Organized by Try Events, the Rubber Ducky Race takes place in Burnaby in October. There are three different runs on the same day including a half marathon.

In 2025 the Rubber Ducky Race happens on Sunday, October 19th.

Other fall events in the same series include the Boundary Bay Marathon (on November 2nd) and Vancouver Historic Half (on November 30th). Both of them are also great events and popular with runners.

Visit TryEvents.ca for full details and to register.

This article includes the following information about the Rubber Ducky Race:

When and Where? | Registration Prices | Other Details | Video | Other Information

Rubber Ducky Race at Burnaby Lake Park — Rubber Ducky Race in Burnaby

Rubber Ducky Race in Burnaby

The Rubber Ducky Race is an annual event held in the City of Burnaby. The event features three main races catering to three different levels of runners. There’s a 5 km race, a 7 mile (or 11 km) race and a half marathon (which is 21 kms long). All three races happen at the same location each year, but with slightly different start times.

The Rubber Ducky Race is a timed run, meaning all runners clock their time using a borrowed time tag. Participants attach the small square tag to their shoelaces before starting their run. The tag tracks how long each person takes to complete their run, and everyone returns their tag at the end of the race. There are awards for the top three fastest times in each race.

The route takes runners along a public trail around Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Most of the ground is firm and tightly packed. That said, it’s not a completely flat trail. There are various slight elevation changes that test the strength and stamina of everyone. A couple of water stations are set up along the route to keep runners hydrated.

The Rubber Ducky Race is one of several runs hosted by Try Events. The organization works with Metro Vancouver communities and supports local charities. Try Events races are popular and fun for the whole family.

Other races in the series include the Chilly Chase in January, Fort Langley Historic Half in February and both the Vancouver Chocolate Run and Shamrock ‘N Race in March. There are also the Boundary Bay Marathon and Vancouver Historic Half events in November.

To register and for the event’s official website visit TryEvents.ca.

When and Where?

This year, the Rubber Ducky Race takes place on Sunday, October 19th.

Warm-up typically begins at 8:45 am, so most runners arrive before that time. The races start one after the other beginning at 9:00 am and the course remains open until noon.

All the runs happen around Burnaby Lake Park. The scenic trail offers calming views of the water and the chance to see wildlife. The route also goes through both forest and open areas. Participants get to exercise outdoors and take in all the natural beauty the region has to offer.

The Rubber Ducky Race starts and finishes at the corner of Joe Sakic Way and Sperling Avenue. The nearest parking lot is along Sperling Avenue between Joe Sakic Way and Sprott Street in Burnaby.

To get to the venue from the Trans-Canada Highway, turn north onto Kensington Avenue, then turn right on Sprott Street (just before the CG Brown Memorial Pool and Bill Copeland Sports Centre). If you miss the turnoff you can also turn right on Joe Sakic Way at the end of the Sports Centre complex and then head down Sperling.

Registration Prices

The cost to participate in the Rubber Ducky Race varies depending on the distance you choose to run and how early you register. The earlier in advance you book, the more you save. Price ranges for 2025 are below.

5 km – $50 to $65
7 mile – $55 to $70
Half marathon – $65 to $80

Registration includes some bonus swag items. Everyone who finishes their race gets a special medal with a duck design. Those who run and finish the half marathon get the most goodies.

To register and for the event’s official website visit TryEvents.ca.

Other Rubber Ducky Race Details

The event’s charitable partner in 2025 is Charlford House which is a supportive treatment facility for women recovering from substance addiction. Donations to the organization are greatly appreciated.

At the event there is usually a bag drop off station where you can leave your bags and extra clothes. This is a great service because you’ll want to dress warm first thing in the morning but won’t want to run in all your clothes.

Rubber Ducky Race Video

For an idea of what the Rubber Ducky Race looks like at the starting line on the day of the race, watch the following short video. It shows scenes of the start of the race from a past year. As you’ll see, there is a warmup before the run begins. Shortly thereafter, the runners are off on their run around the lake.

Other Information

For more information about the race in Burnaby, visit the official Rubber Ducky Race page.

Another run in the Try Events series that also takes place at Burnaby Lake Regional Park is the Shamrock ‘N Race which happens around St. Patrick’s Day in March.

To learn more about similar events hosted by the same organization check out our article about Try Events or visit the TryEvents.ca website.

Other articles that might be of interest include the following: