First international duck race over Chirk Aqueduct
The Canal & River Trust is hosting the first international, cross-border duck race over Chirk Aqueduct on Sunday 22 October.
The stunning 70 feet high aqueduct, built by Thomas Telford more than 200 years ago, marks the boundary between England and Wales and is part of our impressive Llangollen Canal 11mile World Heritage Site.
Competitors do not need to register in advance but simply arrive at Chirk Basin, near Wrexham, on the day of the race from 10.30am and register their name against a duck number.
The event, jointly organised by Wrexham County Council, is free but competitors will be invited to make a donation to the Canal & River Trust, and Nightingale House Hospice, which provided the ducks.
Trust mascot Vinnie the Vole will wave off the duck race at 11.15am from the Welsh side of the aqueduct and join spectators in cheering on the ducks as they float 710 feet over the aqueduct to England, with the help of a few kayakers.
Ani Sutton, our development manager, said: “This will be a fabulous event to showcase Chirk Aqueduct and the wonderful Llangollen Canal World Heritage Site.
“Sometimes overshadowed by its more headline-grabbing neighbour, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Chirk is a stunning structure in its own right. It deserves to have a spotlight shone on it and what better way to get everyone out having some fun than to host a duck race.”
Prizes for the winners include a family ticket for the Llangollen horse-drawn boat trip and gift vouchers for the Anderton Boat Lift and local Café Wylfa. Parking at Chirk Basin is limited so visitors are asked to walk or cycle to the site and use the event as an opportunity to explore the wider World Heritage Site.
