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Derby Firecracker

Date
July 4, 2026
Distance
4 Mile · 1 Mile · Both the 4 Mile and the 1 Mile
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From the Organizer

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 service animal. Noncompliance will result in disqualification. Course Marshall's will control traffic, but runners should use extreme caution along the course. Slower participants and strollers are encouraged to begin toward the rear to avoid congestion and collision.

Parking

During the hours of the race between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM, please enter and exit High Park from the North entrance next to James Street. Parking will be available in the North parking lot as well as other parking lots within the park.

 

Events

4 Mile7:30 AMRegister →
1 Mile8:30 AMRegister →
Both the 4 Mile and the 1 Mile7:30 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

91°

Typical Low

69°

Chance of Rain

22%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Haysville 3se, 4 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 6:14 AMSunset 8:55 PMDaylight 14h 41m

Host City

About Derby, KS

Population

25,801

as of 2023

Elevation

1,277 ft

Nearest Airport

ICT

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport · 12 mi

Major Hub

TUL

Tulsa International Airport · 120 mi

Time Zone

Central Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Derby Firecracker, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

26

Days to train

Race
Derby Firecracker
Date
July 4, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Derby Firecracker?
Derby Firecracker is a running race held in Derby, Kansas on July 4, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Derby Firecracker?
Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Derby, Kansas at High Park, Derby, KS. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Derby Firecracker?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Derby Firecracker

Jul 4, 2026

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