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Community goes quackers for Burley-in-Wharfedale Duck Race

Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 11:40

Getting the ducks ready at the 2026 Burley-in-Wharfedale Duck Race [Photo: Gary Bowkett]

A flock of racing yellow ducks took to the River Wharfe last Sunday [21 June] as the annual Burley-in-Wharfedale Duck Race returned to the village.

The event brought fantastic weather, big crowds, and the familiar mix of excitement, teas and community pride.

Organised by the Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust, the race got underway just after 2pm from the field next to the river east of the village. Spectators gathered to cheer on their numbered ducks, with many making their way from the Cornmill Pond open day,  along the public footpath leading to the riverside field. Police were on hand at the A65 to ensure safe crossing.

The majority of the tickets had been prebought, with just a handful available on the day. The ticket sales help support local causes, with proceeds going to Burley Scouts & Guides, Burley Trojans Football Club, and ongoing village projects. This year’s race was made possible thanks to the work of community volunteers, including experienced duck-wranglers and newbies from the Burley Trojans.

A total of 4,001 ducks were released into the river, and the five winning ducks completed the course in under 8.5 minutes, to loud cheers from enthusiastic supporters from the countdown at the start and to the finish line.

[Photo: Gary Bowkett]

The winners were:

  • First (£100): Duck 1741 — Dan Sedlak (08:19.60)
  • Second (£50): Duck 1322 — Kaush Patel (08:20.06)
  • Third (£25): Duck 805 — Barton (08:20.31)
  • Fourth (£20): Duck 1282 — Bill Dale (08:21.41)
  • Fifth (£10): Duck 1701 — Grant Samuels (08:27.68)

Simon, from Burley Trojans, who coordinated the volunteers in the river this year said:

“It’s a marvellous event and experience, with the whole community coming along to the river to watch this fantastic race, helped by wonderful weather conditions. The volunteers are always first in and last out of the river to make sure all the ducks get through and get collected at the end. This year, we had extra support from the Burley Trojans men’s team, who did a great job making sure no duck was lost.”

Richard Hawney, Chair of the Burley Trojans, added:

“As one of the larger community groups in the village, Burley Trojans FC has been a supporter of the duck race for several years, selling tickets to parents and players across all our age groups and providing volunteers on the day of the race. We are delighted to continue to support one of the most successful and highly anticipated community events of the year.”

After the race, crowds gathered for the traditional “Teas on the Green”, hosted by the Guides, where homemade cakes, teas and ice cream were enjoyed throughout the afternoon. 

Duncan Ault, Chair of the Community Trust, said:

“It never ceases to delight that this fantastic event is so well supported and attended. The funds raised—totalling £3,800 —will contribute to vital community initiatives, especially for the Burley Trojans and Burley Guides, and to village spaces such as Cornmill Pond, Pudding Tree Garden, Jubilee Gardens, the Scalebor pavilion and the playing fields.

“The Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust’s initiatives are focused on enhancing the community and the annual village Duck Race is one of many events planned for the year. As always, none of it would have been possible without the tireless efforts of so many behind the scenes. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who helped the day run so swimmingly, including Farmer Peter Foster for kindly removing livestock from the field, and those ensuring the safe delivery—and retrieval—of all four thousand ducks, along with everyone who lent a hand along the race route. A special thanks, as always, to the Guides for their delicious cakes, warming teas, and top-notch ice cream coordination.”

[Burley Scout & Guide Group provided the teas and cakes. Photo: Sue Vint]

Sue Vint and Helen Haskins, speaking on behalf of the Guides, said:

“ We love being part of this village event.  It is fun, and we had an excellent day.  We are grateful for everyone who came to buy tea & cakes & we raised around £1,000 for Burley Scout & Guide Group. A big thank you to everyone who supported us!”

Mr Ault also paid tribute to the event’s long history, saying the village duck race was first held in 1997, initially as a fund-raising event for the Millennium celebrations. It proved so popular that it has continued as an annual event ever since. Tom Sumner launched the first duck race in 1997, and the Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust has led it from 2003, with Tom recently stepping back in 2023. Tom, his wife, Margaret, and the family were in attendance at this year’s event.

[Photo: Sue Vint]

He concluded:

“Most of all, thank you to everyone who bought tickets, turned up, and made the day truly unforgettable—simply by being there.”

For more details, to get involved with and/or become a member of the Community Trust’s work, including events like the Summer Festival, the village Christmas lights, market and craft fair, the Wharfedale Wombles, and more, visit the Burley Community Trust website. 

For ongoing community events, see the village diary at Discover Burley.

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