Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development's 36th annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival will return this September, but with a few changes.
The titular rubber duckies won't race down the Conestoga River this year, organizers said, though they will remain part of the fundraiser.
"As we embrace more environmentally friendly practices, rest assured, while our rubber duckies won't be taking a dip in the Conestoga River this year, the opportunity to adopt them and support our cause remain," reads a news release from the center.
The event will move from Lancaster County Central Park to the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, located at 625 Community Way in Lancaster. This year's event is planned from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8.
New this year is the Duckie Dash, a one-mile race open to runners of all abilities ages 13 and older.
There will also be a Duckie Dash Replay option, where teams of four will each complete a quarter-mile leg of the race, and the Duckling Dash, a 100-meter sprint for kids.
"Our Duckie Dash isn't just a race, it's a celebration of community, inclusion, and the potential of every individual," says James DeBord, president at the Schreiber Center. "Whether you're competing for first place or cheering from the sidelines, every step you take at this year’s Duckie Race & Festival supports our mission to empower #SchreiberKids to thrive."
Registration for the races will open May 24, with early-bird discounts available until Aug. 1. Those who register during the early bird period will receive a commemorative race T-shirt.
Schreiber Pediatric offers outpatient physical, occupational and speech-language therapy to children with disabilities. The center sees 4,000 children every year.
For more information, to register for a race or to adopt a duckie, visit schreiberpediatric.org.
