Record 2,947 Ducks Take to the River for Lyme Regis New Year’s Day Duck Race

A record 2,947 ducks took part in the New Year’s Day Duck Race in Lyme Regis, with a huge crowd turning out along the riverbank to cheer them on. There was so much interest that ducks sold out long before the race started.

The race was organised by the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee, a voluntary group that fundraises for and organises the town’s Christmas lights. Ducks were released from Woodmead Road Bridge at midday and followed the course of the River Lym to the finish line at Jordan Flats.

The winning ducks were:
1st place (£100): Duck 16 – Glen Irving
2nd place (£50): Duck 229 – A. C. Wilson
3rd place (£20): Duck 2789 – Vix Rodwell
Last duck home (£10): Duck 2394 – Natasha Hopkins

The in-river team, made up of members of Lyme Regis Fire Crew, along with Noah Turner and local window cleaner Steve Parsons, did an excellent job marshalling the ducks through the course and ensuring they were collected at the finish line ready for the next race.

The event was sponsored by the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, with all proceeds going towards the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights 2026 fund.