AFTER weeks of grey skies and persistent rain, which had threatened the event, the clouds rolled back and the sun shone on another highly successful Great Ilkley Duck Race on Saturday, April 18.

“We’ve discovered over the years that the organisation of a duck race is not an exact science,” said Derek Richards, president of Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club, which organises the event. “The vagaries of the British weather mean too much rain – or too little – can put a stop to it, so we’ve often had a few tense days in the run‑up. Thankfully we’ve only had to cancel once in the six years since we revived the race, although there have been a few sleepless nights.”

The waterfall of Ducks hit the River (Image: submitted)

Conditions on the day were perfect, although a strong current on the River Wharfe meant young families walking the 400‑metre course had to keep up a brisk pace with their prams and pushchairs to follow the 5,000 ducks racing downstream.

Young Louie Greenall, age 3, whose family own event-sponsor Grove Mortgages made sure he was all stickered up (Image: submitted)

“It was a warm, sunny afternoon which repaid the efforts put in by everyone – and we are once again deeply grateful to our lovely loyal followers and supporting businesses who dug deep to buy their tickets,” said Mr Richards. “I also need to thank the many non‑club members who assisted on the day. We had 20 club members and another 20 helpers – it’s a big event to organise.”

A young fan High Fives King Duck (Image: submitted)

This year’s main sponsor was Grove Mortgages, an independent mortgage broker set up in Burley‑in‑Wharfedale last year. Organiser Chris Jones said: “Sponsorship like this is so important to the success of the event. It is very public‑spirited of Grove Mortgages to underwrite the significant costs of running the race, which this year helped us raise £13,500.”

Water team leaders, Rotarians Dan Bown and Stuart Hyde, take a moment to talk tactics before taking to the water at the finish line (Image: submitted)

The eight nominated local charities benefiting from the event are Ilkley Food Bank, Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks, Ilkley Youth Club, Clarke Foley, Ilkley Great Get Together, Nell Bank Outdoor Education Centre, LS29 Special Needs Support Group and Improving Ilkley. The Rotary Club will be organising a Duck Donation Day in the near future to hand over the funds.

Ilkley Town Crier Isabel Ashman led the countdowns for the day’s two races. First off was the Business Duck Race, featuring 100 red ducks purchased by local shops and businesses, followed 15 minutes later by the main race of 5,000 yellow ducks bought by members of the public.

Paul Craggs of the Ilkley Shoe Company won a £150 Ilkley Gift Card (Image: submitted)

First prize in the business race was a party night sponsored by the town’s Ticket Office bar and restaurant. Ilkley resident and author Sir Rodney Brooke was the winner with duck number 081.

Second prize went to The Ilkley Shoe Company, whose duck number 076 won a £150 Ilkley Gift Card sponsored by the Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID). Owner Paul Craggs said he was delighted with the prize and plans to take his staff out for a meal in the town.

Third prize went to Ideal Extraction, of Ilkley, whose duck number 079 won a £100 Ilkley Gift Card donated by Ilkley Business Forum.

Ella Fitzpatrick of Ilkley with her 1st prize cheque for £200 (Image: submitted)

The six cash winners in the Yellow Duck Race were:

1st prize (£200): Ella Fitzpatrick, of Ilkley (duck number 4007)

2nd prize (£100): Julia Whewell, of Skipton (3422)

3rd prize (£75): John Coen, of Ilkley (3457)

4th prize (£50): Alan Coultish, of Ilkley (4500)

5th prize (£50): David Johnson, of Ilkley (4408)

6th prize (£50): Bethany Raftery, of Queensbury (2396)