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)! Th
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Cedar Falls, IA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
North Star’s Duck Dash 5k & Kid’s Fun Run 2026 — Cedar Falls, IA
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for July 18.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Cedar Falls, IA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs