Race entries are now open for the 2026 Soap Box Derby.

It is with great pleasure we can confirm the 2026 Soap Box Derby race entries are now open.

The 2026 derby returns to our traditional route, with 3 races on the day, two childrens races and the adult race. Race 1 is for children aged 4–7 or 8-11, these must have a responsible adult accompanying them throughout the race, starting at the John Barleycorn for one loop of the childrens race route. Race 2 is for children aged 12-15, starting at the John Barleycorn for two loops of the same route, and does not require an adult to run with them.

Race 3, the adults race, has three categories: aged 16+, elite and veterans (55+). The elite category is for teams that have previously, or predict they will, complete the 1.4 mile race route in less than 10 minutes. Please ensure ages on the day are as per the general rules. The adults race starts outside the John Barleycorn, heads via St John’s Street, Hunts Road, Rectory Road and Hinxton Road, and finishes by coming up St Peter’s Street to The Plough. Entry costs are as follows:

• £5.00 per team for the childrens race
• £10.00 per team for the adults race

Entry fees are payable in cash or by card on the day of the Event only

Please submit your registration by 5th September 2026.

Race day timings are expected to be approximately the same as 2024 and 2025: the childrens races at 12 noon and the adults race at 1:30pm. See our programme of events for the full running order. Full details of the pre-derby events will be confirmed closer to the date.

By entering you confirm that you will abide by our general rules and childrens rules or adult rules, depending on which race you will compete in.

We also want to encourage as much sponsorship of the competitors as possible so we have information on how to setup a Cancer Research Giving page and links to sponsorship forms. Every pound and pence raised will help us towards our ambitous total.