They're blue. They're plastic. They're Ducks. And 250-thousand of them swam a frantic race downstream along London's River Thames. Olympic gold medallist Andy Hodge served as the official starter for the Great British Duck Race.

Hundreds of thousands of bright blue rubber ducks floated along the River Thames through London, Sunday.

Hundreds of thousands of bright blue rubber ducks floated along the River Thames through London, Sunday.

The "Great British Duck Race" played out over a one kilometre stretch of water near Hampton Court Palace. The race is a charity event that raises funds for nearly 450 organizations in the U.K..

Official starter, Olympic rowing gold medallist Andy Hodge helped to add a little sparkle to the event.

Spectators braved continual rain - watching as oarsmen on kayaks paddled through the throng of ducks.

An investment of two pounds, buys an entry in the race. The donor who backs the first duck across the finish line takes away the first prize of 10,000 Sterling.

(CCTV September 3, 2008)