Mayor of Whittlesey’s annual duck race still produces the thrills and spills amid coronavirus pandemic

The ninth annual mayor of Whittlesey's duck race still took place, but in unusual surroundings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: RWT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Archant)

It is a race that usually attracts hundreds of spectators along the Bower, but this year, there were only three entrants for the ninth annual event held at at secret location on Easter Monday.

Although no money was raised for mayor Cllr Julie Windle’s three chosen charities the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall, the Whittlesey Army Cadets and the Young Technicians, social media users were invited to guess the winning time over the 22-metre course.

With commentary and footage provided by RWT Photography, including his very own ‘duck cam’, it was a close contest with the small duck overcoming all obstacles such as a makeshift crocodile to surge to victory in a time of four minutes and 14 seconds.

Kian Massingham (four minutes and 13 seconds) and Matilda-Rae Rogers (four minutes and 15 seconds), both aged five, finished joint-winners and will receive a donated prize from the mayor.

The ninth annual mayor of Whittlesey's duck race still took place, but in unusual surroundings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: RWT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Archant)

FULL RESULTS

Joint 3rd - Phoebe Glennister and Mason Barber (4m 16s).

5th - Lottie Rippon Phillips (4m 12s)

Whittlesey duck race. Picture; RJW photography (Image: Archant)

6th - Chloe Harrison (4m 11s)

7th- Max Beckett (4m 17s)

8th - Lucy Jakes, Charles Mcfarling, Ethan Hales, Clare King, Oliver Denman (4m 10s).

Whittlesey duck race. Picture; RJW photography (Image: Archant)