Whitworth’s egg-citing New Year’s Day Duck Race

Photo: Mike Burgess

Over 1,300 ducks were sponsored for the popular event

Ducks took to the water at the overflow of Cowm Reservoir on Tong End in driving wind and rain for Whitworth’s annual Duck Race on New Year’s Day 2018. 

Over 1,300 ducks were sponsored.

The ducks were launched at 1pm by Whitworth Councillor David Chorlton, Chairman of the Tourism and Leisure Committee, with support from committee members Les Hirst and Mark Ambrose. 

Numbered ducks sponsored for a pound are entered into the Duck Race, and those who have sponsored the numbers of the first three ducks (and the last one) over the line get a cash prize.

The sponsor of the first duck over the line won £100, with second and third prizes issued of £75 and £50 respectively, and a tenner for the last duck to waddle in. All winners have now been contacted, the winning ducks were 1265 (first place), 1202 (second place), 595 (third place) and 460 (last duck).

Councillor Chorlton said: “It was, as always, a fantastic event and one that really blew away the hangovers from the previous evening’s celebrations. 

"This year the weather was a real blessing, it was nice to have a bright and dry race for once.

"Thanks to everyone who turned up on the day, and to all who sponsored a duck as this really helps us to continue running events and improving tourism in the community.”