The National Hard Crab Derby

06/17/2026

🏃‍♂️🦀 Don’t Miss the Mike Sterling 10K! 🦀🏃‍♀️

Registration is open for the 47th Annual Mike Sterling 10K / 5K Race / 10K Ruck during the annual National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland! 🎉

Join runners, walkers, and ruckers for a fast, flat course through beautiful Crisfield, along the waterfront, and through local neighborhoods. 🌊☀️ Whether you're chasing a PR, enjoying a fun walk, or taking on the ruck challenge, this is an event you won't want to miss!

📅 Saturday, September 5th
📍 Crisfield City Dock, Crisfield, MD

⏰ Race Start Times:
🎒 10K Ruck – 7:00 A.M.
🏃 5K Race – 7:30 A.M.
🏅 10K Race – 7:30 A.M.

💧 Water stops will be available along the course.

👉 Sign up today:
https://www.nationalhardcrabderby.com/racewalk

Tag your running buddies and make plans to join us! 👟🦀

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🦀🎉👟🌊☀️💪🏅

06/13/2026

After three great years serving as Race Directors for the Mike Sterling Race, Heather and I are excited to pass the baton and welcome Nichole Pilchard as the new Race Director for the 47th annual race.

This event means so much to our community and has been shaped by many people over the years. We want to especially thank John Phoebus and Kristy Hickman for their 10 years of leadership before us, and thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, runners, and supporters who stood behind Heather and me during our three years directing the race. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.

Nichole brings great energy, passion for athletics, and a strong connection to our local students and community. We’re excited to see the race continue to grow under her leadership.
Please join us in welcoming Nichole and supporting another great year of the Mike Sterling Race on September 5, 2026!

06/12/2026

Skiff Races are back at the National Hard Crab Derby on Sept 5, 2026! 🚤🔥
Catch the action at Wellington Beach at 12:30 PM — fast boats, big splashes, and pure Crisfield pride. 🌊💙🦀✨

06/09/2026

Love the creativity here — but we all know the real crab‑picking royalty lives in Crisfield. The Derby champs stay winning, no AI updates required. 😂😉

🚨 BREAKING: An 82-year-old Maryland grandmother has officially shattered the Crab Picking World Record after clearing an entire pile of Chesapeake Bay blue crabs in just 47 seconds. 🦀🏆

Witnesses say she finished so quickly that officials initially thought the stopwatch was broken.

The grandmother then reportedly corrected the judges' crab-picking technique, criticized their speed, and asked if there was a "real competition" scheduled later. 😭

Several younger contestants have announced their retirement from competitive crab picking.

Maryland authorities are now considering replacing the state flag with her driver's license photo.

Only in Maryland. 😂🦀

06/02/2026

Butler's Farm Market was blessed by royalty earlier today. 2026 Miss Eastern Shore Teen Volunteer and lil Mr. Crustacean stopped in to pay us a visit. Thank you for coming in!! Please come back at any time!! Mowgli and Izzy love you and so do we.

05/28/2026

Some of the best memories of the National Hard Crab Derby come from the events that once made Derby weekend unforgettable. Who remembers the Miss Crab Claw Contest or the hilarious Crabbiest Boss Contest? Or the roar of the Powerboat Races and the creativity of the Plastic Bottle Boat Regatta? Did you know there even used to be a Greased Pig Contest?

Friendly competition also filled the town with a Croquet Tournament, Tennis Tournament, and the hands‑on Crab Pot Making Contest. And of course, the harbor lit up with the beloved Boat Parade.

These events are just the tip of the iceberg. They may be retired, but they’re still part of what makes Crisfield’s Derby tradition so special. Here’s to the memories that shaped our community and the stories we still love to share. 🦀💙

05/26/2026

05/23/2026

Congratulations to our 2025 Miss Crustacean 🦀 She is now a high school graduate! We know you are going to have a ✨bright ✨ future ahead! You have made the City of Crisfield so proud of you this year in all of your accomplishments! 👩‍🎓

05/23/2026

Crisfield, get excited — Grub House Inc is rolling in to serve up serious flavor at the National Hard Crab Derby, happening September 4–6, 2026 🦀🎉🔥

We’re thrilled to welcome this crowd‑favorite crew to the festival grounds, serving up a menu that’s guaranteed to keep you fueled for all three days of fun!

Pit Beef 🔥

Pit Turkey & Ham 🍖

Sausage 🌭

Dirty Drinks 🥤

Bottled Water 💧

Chicken Tenders 🍗

Fresh Cut French Fries 🍟

From sizzling meats to crispy fries and ice‑cold drinks, Grub House Inc is bringing the flavor — and we can’t wait for you to dig in 😋🔥

Join us Labor Day Weekend for food, festivities, and the beloved traditions of the Hard Crab Derby. Let’s make 2026 unforgettable 🦀🎡🎶

🦀🎉

05/21/2026

🦀🎉 Exciting Vendor Announcement! Wild Bill’s Soda Is Joining the 2026 National Hard Crab Derby! 🥤🎡

We’re thrilled to welcome Wild Bill’s Soda to the National Hard Crab Derby, happening September 4th–6th, 2026 right here in Crisfield, MD!

If you’ve seen them at fairs and festivals across MD & DC, you already know the vibe — premium craft sodas, iconic mugs, and those all‑day refills that keep the good times flowing. 🍻🔥

This year, they’re bringing their full Wild Bill’s experience to the Derby weekend. Stop by their booth, grab a mug, and sip your way through crab races, live entertainment, parades, and all the Labor Day traditions we love.

Crisfield, get ready — it’s going to be a refreshing one!