April 27, 2024
The Kids Duck Dash presented by OCCU, continues to grow! Over 1,500 enthusiastic ducklings were on the starting line last year. It is definitely one of our favorite parts of race weekend. As organizers of the event, we love to see all of those kids experiencing the thrill of a race, possibly for the first time. We are looking forward to growing this event to give as many kids as possible a chance to experience the fun. If you would like to see your school involved this year, please email us. We can work with schools directly to coordinate scholarships, easy registration and more.
Race Day: April 27, 2024
Start Time: 9:30 a.m.
Distance: Approximately 1 kilometer
Age: Must be between 2-12 years old on race day. Runners age 6-and-under are required to have a chaperone run with them on the course. Runners ages 7-and-up can also have a chaperone. 1 adult per child allowed on course and you only register the child.
Packet Pick-Up: Pick-up race packets at the Health and Wellness Expo on Friday or in person on the soccer field west of Hayward Field on Saturday morning. Find more information here.
What’s Included: Nike Running Shirt, DuckDash Finisher Medal, water bottle, reusable goodie bag with refueling food, free pancake breakfast, incredible course and unbeatable atmosphere!
During registration, families can choose the cost they can pay based on their personal financial situation. The Eugene Marathon does not want financial burden to be an obstacle for any child to participate; through our partnership with OCCU, we are able to offer families in need a discounted or free entry to the race. We ask families who can afford the entry fee to pay it, as the fees help us be able to provide free entry to others in need. You’ll be able to select the race entry fee you are able to pay during registration ($20, $10, or $0).
DuckDash presented by OCCU Parent Map
Step 1: Get ready to start
Head to the Start line on 15th Ave. and locate your Corral. Find the sign that corresponds with your age group: Fire Quackers (ages 10+); Quackers (ages 7-9); Waddlers (ages 6 and under, must run with adult chaperone). Direct your child to the appropriate Corral. All children running with a parent should be in the Waddlers Corral, regardless of age. There will be a staggered start with each corral starting a few minutes apart. After the start, head to the finish line through the North gates at Hayward Field.
Step 2: Crossing the finish line
As participants cross the finish line, they will continue walking forward on the track to follow the path on the track toward the tunnel. They will be escorted by volunteers off of the track and through the tunnel to Finisher Field, where they will wait at one of the four color-coded towers that correspond with the color of their bib. Along the way, all participants will receive their finisher medals, water bottle and race bag. Kids who run with an adult will also exit through the tunnel onto Finisher Field.
Step 3: Parent Reunion Area
Parents can watch their kids cross the finish line and receive their finisher medal on the track. As kids go through the tunnel, parents can make their way up to the concourse, then go down the staircase to Finisher Field. The staircase is located just behind Sections 120-121. Locate the specific color tower that matches your child's bib to reunify with your child. Parents will not be able to get onto the track from the stands. If you cannot locate your child, go to the information desk located on the concourse.
DuckDash presented by OCCU Activity Tracker
Train for the DuckDash presented by OCCU and track your progress! Download and print the DuckDash presented by OCCU Activity Tracker below - every time you complete an activity, cross off that number. Soon you’ll be finishing your last activity in the Footsteps of Legends inside Hayward Field at the University of Oregon!
Kids Duck Dash presented by occu Benefits Casa
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) provides a powerful voice for abused and neglected children in Lane County. Every day, judges decide the futures of foster children in a court system that is too overburdened to focus adequately on the needs of each child. CASA trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for these children and help to move them as quickly as possible into safe, permanent homes. Learn more about the great work they are doing!
The Eugene Marathon and OCCU Foundation have teamed up to offer special capes available for purchase for $5 during registration (or at the expo). Sales from these capes benefit CASA, and all the important work they do! Your Duck can proudly wear their cape on Race Day!
