12th Delmenhorst Duck Race
1,500 yellow rubber ducks race down the Delme river – a charity spectacle
About Delmenhorst Duck Race
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Rubber Ducks for a Good Cause
The idea is as simple as it is ingenious: Yellow rubber ducks are "sold" for a sponsorship donation and released together onto a river. Whoever sponsored the winning duck wins a prize. The proceeds go entirely to non-profit projects. In Delmenhorst, this format has become firmly established under the patronage of the Lions Club Gräfin Hedwig.
1,500 Ducks, One River
With 1,500 numbered ducks, the Delmenhorst race creates an impressive sight on the Delme river. When the yellow flotilla enters the water, many families line the bridges and banks along the river to cheer on "their" duck.
The Lions Club as Organizer
The Lions Club Delmenhorst Gräfin Hedwig initiated the duck race and has been organizing it for over a decade. The proceeds benefit schools, associations, social initiatives, and youth projects in Delmenhorst and the neighboring municipality of Ganderkesee.
Hosting and Award Ceremony
Host Markus Weise accompanies the race with witty commentary and ensures a good atmosphere on the banks. After the race, the first ducks are fished out of the water, and the winners of their sponsors are honored in the Markthalle Delmenhorst. Prizes range from non-cash prizes from local sponsors to travel vouchers.
Patronage of the Mayor
Mayor Petra Gerlach takes on the patronage, underscoring the importance of commitment to the city community.
Participate
Anyone who wants to follow the race can purchase one or more duck sponsorships. Sales points will be announced in advance by the organizer; they are often local shops, financial institutions, and the Markthalle. By purchasing a sponsorship, you directly support the charity idea.
Delmenhorst Duck Race — edition 2026
The twelfth edition builds on the established tradition of Delmenhorst's charity highlight. 1,500 numbered ducks, a yellow wave on the Delme river, and a community that does good with every sponsorship purchased – this has been the recipe for success for over a decade.
Families, children, and adults gather at the bridges and along the Delme to wish "their" duck victory. Afterwards, the event moves to the Markthalle, where prizes are awarded to the sponsors of the top-placed ducks.
Programme Delmenhorst Duck Race 2026
From 11:00 AM – Setup
- Preparation of the course on the Delme river
- Provision of the 1,500 ducks
- Admission of spectators
12:00 PM – Race Start
- Welcome by host Markus Weise
- Joint start: 1,500 ducks enter the water
- Spectators line the bridges and banks
During the Race
- Live commentary along the course
- Evaluation of the first placed ducks at the finish line
Afterwards – Markthalle Delmenhorst
- Award ceremony with prizes
- Words from Mayor Petra Gerlach (Patron)
- Thanks to the Lions Club Gräfin Hedwig and sponsors
- Social gathering in the Markthalle
Highlights Delmenhorst Duck Race 2026
- 1,500 yellow rubber ducks on the Delme river
- Charity for associations in Delmenhorst and Ganderkesee
- Patronage by Mayor Petra Gerlach
- Hosted by Markus Weise
- Award ceremony at the Markthalle
- Free entry, duck sponsorships available in advance
Prices Delmenhorst Duck Race 2026
Practical information — Delmenhorst Duck Race
Venue
Race course on the Delme river in Delmenhorst. Award ceremony in the Markthalle Delmenhorst, Rathausplatz 2, 27749 Delmenhorst.
Date
Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12:00 PM.
Organizer
Lions Club Delmenhorst Gräfin Hedwig.
Patronage
Mayor Petra Gerlach.
Host
Markus Weise.
Use of Proceeds
Non-profit projects and associations in Delmenhorst and Ganderkesee.
Participate
Purchase duck sponsorships in advance at the sales points announced by the organizer.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Delmenhorst Duck Race al mejor precio.
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