The United Way Bed Race pits 5-person teams racing beds down Main Street to claim bragging rights for one of Lancaster County’s favorite traditions! United Way of Lancaster County brings the Bed Race and rivalries are as strong as ever. Each team uses 1 "driver" and 4 racers to get their bed under the checkered flag before everyone else. Beds may be simple, streamlined and strong for the speed division, or they can be decorated as fabulously as your imagination can create for the Fun Prix. Either way we are sure to have a great day of fun! This year, teams will be strutting their stuff in their best FULL SPEED AHEAD theme. Teams are encouraged to go ALL OUT representing their favorite Broadway Show or Theme and everyone will show off in the Parade of the Beds. Go all the way with your decoration, music, and costumes, just remember this is a family event. Some racers go for speed, and some racers go for show, but all racers raise money for United Way of Lancaster County . The United Way has been serving Lancaster County for over 65 years and working to in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunities, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency of all residents. Get your team together and start training and creating, or just come enjoy this great community event as we show that United is the Way. Teams can compete in the following divisions: Fun Prix! : These beds might look better than they run, and we encourage area businesses, groups, and organizations to be creative in all the things- car décor, music, theme, engineering, and team costumes. Teams will participate in the Parade of Beds- First and Second place winners will be awarded for costume and design. Additionally, teams will use their own strength to power their captivating beds in bracket matches to determine who comes out on top with First or Second place in fastest car. Teams will be provided a bed with registration. If you would rather build your own, please contact the United Way office at 283-8923. Competitive : This race is for speed! Winner gets bragging rights for the next year and of course top recognition! Teams will use their own strength and provided stock beds to compete in a bracket-style tournament to determine who comes out on top. First and Second place winners will be awarded for speed. If you would like to make your own bed, we encourage that- just make sure you request the rules and regulations for your bed. Youth Division : This race is for runners 15-18! Winner gets bragging rights for the next year and of course top recognition! Teams will use their own strength and provided stock beds to compete in a bracket-style tournament to determine who comes out on top. First and Second place winners will be awarded for speed. Waiver MUST be signed by parent or guardian in person. No exceptions. All teams competing in any competition are also eligible to win the People’s Choice Award, the coveted award voted on by Bed Race fans! Teams collect votes via donations in the days leading up to and during Race Day, we'll have an online platform to make it easy for you. The team with the most votes (dollars) gets the award. All money raised through the People’s Choice Award will benefit programs and partners of the United Way.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Lancaster, SC. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 17.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Lancaster, SC.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
United Way Bed Race 2026 — Lancaster, SC takes place on October 17, 2026. The race is held in Lancaster, South Carolina.
Where is United Way Bed Race 2026 — Lancaster, SC held?
United Way Bed Race 2026 — Lancaster, SC is held at 701 N. Main Street in Lancaster, South Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near United Way Bed Race 2026 — Lancaster, SC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Lancaster. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
