Duck Adoptions are open NOW until 12:55 pm May 2nd.

Why the Duck Race? Rut Miller of EVICS says:

“Every duck adopted is more than a donation – it’s childcare, safety, and support for local families.”

VEP

Thank you to our sponsors!

News & Updates

2026 Duck Race Prizes

For 2026, The Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race is offering three top cash prizes: $10,000 goes to the owner of the first duck to cross the finish line in the final flight of 500 ducks. $6,000 and $4,000 to the second and third place finishers. Winners will be announced close to 3:45 pm on day of race. Approximately 300 prizes from local merchants will be awarded to next ducks crossing the finish line.

Race Day Schedule

Thanks to Sponsors of the 2026 Duck Race!

We would not be able to hold the Duck Race each year without the generous support of our sponsors! They directly fund the major cash prizes that are won by the first ducks to cross the finish line. Here are the sponsors who have donated so far: Premier Sponsors This year’s Premier Sponsors are Visit Estes Park & Poppy’s and Mama Rose’s, with a donations of $5000. Event Sponsors This year’s Venue Sponsors to date are the following, with a donation of $1000: Holiday Inn 1st. Colorado Realty Bank of Colorado Colorado Games Meritrust Credit Uniion Ft. Collins Jeep Town of Estes Park Quality Inn Karol Reinhart Latitude 105 Alehouse Wayne Anderson Family Jack Ford Family Major Sponsors To date we have received contributions from these major sponsors ($500 or more): Ameritech Windows BenbrookPlaza/Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook

Participating Organizations For 2026

Participating Organizations for 2026 3Hopeful HeartsAmerican Legion Post 119Art Center of Estes ParkBallet RenaissanceBig Elk Meadows Volunteer Fire DepartmentBig Thompson Canyon AssociationBig Thompson Watershed CoalitionBoys & Girls Clubs of Larimer CountyBria Brown Memorial FoundationCaring CaninesCrossroads Assistance MinistryDementia TogetherEagle Rock SchoolEstes Dementia Day CenterEstes Park ChoraleEstes Park Club SportsEstes Park Cycling CoalitionEstes Park Fellowship of Christian AthletesEstes Park Health FoundationEstes Park High School – ActivitiesEstes Park High School – ChoirsEstes Park High School – Skilled Trades ProgramsEstes Park Knights of ColumbusEstes Park Learning PlaceEstes Park Memorial ObservatoryEstes Park Museum Friends & FoundationEstes Park Police Department AuxiliaryEstes Park Quota Club FoundationEstes Park Running ClubEstes Park Salud FoundationEstes Park School District BandsEstes Park Senior Citizens CenterEstes Park Sister Cities AssociationEstes Park Special OlympicsEstes Park Village BandEstes Park Western Heritage FoundationEstes Park Woman’s ClubEstes Valley Amateur Radio ClubEstes Valley Community GardenEstes Valley Crisis AdvocatesEstes

Who, What, Where & When

It’s Time To Get Excited AboutThe Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race! The Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race of 2026 features an exciting route down the Big Thompson River, winding through the heart of downtown Estes Park. This year’s venue stretches along the riverwalk from start at Performance Plark to finish at the Visitor’s Center. FULL ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE Entertainment Schedule May 2, 2026 Race Day 8:00 am 5K Duck Waddle Begins 10:30 Duck Duck Jeep Show begins 10:30 Riverside Ramblers @ Start Line 10:30 Snowbelt @ Finish Line 11:15 Ballet Renaissance @ Start Line 11:00 First Duck Drop @ Start Line 11:45 Nielson and Nicholson @ Finish Line 1:00 Second Duck Drop @ Start Line 1:00 Share of the Road @ Start Line 2:15 Highland Brass @ Finish LIne 3:00 Final Duck Drop @ Start Line 4:00 Prize Announcement