joining?

Save $5.00 on each Derby Run Club Race Receive an awesome Derby Run Club T-shirt 15% discount at Fartleks Running Shop Smoothie Stop Assist the Derby Running Club in supporting the running community by funding quality equipment, certified courses, and insurance to continue our tradition of sponsor-free events designed “by runners for runners.” Board Member opportunities are available for members interested in guiding the DRC into the future!

Custom awards for the top three runners in the following age groups:

4 Mile 1 Mile Men & Women Men & Women 10-under 1-5 11-14 6-10 15-19 11-14 20-24 15-19 25-29 20-24 30-34 25-29 35-39 30-34 40-44 35-39 45-49 40-44 50-54 45-49 55-59 50-54 60-64 55-59 65-69 60-64 70-74 65-69 75-79 70-74 80+ 75+

Heat Warning

High heat and humidity can be dangerous to runners. Therefore, make sure you drink plenty of fluids the morning of the race and at the aid stations. If you feel overheated or feel dizzy, seek aid.

Safety

Races are limited to registered participants only. No roller blades, bicycles, skateboards, or dogs are allowed on the race course with the exception of a participant with a serv