The Ferris 50 returns to Minden, Nevada on November 7th, offering runners three challenging distances through the foothills of eastern Carson Valley. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada's Carson Range, this event honors inventor George Washington Gale Ferris with a course that mixes single-track trails and OHV routes over varied terrain. The race morning begins just after sunrise around 6:34 am, with temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, ideal for early-morning running as participants navigate through active mountain bike and off-road vehicle paths. Race day unfolds under a clear Nevada sky, typically featuring mild autumn weather conditions. The starting line at Douglas County Fairgrounds sets the stage for an event that has quickly become a tradition in Carson Valley since its inception last year. Runners will traverse rugged desert landscapes and enjoy panoramic views of Job's Peak while raising awareness or funds for local causes related to community heritage. The Ferris 50 boasts a diverse course layout, starting from the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 920 Dump Road and finishing in festival atmosphere outside TJ’s Corral. The route includes dirt trails, gravel paths, sand sections, and minimal pavement over each distance. Safety patrol via OHV and mountain bike ensures runner safety throughout the day. Race morning temperatures hover around the mid-50s to high 60s Fahrenheit with a UV index of low at 2.0, providing comfortable conditions for early November in northern Nevada. The risk of rain or snow is minimal but possible due to unpredictable late-fall weather patterns. Participants can expect firm and slightly soft trail conditions underfoot.
50 Miler 80.5K • Start: 06:00:00 • Fee: $150.00
50K 50K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $120.00
15K 15K • Start: 10:00:00 • Fee: $60.00
Participants can register for any distance through the official website https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132735. Fees are $150.00 for the 50 Miler, $120.00 for the 50K, and $60.00 for the 15K. Registration deadlines vary by distance but generally close a week before the event. Bib pickup is available at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on November 6th from noon to 8 pm and again early race morning starting at 4 am until 7 am on November 7th, with packets containing race day information such as course maps, aid station locations, and safety guidelines. All participants should bring a government-issued ID for bib pickup. The start location is the Douglas County Fairgrounds located at 920 Dump Road in Minden. Age requirements vary; however, all runners must be aged eighteen or older to compete. First-time attendees are advised to prepare for cooler morning temperatures and potentially changing weather conditions throughout the day by dressing appropriately and carrying necessary gear such as extra layers, hydration packs, and trekking poles. The Ferris 50 in Minden on November 7th is a compelling event that showcases both the natural beauty of Carson Valley and the spirit of innovation celebrated through its namesake. Whether tackling the full 80 kilometers or enjoying the scenic views during the shorter courses, this race offers an unforgettable experience for runners seeking challenging terrain amidst historic surroundings.
Races Offered
50 Miler
Nov 07, 2026
straighten
Distance —
80.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:00
sell
$150.00
50K
Nov 07, 2026
straighten
Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$120.00
15K
Nov 07, 2026
straighten
Distance —
15K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
sell
$60.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for November in Minden.
thermostatTemperature
-0.4° / 12.0°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-3.7° / 8.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 22m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.1 cm
air
Avg wind speed
4.8 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
60.7%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:42
nightlight
Sunset
17:45
About Minden
Learn more about the host city, Minden.
Minden is a city in Nevada located a few miles south of Carson City in the Carson Valley which is east of Lake Tahoe. The town is about 2 miles west of Gardnerville.
