Whitworth’s New Year’s Day Duck Race

Photo: Mike Burgess

The plastic ducks floating downstream

Over 2,000 ducks were set afloat in Whitworth’s annual Duck Race on New Year’s Day 2022.

A popular event in the Whitworth calendar, the ducks took to the water at the overflow of Cowm Reservoir on Tong End in driving wind and rain. In total 2,121 ducks were sponsored and around 500 people turned out on the day.

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

The sponsor of the first duck (2088) over the line was Hannah Buckley who won £100, with second place (2103) being taken by David Barker with a prize of £75 and third prize (1677) of £50 issued to Dave Sneaton. The last duck (551) to waddle in was sponsored by Pete Crook who was awarded a tenner.

The duck race is organised by Whitworth Town Council’s Tourism and Leisure, and all proceeds are ploughed back into tourism and leisure events for the town. This year the duck race raised over £1,600 towards community events. For those unfamiliar with the concept, 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.

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 as was the ability to hold the race live.

“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.”