Derwent Runners return to The Central Co-op County Ground

Racing returns to Derby’s historic Racecourse with Derwent Runners on Sunday 21 June,  after the inaugural race which was held in June last year.

The second post-war race at Derby’s historic Racecourse will take place on Sunday 21 June, when Derwent Runners host their annual  ‘Derwent 4′ run at The Central Co-op County Ground.

The historic venue, once home to the only straight horse-racing mile in the country, has not hosted any form of racing since World War Two.

Five FA Cup semi-finals, an FA Cup final and a full England football International have been hosted at the Derwent landmark, which has been the home of Derbyshire County Cricket Club for 163 years.

It was also the original home of Derby County Football Club, which started as an offshoot of the Cricket Club in 1884.

In recognition of the history of the course, runners will receive a separately timed final mile in recognition of the original ‘Derby Mile’.

Runners will be chip timed and will also receive a time for the four-mile race.

There will be prizes for both races including for age categories, and there will be mementoes for all runners including tickets to a Falcons Men’s Vitality Blast fixture at The Central Co-op County Ground.

Mark Barber, Community Development Manager at Derbyshire Cricket Foundation said:

“Derbyshire Cricket Foundation and Derbyshire County Cricket Club are delighted to be hosting this event for a second year. The 2025 event was a great success and Derbyshire Cricket Foundation are excited to be the principal charity partner for 2026, once again bringing together local running enthusiasts, as well as families and members of the wider community. We look forward to an inspiring event to raise awareness for our work and funds raised will enhance our work to empower communities and improve lives through cricket, while addressing barriers regarding mental health stigma.”

Ryan Ducket, CEO at Derbyshire County Cricket Club and 2025 runner said:

“We are delighted to support the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation and Derwent Runners who bring racing back to The Central Co-op County Ground after a successful launch event last year.

“This is a venue steeped in sporting history and watching runners of all abilities come together to take part and recreate the original ‘Derby Mile’ is not only inspiring, but it further strengthens our aim of ensuring The Central Co-op County Ground is a venue for all.”

Simon Field, Chairman of Derwent Runners, added:

“Everyone at Derwent Runners is looking forward to building on the success of the inaugural event in 2025. As happened then, we hope to attract both seasoned club runners as well as those who run less frequently for whom this race represents a serious challenge. Above all, we want it to be a celebration of physical and mental health at a location with some serious sporting history.”

Derwent Runners has been linked to Derbyshire Mind for several years – the club is keen to promote the link between exercise and mental wellbeing and hopes this event will further spread that message.