Question 1

About The Venue

Accepted Answer

Derby Arena combines striking architecture with modern facilities, creating a world class space for the ultimate indoor fitness challenge. Here, competitors will experience the full DEKA FIT race environment with 10 functional fitness zones and 5km of running all under one roof. Friday night belongs to DEKA MILE Age Group. Never before raced in a UK arena. One mile of running, ten zones, and a fast, open floor built for chasing a time. Qualification for the DEKA World Championship 2026 closes here. Choose your challenge. Whether Age Group or Elite, athletes take on the same course and the same weights, choosing the level of competition that suits you. Take on DEKA FIT as a team and divide the work in your way, or tackle Ultra and complete the full course with a weighted bag.

Question 2

Transfer Options and Deferrals

Accepted Answer

Need flexibility? You can change your start time after signing up (subject to availability). You can transfer your registration to another DEKA event or to another person (subject to availability) Transfers must be completed before or within 30 days of your original event and include a £20 fee plus any price difference. See all details here

Question 3

Practical Information, Festival & Spectators

Accepted Answer

Bag Drop & Changing Secure bag drop will be available on site, along with changing areas before and after your race. Medical & Hydration A dedicated medical team will be on site throughout the event, with an ambulance service available if needed. Water stations will be positioned on course, but we recommend bringing your own hydration and nutrition if you expect to need more. Please hold onto any wrappers or rubbish until you can dispose of them properly. DEKA Festival The DEKA Festival opens on Friday afternoon for early packet pick-up and runs all weekend long. It’s the hub of the event — the place to relax, connect, and celebrate. You’ll find: Official DEKA merchandise Music and entertainment Food and drink vendors Start and finish line action Partner activations and exhibitor stands Spectators Friends and family are welcome to be part of the weekend. They’ll have the chance to cheer you on at the finish line, explore the Festival area, and get involved in activities throughout the day. DEKA is all about community, so bring your support crew along to celebrate fitness with you

Question 4

Arrival & Heat Times

Accepted Answer

We recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before your scheduled start time. This will give you plenty of time to park, check in at registration, drop your belongings at bag check, and get warmed up before heading to the start corral. Registration usually opens at 6:00am. Waves will be released every 15 minutes, with exact start times posted in your Spartan Account and on your barcode about 10 days before the event. Please note: DEKA events are cashless. All race day purchases, including new registrations must be made by credit or debit card. Still have questions? Check the DEKA FAQ page for more details.

Question 5

FAQ

Accepted Answer

More questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact us at CS@DEKA.FIT

Question 6

Race Photos

Accepted Answer

Race Photos & Videos After the race, your photos and videos will be available to view on our website. You’ll receive full details by email closer to the event. Thanks to our photo partner, SPORTOGRAF, for capturing the action. Make sure your bib number is clearly visible during the race so the system can automatically match your photos and videos to your results.

Question 7

Rules & Important Documents

Accepted Answer

Athlete Guide Your Athlete Guide will be emailed to you 7–10 days before the event. It includes everything you need to know for race day, from schedules to venue details. Mandatory Equipment There’s no mandatory equipment for DEKA — just bring your training gear, your determination, and get ready to earn your mark. Rules DEKA events are official, timed, and ranked. Results count towards global leaderboards, and Elite and Age Group athletes may qualify for the DEKA World Championship. Please note: race entries are non-transferable. Results Provisional timings will be available on the day of the event. Afterward, official results and global leaderboards will be updated online.

Question 8

Volunteer & Race For Free

Accepted Answer

Join the DEKA community, help bring the event to life, and earn some incredible rewards along the way. Volunteer details.

Question 9

Event Weekend and venue information

Accepted Answer

Bag Drop & Changing Secure bag drop will be available on site, along with changing areas before and after your race. Medical & Hydration A dedicated medical team will be on site throughout the event, with an ambulance service available if needed. Water stations will be positioned on course, but we recommend bringing your own hydration and nutrition if you expect to need more. Please hold onto any wrappers or rubbish until you can dispose of them properly. DEKA Festival The DEKA Festival opens on Friday afternoon for early packet pick-up and runs all weekend long. It’s the hub of the event — the place to relax, connect, and celebrate. You’ll find: Official DEKA merchandise Music and entertainment Food and drink vendors Start and finish line action Partner activations and exhibitor stands Spectators Friends and family are welcome to be part of the weekend. They’ll have the chance to cheer you on at the finish line, explore the Festival area, and get involved in activities throughout the day. DEKA is all about community, so bring your support crew along to celebrate fitness with you

Question 10

How To Get There

Accepted Answer

By car: Derby Arena is signposted on all major routes. If using SAT NAV, please use DE24 8JB or type in &#x27;Derby Arena&#x27; into your navigation system. By Foot: The Arena is a 30 minute walk from Derby City Centre and 15 minutes walk from the train station. By Train: Derby Arena is located a short 15 minute walk from Derby train station or via a 2 minute taxi journey. Direct rail services connect Derby with London St Pancras (from 93 minutes), Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield, Southampton, Plymouth and many other destinations. By Air: Derby Arena is 18 minutes away from East Midlands Airport, 50 minutes from Birmingham Airport and 75 minutes away from Manchester Airport.

2027 DEKA FIT East Midlands

Events nearby