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 Lym at Woodmead Road bridge where they hurtle downstream in a mad paddle towards the finish line at Jordan Flats. The bath time companions 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 and the Town Crier Alan Vian will officially start the race by at Woodmead Road bridge.

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.

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

Buy ducks online via the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights website

The organisers take their environmental responsibilities seriously as 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.

All proceeds raised go towards Lyme Regis Christmas Lights 2025.