New Year's Day Duck Race

Event summary

Everyone goes a bit quackers at midday on New Year’s Day as hundreds of individually numbered bright yellow toy ducks are released into the River Lim, close to Higher Mill Flats on Windsor Terrace where they hurtle downstream in a mad paddle towards the finish line at Jordan Flats. The bath time companions initially negotiate the relatively calm waters by Windsor Terrace before the fearless racers gather pace after descending the potentially treacherous weir at Woodmead Road bridge.  They wind their way around the bend at Lymbrook Cottages, before riding out the bumps and dips along the stretch by Jericho with some final jostling for position with the finish line in sight.

The mayor of Lyme Regis accompanied by the town crier, Alan Vian, will officially start the race.

Supporters can cheer on the ducks from the river bank until the finish further down the river at Jordan Flats.

There will be a host of cash prizes for the first, second and third ducks over the finish line and a bonus prize for the last duck that manages to negotiate the river course.

Ducks cost £1 and can be purchased on the day from 11.15am or online.

Buy your ducks online

1st duck across the finish line £100
2nd  £50
3rd  £20
Last duck home £10

The organisers take their environmental responsibilities seriously as our volunteers ensure all plastic ducks are captured in a giant net just after the finish line and stored until they race again.

After the race there will be plenty of  time to head over to the Sandy Beach from 1pm to watch the brave swimmers take part in the Lyme Lunge.