This Duck Ran a Marathon and Won a Medal
If you think Wrinkle the Duck is just another backyard bird, your intuition will fail you the moment you see her jogging beside marathon runners in her tiny red sneakers and crossing marathon finish lines. She’s not part of a gag or halftime act; she’s a registered racer with her own bib number, finish times, and a loyal crowd that shows up just to cheer her on.
At the Jovia Long Island Marathon, Wrinkle earned an official medal after crossing the finish line like she belonged there. Cameras flashed, runners applauded, and she stood calm and unbothered, soaking up the moment. What began as a viral clip has grown into something lasting.
Started off by Running in Public Marathons
Wrinkle first caught attention when she ran in the New York City Marathon. That race introduced the internet to a duck who could run in organized events without being carried, propped up, or guided every step of the way. She participated in the event as an independent competitor, equipped with custom-made red duck shoes. Those allowed her to handle pavement and maintain a natural stride. Her performance gained immediate online interest, as people shared videos of her waddling down the course, as she looked completely focused.
While she didn’t receive a finishers’ prize in that first race, her participation alone was enough to spark widespread interest. She quickly became known as “the marathon duck” and started building a fanbase through social media accounts dedicated to documenting her appearances and training moments. That early exposure set the stage for her next big event, where things took a more official turn.
She Competed at the Jovia Long Island Marathon Weekend
At the Jovia Long Island Marathon Weekend, Wrinkle returned to racing. She had a clear role as a guest runner and wore bib number 332. Unlike in her previous run, this time she was formally recognized for her participation. Her arrival was planned, and she moved through the course confidently. When she crossed the finish line, the announcer confirmed what everyone had just seen: a duck had successfully completed the race.
The crowd responded with applause and cheers, not just as a spectacle but as support for a runner who had earned her place. Near the end of the run, she even added a final burst of speed. This quick sprint highlighted the fact that she wasn’t just strolling or being led, but she was actually running. That effort earned her a medal, stamped with the event logo and given in front of spectators who stayed to watch her finish.
Wrinkle Has a Real Fanbase That Follows Her Races
Image via Pexels/Jessa Leigh
Wrinkle’s popularity doesn’t end at the finish line. Her marathon performances often get shared widely, and her win became another moment that got picked up across platforms. On social media, users commented on everything from her shoes to her speed and noted how serious she looked during the sprint. Her handlers post consistent updates and keep the tone light without turning her into a cartoon.
Meanwhile, fans treat the duck like a participant who has earned their respect, and they show up online to support her every time she hits the road.