Nearly 2,000 ducks launched at New Year’s Day duck race

Duckmaster Ron Folgate said they sold nearly 2,000 £1 rubber bath ducks to take part in the race on the River Rase, between Parry’s Bridge, on Low Church Road, and Church Street Bridge, to kick off 2026 in style.

He said: “We put 1,957 ducks into the water (topping last year’s 1,800) after sales went absolutely mad before the event. We ended up using almost all the ducks we have and had to number up more because of demand.”

The team of volunteers have raised £2,500.25. “We are now looking for suggestions for beneficiaries - local worthy causes, as all the profits raised go back into the community,” said Ron. “For a small local charity, £100-£200 can make a massive difference.”

Ron believed it was the biggest turnout they have had, with lots of spectators along the banks and on the bridges. Previous Duckmaster, 88-year-old Alan Pennell was invited along as guest of honour to start the race, where volunteers up-ended three yellow wheelie bins of ducks into the water at midday.

It was also a significant a milestone as it was the 30th year that the race has been held. It originally started with just 100 ducks.

Ron explained that the duck race ran for 21 years under the management of the cricket and football clubs but when that came to an end, a group of three villagers, including himself, met in the local Nag’s Head pub. Keen not to see the tradition die they decided to take it on and it has grown ever since, raising more and more exclusively local causes.

They have even begun making and selling duck themed merchandise for the day to add extra income.

Local businesses and sponsors support the event, contributing prize money for the buyers of the first six ducks across the finish line, as well as a cash prize for the last duck home. The first duck arrived in 11 minutes and the last in 21 minutes. Sponsors also contributed a whopping 90 prizes – half for a duck prize draw back at a packed Nag’s Head, where anyone’s numbered duck could be pulled out of the hat for a second chance at winning. Plus the other half of the prizes were placed in a raffle.

Among the good causes, the profits have paid for installation and maintenance of Middle Rasen’s public access defibrillators over the years.