The Derby 50K - Ellerbe, NC

The Derby 50k

The Derby 50k takes place in Ellerbe, NC at 1647 Jones Springs Church Rd, Derby Community Building on November 28, 2026. Registration opens July 6, 2026 and ends November 25, 2026 or when the event reaches full capacity. Entries are first come, first serve; there is no race day registration and no wait list.

Course and logistics

The event is listed as 31.5 miles, run as three loops of rolling hills on a mix of asphalt and dirt. The course starts and finishes in front of the Derby Community Building and is run counter-clockwise facing traffic. Turns and some straights are marked with yellow arrows painted on the highway and with posted signs; participants are responsible for following course markings. The course is not closed to traffic. Camping is permitted on the community building grounds. To minimize trash, participants are asked to use a hydration pack or container during the race. Race numbers serve as the packet and the ticket for the lunch and are available at the Derby Community Building on Saturday morning.

Food, donations and awards

A pasta meal will be served at the Derby Community Building; the plate includes salad, drink, cake, banana pudding, and pies. A non-meat sauce option will be available. The meal is free to runners and is offered to the public for $10 per plate; proceeds support Derby community needs, the church, and the fire department. The event requests donations of dog or cat food for Richmond County Operation Fix; a van for donations will be onsite. Overall male and female finishers receive special awards, first Richmond County male and female receive awards, and all finishers receive custom 4x4 inch medals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.