About:
Are you ready to challenge the fast times laid down during the inaugural running of the Ferris 50? The second year is going to be even more epic! Nestled at the foot of the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada, Carson Valley was home to the inventor of the Ferris Wheel, George Washington Gale Ferris. We honor that legacy of ingenuity and grit with a mix of single-track trails, OHV trails, and minimal concrete over three distances that traverse the foothills of eastern Carson Valley. Whether you are an experienced runner seeking a challenge in the off-season or a less experienced runner who is ready to explore greater distances at an entry level, Ferris Fifty is an opportunity to test your mind and body while taking in the captivating views of Job's Peak and the Carson Valley. Course map links included below offer more information on elevation profiles and total gain for each course.
All distances will start in the arena at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and end in a festival atmosphere at TJ’s Corral outside of the host hotel of Carson Valley Inn. Shuttles will be provided from the Carson Valley Inn for the convenience of runners.
Pacers are generally not allowed for this course. Please contact the race director through the Ferris Fifty website for exceptions. Trekking poles are allowed. Crews are allowed with one vehicle per runner.
Are you a crew member interested in running? The 15k course offers a glimpse into your runner's breathtaking experience in the Carson Valley and leads you straight to the TJ's Corral finish line well ahead of the runner you have come to cheer on!
Course Info:
Participants can expect a mix of dirt, gravel, sand, and pavement over each route. The course covers active OHV and mountain bike trails and will be patrolled throughout the race day to ensure your safety. There should be minimal contact with wildlife but be aware that there are wild horses, coyotes, and other high desert animals in the area.
Typically weather in late fall in northern Nevada includes daily highs averaging in the 50-60's and dropping into the high 30's at night, with the possibility of rain or snow. Sunrise is at 6:34 am and sunset is at 4:51 pm. Bag drops will be available for the 50M and 50k distances to allow for preparation for weather conditions. Drop bags will be collected at packet pick up and tagged with runner information.
Safety patrols via OHV and mountain bike will cover the entirety of the course to ensure all participants have a safe event. Cutoff times by aid station will be posted prior to the event. Headlamps will be required for 50M/50k runners after 4 pm and aid station volunteers will conduct headlamp checks beginning at Aid Station #5 for the 50M; headlamp checks will be based on course time for the 50k. It is required that 50M and 50k runners begin the race with a light source as the start time is prior to sunrise.
Aid Stations:
Approximate Aid Station Distances
7 Aid Stations will be available over the 50M course at the following distances:
Mile 9.5
Mile 15.7 (bag drop available)
Mile 21.9
Mile 29
Mile 34.6
Mile 41.2 (bag drop available)
Mile 46.2
4 Aid Stations will be available over the 50k course at the following distances:
Mile 9.5
Mile 15.7 (bag drop available)
Mile 21.9 (bag drop available)
Mile 26.9
3 Aid Stations will be available over the 15k course at the following distances:
Mile 3
Mile 5
Mile 7
Course Preview Video
Course Maps
Race Check-In and Bib Pickup
Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at TJ’s Corral at the Carson Valley Inn, 1627 US Hwy 395 N, Minden, NV 89423. Race staff will be available to discuss the course and flow of the race. Drop bags will be collected and tagged for 50M and 50k racers at packet pickup or at the shuttle the morning of the race.
Race day packet pickup is available at TJ's Corral prior to shuttle departure. Packet pickup will not be available at the starting line at the Fairgrounds.
Race Day Info:
Start Times:
50M: 6 am
50k: 7 am
15k: 10 am
Racers, crews, and spectators may park for free at the Carson Valley Inn. Buses will be provided from Carson Valley Inn to the start line at the Douglas County Fairgrounds 1 hour prior to the start times for bibbed racers (5 am for the 50M, 6 am for the 50k, and 9 am for the 15k). All runners must check in at the Fairgrounds prior to their start time with their assigned bib.
Spectators at the starting line are encouraged but must drive separately, and parking space is available for free. Runners may also park at the Douglas County Fairgrounds but drop bags will not be accepted at this location. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your race start time if you do not ride the bus.
Cut-off Times: Aid station cut-off times will be posted prior to the event. Finish times are as follows:
50M: 9 pm
50k: 6 pm
15k: 2 pm
Finish and Festival Area:
Join us to celebrate the finish of this incredible display of athletic dedication at TJ’s Corral. Music, food, drinks, and vendor booths will be within view of the finish line so you can cheer your favorite runner(s) in.
Winners Circle
The 50M and 50k award ceremony will take place at 5pm and the 15k at 2pm.
50M Finishers will receive a long sleeve Ferris Fifty finisher shirt, race buckle, and cash podium prizes.
The Top 3 finishers in the 50M male and female divisions will receive the following cash prizes:
1st Place - $500
2nd Place - $250
3rd Place - $150
50k Finishers will receive a long sleeve Ferris Fifty finisher shirt and race medal. The Top 3 finishers in the 50k male and female divisions will also receive local merchandise prizes
15k Finishers will receive a long sleeve Ferris Fifty finisher shirt and race medal.
Host Hotel
Registered racers qualify for a special Ferris 50 rate at the Carson Valley Inn in Minden, Nevada, our host hotel. Just steps away from the finish line, the Carson Valley Inn provides a comfortable and convenient stay. Take a swim in the indoor pool or soak in the hot tubs after the race and enjoy a delicious dinner at CV Steak or Katie's.
Explore the property here
Policies
REFUNDS and CREDITS: All registrations are non-refundable. However, if you need to withdraw from the event, you may receive a 75% credit toward the following year's UltraSignUp registration fee, provided the withdrawal is made at least 30 days before race day. Please log into your UltraSignUp account to request that credit.
EVENT CANCELLATION: If the event is canceled due to pandemic, extreme weather, community disaster, or other force majeure, neither refunds nor credits will be given.
ROUTE: The final, exact route is subject to approval from various government agencies and is always subject to change due to various factors beyond our control.
LATE REGISTRATION: Please register by October 1, 2026 to guarantee an event t-shirt. There will be no same day registrations at the event and all online registrations will close on 11/4/2026.
Event's current local time: 7:42 AM PT
