Rubber Duck Race Down Hillsborough River Benefits Kids' Charities

TAMPA, FL — Boaters on the Hillsborough River April 9 should take care. They could find themselves overtaken by an army of 7,000 to 10,000 yellow rubber ducks as the Kiwanis Club of Tampa hosts its annual Incredible Duck Race.

In what's become a Tampa tradition, the club will release more than 7,000 ducks into the Hillsborough River at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park as thousands of residents watch to see if the duck they sponsored is one of the first three to cross the finish line, earning them cash prizes.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The ducks will be released at noon.

While waiting for the ducks to float to the finish line, attendees will be treated to family activities, food and music.

The first duck crossing the finish line will earn its sponsor $5,000; the second $1,000 and the third $500.

The ducks can be adopted by any member of the public for $5 by clicking here. A Quack Pack of five ducks is $20; a Quacker's Dozen is $100; and Flock of Ducks (25) is $100.

To date, 4,276 have been adopted.

All proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club of Tampa charitable foundation.

The Kiwanis Club of Tampa has been helping children in the community since 1919, including providing scholarships, hosting immunization events, building accessibility ramps, sponsoring leadership clubs and building reading rooms in Boys & Girls Club.

Additionally, the foundation donated about $50,000 in grants to nonprofits that serve children in Hillsborough County.