Join us at the Derby 10K in March 2026.
Challenge yourself while raising money for our work welcoming refugees.
This year, the race falls on Mother’s Day—so we’re taking it as an opportunity to raise money for our work with refugee mothers and their children.
Refugee women have fled unimaginable circumstances. They may have been tortured or persecuted. They may have very few rights in their home country. 1 in 5 refugee women experience sexual violence at some point in their journey to safety.
As they rebuild their lives in the UK, refugee mothers face more barriers as they raise children hundreds of miles away from their usual support networks. They have to do this whilst navigating their own trauma, language barriers and cultural disorientation.
Each year, Upbeat supports as many as 180 refugee women through our weekly support group, women’s only English classes, childcare, and support into employment. But we rely on funds raised through events like the Derby 10K to be able to offer this support.
What?
The Derby 10K is an annual event held by Derby County Community Trust, in which hundreds of people race for fun, personal challenge, or to raise money for different causes. Visit their website for more info.
When?
Sunday 15th March 2026 — Mothering Sunday!
Where?
Derby — starting and ending at Pride Park Stadium.
Why?
Upbeat Communities relies on donations from generous members of the public to fund a great deal of our work. That’s why we’re looking for some enthusiastic fundraisers to help spread the word about what we do: supporting refugee families at all ages and stages through English classes, support groups, community meals, and much more. These projects offer a lifeline of community and belonging for refugees rebuilding their lives in the UK — but we need your help to sustain them into the future.
Who can take part?
Anybody who is a capable runner. We would not recommend this event for you if you haven’t run at least a 5K in the past.
What about the Family Fun Run?
The Family Fun Run is the ideal event for anyone who would find the 10K a bit much! The distance is 3K.
If you have little ones, they are welcome to come along (but runners under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult).
It’s free for 10K runners who want to take part after the main event.
How do I sign up?
Please use the form below to register your interest, and our Community Engagement Manager, Maddie, will be in touch with you as soon as possible to discuss the next step of your fundraising journey! She will support you every step of the way, so you don’t have to worry if you have never fundraised before.
Upbeat Communities will be happy to pay for your place — but we ask that you commit to trying your best, with our support, to raise £150 towards our work with refugees.