North Star's Duck Dash 5k & Kid's Fun Run

About the Event

Early Bird Special! Register by June 1st 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!

Races Offered

5K Run/Walk

Jul 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$25.00

5K Run/Walk with t-shirt option

Jul 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$35.00

Kids Fun Run

Jul 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — Kids Fun Run

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:45

sell

$0.00

Kids Fun Run with t-shirt option

Jul 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — Kids Fun Run with t-shirt option

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:45

sell

$10.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Cedar Falls.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 18.2° / 27.7°

wb_sunny 18.6° / 29.2°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 10.3 /

water_drop 76.9%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 18.2° / 27.7°

wb_sunny 18.6° / 29.2°

air 10.3 km/h

water_drop 76.9%

About Cedar Falls

Learn more about the host city, Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls is home to University of Northern Iowa, the third-largest public university in the state of Iowa. It is part of a larger metropolitan area that also includes the cities of Waterloo, Hudson, Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, and Raymond. The Cedar River bisects the community from west to east.