Thousands watch Ducktona 5000 at Crescent Beach, raising funds for Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 5.
Thousands Gather for Crescent Beach’s Quirkiest Race
Crescent Beach, B.C., was awash in yellow Saturday, Sept. 6, as the Ducktona 5000 made its much-anticipated return after a four-year hiatus. More than 4,600 rubber ducks raced across the water, delighting spectators who lined the pier and shoreline. The sold-out event brought together families, friends, and visitors for a playful competition with a charitable cause.
A Fundraiser with a Purpose
Organized to benefit Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 5, the Ducktona 5000 invited supporters to sponsor ducks for a donation. The volunteer marine-rescue team depends on such community events to maintain equipment, fund training, and cover operational costs. This year’s race sold all available entries, though the final fundraising total has not yet been released.
Ducks, Cheers, and a $1,000 Top Prize
At the sound of the starting signal, thousands of ducks were released en masse, bobbing and drifting toward the finish line. Onlookers erupted in cheers as the top ten ducks crossed the mark. Prizes included a $1,000 grand prize for the fastest duck, with other awards for runners-up. Even those without winning ducks shared the excitement, with social media posts praising the event’s energy and community spirit.
A Long-Awaited Return
The last Ducktona 5000 was held in 2019, with the pandemic halting the tradition in subsequent years. For many residents, Saturday’s race marked not only a return to a beloved local spectacle but also a celebration of community resilience. “Such a good event… so much fun,” wrote one attendee on Facebook, echoing the sentiments of many.
Why It Matters to the Community
As one of Station 5’s two major fundraisers—alongside a rock ’n’ roll dance set to return in November 2026—the Ducktona 5000 plays a crucial role in supporting the 25-member volunteer crew. Proceeds ensure the team can respond effectively to marine emergencies along B.C.’s coast, making the event more than just a whimsical race.
A Floating Success Story
From the laughter of children to the camaraderie among volunteers, the 2025 Ducktona 5000 left participants and spectators already looking forward to the next race. While the ducks may have been plastic, the goodwill they generated was very real—and it will ripple through Crescent Beach and beyond for months to come.
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