North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run
- Date
- July 18, 2026
- Distance
- 5K Run/Walk · 5K Run/Walk with t-shirt option · Kids Fun Run & more
From the Organizer
Early Bird Special! Register by June 10th 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!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
85°
Typical Low
64°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Waterloo Muni Ap, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Cedar Falls, IA
Population
66,947
as of 2023
Elevation
859 ft
Nearest Airport
ALO
Waterloo Regional Airport · 4 mi
Major Hub
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 93 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
40
Days to train
- Race
- North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run
- Date
- July 18, 2026
Coming Up
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run?
- North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run is a running race held in Cedar Falls, Iowa on July 18, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run?
- Saturday, July 18, 2026 in Cedar Falls, Iowa at 3200 South Main St., Cedar Falls, IA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run
Jul 18, 2026