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North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run logo

North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run

Sat, Jul 18, 2026, 7:30 AM CDT

Location
Cedar Falls, IA
3200 South Main St., 50613
Type
RUN

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Embrace your inner duck at this fun, themed 5K and Kids' Fun Run, supporting North Star Community Services with a post-race Rubber Duck Splash.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
  • For a Cause

Who it's for

  • Beginner Friendly
  • Family Friendly

Great for: beginners, families

Less ideal for: walkers-only pacing

Join North Star for their fourth annual Duck Dash 5K Run/Walk, a "quack-tacular" event for all abilities. This fun, duck-themed race welcomes serious runners and walkers alike on an out-and-back course along a bike trail. The morning culminates in the Great Rubber Duck Splash fundraiser, featuring food trucks and kid activities. Embrace the playful spirit with duck-themed costumes and support North Star Community Services.

What to expect

  • A welcoming 5K run/walk for all abilities on a bike trail.
  • Enjoy a "super-ducky" Kid's Fun Run and embrace the theme with costumes.
  • Stay for the Great Rubber Duck Splash fundraiser with food trucks and activities.

Standout details

  • Duck-themed costumes encouraged
  • Great Rubber Duck Splash fundraiser
  • Kid's Fun Run
  • Participant medal for 5K

Perks & features

  • Food & Drink
  • Medal

From the public listing — confirm on the official site.

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

3 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

  • 5K

    Sat, Jul 18, 7:30 AM CDT · From $27.50

    Opens Mar 19, 2026, 6:30 AM CDT · Closes Jun 1, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT

  • 5K

    Sat, Jul 18, 7:30 AM CDT · From $38.10

    Opens Mar 19, 2026, 6:30 AM CDT · Closes Jun 1, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT

  • Kids Fun Run with t-shirt option

    Sat, Jul 18, 8:45 AM CDT · From $11.60

    Opens Mar 19, 2026, 6:30 AM CDT · Closes Jul 7, 2026, 7:59 AM CDT

Vibe Check

Steady Effort

warm-day exposure

  • Rolling area
  • Warm season

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

  • Rolling
  • Family-oriented
From the organizer

Early Bird Special!  Register by June 1st and get $5 off your 5K Run/Walk registration!

Join North Star for our fourth annual, most ducky, dare we say, most quack-tacular "Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run," happening on July 18, 2026.

The 5K Run/Walk happens in the morning, just before our Great Rubber Duck Splash, which is our rubber duck race fundraiser.  The 5K begins at 7:30 am.  On-Line registration deadline is July 15th. To guarantee a t-shirt register by July 7th.

Packet pick-up will be at North Star Community Services (3420 University Avenue, Waterloo) on Friday, July 17th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  We encourage packet pick-up on Friday, but don't worry if you can't get there, you may still pick your packet up on race day beginning at 6:30 am.

This fun event is meant for people of all abilities and fitness levels - from the serious runners to those who just want to walk.

After June 1st the cost is $30 without a t-shirt and $40 with a t-shirt (save $5 if you register before June 1st)!

The race includes a participant medal and the 5K will be timed.

Fun duck-themed costumes are welcome and encouraged

The route will begin near the Paw Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa and is an "out & back" along the great bike trail along South Main, under Greenhill Road, to the turn-around and back.

The super-ducky Kid's Fun Run will take place right after the 5K and will begin at 8:45, it will take place on the trail around The Falls Aquatic Center (one lap). The cost for the Fun Run is free or $10 with a t-shirt.  Each child will receive a participant ribbon/gift.

Following the race, plan to stop by our Great Rubber Duck Splash at The Falls, being held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.   We will have food trucks and fun kid activities.  Admission to the event is free with a minimum of one $5 duck adoption - but feel free to adopt more for more chances to win!

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