DUCK WADDLE 5K

The Duck Waddle 5K is a signature spring athletic event scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Estes Park, Colorado. Serving as the official kickoff for the Estes Park Rotary Club’s Duck Race Festival, this race combines community spirit with mountain recreation. A unique feature of the registration is the inclusion of a Duck Race ticket (valued at $25), which enters the participant into the larger festival drawing, and a celebratory pint for legal-age finishers at local partner breweries.

The geography of the course offers a stunning high-altitude experience at approximately 7,500 feet above sea level. The route follows the Lake Estes Trail, running counter-clockwise around the perimeter of the lake. Starting just east of the Visitor's Center parking garage, runners and walkers traverse the paved shoreline path, finishing on the north side of the lake. In early May, Estes Park typically sees crisp mountain air with average morning temperatures around 4°C (40°F), though high-altitude sun can warm the area quickly. The course is famously inclusive, allowing strollers and friendly dogs to participate free of charge.

Logistically, bib pickup and race-day registration open at 7:30 AM at the northeast side of the parking garage. The race is professionally managed by HAL Sports on behalf of the Estes Park Run Club, ensuring chip-timed accuracy for an extensive list of award categories ranging from youth to those aged 80 and older. Participants of legal age can redeem their race bib for a celebratory pint at either The Barrel or Rock Cut Brewery. Registration prices increase by $5 starting April 25, so early sign-up is encouraged to secure the best rates and the option for a custom event t-shirt.