A team races towards the finish line in the 2023 Gurney DerbyThe Gurney Derby, hosted each year by UAB’s National Alumni Society, has been part of every UAB Homecoming since 1994. This year, UAB’s Gurney Derby will mark its 29th year, making it one of UAB’s oldest traditions.
The very first Gurney Derby was held on a rainy October day during UAB’s first fall Homecoming. Despite the rain, the race was held on University Boulevard and students gathered to watch the 10 teams compete.
Since that first Gurney Derby, rules for participation have been established to ensure safety and fairness in this intense competition.
A heat of teams compete at the start line in the 2008 Gurney Derby
Teams must consist of two women and two men, and each gurney must have a non-living passenger, such as a stuffed animal or a plastic skeleton. No team members may ride on the gurney, or the entire team will be disqualified. Team members are not allowed to let go of the gurney, and interfering with other teams and gurneys is prohibited. Teams cannot walk during the derby, and they must wear helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads for personal safety.
To enter the race, teams must complete the online registration form through the National Alumni Society website.
This year’s race begins at noon on Wednesday, October 30, and all team members must be at the assigned race location on 10th Avenue South by 11 a.m. on race day. The race runs in multiple heats and the top four teams will advance to the championship run. After the final race, the winners will be awarded.
Winning categories include first, second, and third place, as well as Best Dressed Gurney, Most Creative Passenger, and the Dead Last Award. The Best Dressed Gurney will receive a plaque and be given the opportunity to participate in the Homecoming Parade.
“There is truly nothing like the Gurney Derby,” said Mack Ingram, director of engagement for the National Alumni Society. “Everyone does relay races, but the fact that UAB uses gurneys is so fun, and everyone wants to participate because this tradition is so unique. In fact, this year, we have a record number of teams. The Gurney Derby is just another symbol of how our UAB community can come together and represent our diverse student body, student groups, and schools across campus.”
Want to join the fun but don’t want to race? Students and employees may volunteer to serve as officials, timers, and gurney helpers, all of which are vital to a smooth and competitive Gurney Derby. Contact the National Alumni Society for more information.
Journey through time in “Fifty Years of Dreams and Discoveries,” a 200-page pictorial book that chronicles UAB’s rise from a nascent university in 1969 to a leading doctoral research university.
