Meet Wrinkle, a spirited American Pekin duck who has waddled her way into the hearts of many by participating in marathons, complete with custom-made red shoes.
Wrinkle first gained widespread attention during the 2021 New York City Marathon. Videos of her enthusiastic participation, webbed feet flapping in her distinctive red footwear, quickly went viral. Spectators and fellow runners were both amused and inspired by the sight of a duck joining the race. Comments flooded in, with many expressing delight at her unexpected appearance and praising her spirited effort.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Wrinkle made another notable appearance at the Jovia Long Island Marathon Weekend. This time, her participation was met with even greater enthusiasm. Donning her signature red shoes, Wrinkle navigated the course with determination. As she approached the finish line, she delivered an impressive burst of speed, much to the delight of onlookers. The event announcer, clearly taken by surprise, exclaimed, “I watched a duck run a race and cross the finish line,” capturing the sentiment of many in attendance.
In recognition of her participation and the joy she brought to the event, Wrinkle was awarded a shiny medal featuring the marathon’s logo. Proudly displaying her race number, 332, she posed for photos, her medal gleaming against her white feathers. The images of Wrinkle with her medal quickly spread across social media, further cementing her status as a beloved marathoner.
Born on September 9, 2020, in Louisville, Kentucky, Wrinkle was the sole survivor from a clutch of six eggs. She was adopted by circus performers Justin Wood and Joyce Kung, who initially intended to train ducks for their variety show. Early on, they noticed Wrinkle’s penchant for running. To support her unique talent and protect her feet from rough surfaces—a concern for ducks that can lead to conditions like bumblefoot—they crafted custom red shoes for her. These shoes not only serve a practical purpose but have become a part of her iconic look.
Wrinkle’s marathon appearances have done more than entertain; they’ve inspired discussions about the bond between humans and animals, the unexpected places where joy can be found, and the breaking of norms. Her participation challenges traditional views of marathon running and showcases the inclusivity of such events. Moreover, in a time when uplifting stories are cherished, Wrinkle provides a delightful distraction and a reminder of the simple joys in life.
As Wrinkle continues her adventures, many are eager to see where she’ll appear next. Her growing fan base follows her on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where updates about her training, appearances, and daily life are shared. Whether she’s painting—another of her talents—or preparing for her next race, Wrinkle embodies a spirit of adventure and joy that resonates with many.
Conclusion
Wrinkle the Duck is more than just a marathon participant; she’s a symbol of unexpected delight and the breaking of boundaries. Her story reminds us that joy can be found in the most unforeseen places and that sometimes, all it takes to uplift spirits is a duck in red shoes crossing a finish line.
