The Amazing
Duck Race
Join us for a fun-filled day as we watch almost 3000 yellow ducks float down the canal to raise funds for our school.
Awesome prizes, yummy food, essential coffee,
face painting and tattoos, a tuckshop, and even
jumping castles!
Don't miss out on this exciting event! Bring your family and friends to support this great cause.
2026 COMING SOON
Duck Hunt @ 9:00am
Duck Race @ 11:00am
La Gratitude Pre Primary School,
14 La Gratitude, Pinelands
The main event will take place on our school grounds with the race being at / in the canal parallel to Pinehurst Primary.
Last year, the 2025 Duck race was once again proudly sponsored by
The Crazy Store and Cure Day Hospitals
Hey, you never know what you might win... in one day!
About The Duck Race
How the Duck Race started:
Mrs Renée Meissner
Principal 2000 - 2021
“It started with my husband seeing a sign for a Duck Race at Canal Walk in about 2000, and he said “What a crazy place to have it - the river doesn’t flow. This sort of thing should be done with the canal at Pinelands. Maybe we should do something there.” So that started in 2001. We thought we were so amazing to have sold about 100 ducks in that first year, at R5 per duck; and now we sell over 2000 ducks most years, at R20 a duck. The race has also grown from one little race, to four races – pupils, public, corporates and Pinelands schools. In 2001, there was also no market, only the race, it then grew into the market to attract more of the community spirit and feel. In doing so, we really have been so proud of some businesses that have supported us over the years, particularly the Crazy Store that came on board over the last few years.”
…and now:
Mrs Samantha Anderson
Current Principal
After taking a little break in 2020 (for obvious reasons!), we were thrilled to bring back our much-loved Duck Race in 2021—with a few extra surprises! One of our favourite additions is the Duck Hunt, which takes place before the big race. Grab a map, follow the trail past La Gratitude and along the canal, and keep your eyes peeled as you search for hidden ducks along the way—it’s an adventure for all ages!
Giving back remains at the heart of what we do. Each year, a portion of the proceeds from our Duck Race goes towards supporting a school in need. In recent years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Eagle’s Nest Christian School in Wallacedene, where we support their Grade R class.