In Richmond, there are two major types of race fans -- those who flock to Colonial Downs to partake in gambling on thoroughbreds and those who race over to Richmond International Raceway for fast cars, "sponsor-thanking" drivers and a little Gordon/Earnhardt bashing. 

This weekend, however, the most rewarding yet slowest race in Richmond is back for its 19th year. And by rewarding, we aren't just talking about the prizes. Richmonders and their families are invited to head down to Brown's Island on Saturday, July 26 to enjoy the annual Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Richmond & the Tri-Cities Duck Race. 

"Our organization was looking for an event to raise funds and awareness about [Big Brothers, Big Sisters] and we stumbled upon this concept that has been done throughout the United States," said Sandy Milliken, executive director of BBBS of Greater Richmond & the Tri-Cities. 

"You can always tell when people have lived here for a while, because the event used to be called the 'Duck Race on the James.' But now it is officially known as the 'Big Brothers, Big Sisters Duck Race.'" 

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with a free children's festival including clowns and jugglers, face painting and storytellers as well as inflatable castles and other family friendly activities. Food vendors will also be available to fill hungry tummies. 

And as far as the race is concerned -- when was the last time you saw 17,000 rubber duckies splash into the canal from the top of a crane all at once? That's what we thought. 

"People can still purchase ducks, but they are going fast this year, so I encourage people to enter soon," Milliken said. "We think it has something to do with the grand prize." 

Remember those rewards?  The individual whose duck is the first to finish the race, after "swimming" the distance between the drop-off at Haxall Point to the finish line just under the pedestrian bridge that leads to Browns Island, will win a brand-new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300, courtesy of Greater Richmond Mercedes-Benz Dealers. 

But don't be discouraged if your duck falls a little short. Second through tenth place offers a few pretty handsome rewards as well, including a 50-inch Samsung HDTV for second, a sterling silver necklace from Steven's Jewelers for seventh and an iPod Shuffle for ninth. 

Richmonders can choose to enter anywhere between one and 50 ducks in the race. Place your bets on one for $6 or two for $10. If you want to increase your chances, you can also enter five and receive one souvenir duck for $25, enter 10 and receive a T-shirt for $50 or enter 25 for $125 and also receive a T-shirt and your name in the program. For the maximum chance of driving away from the race in a fast new Mercedes, you can spend $250 to enter 50 ducks, receive a T-shirt, get your name mentioned in the program and recieve VIP passes for the event. 

"These proceeds will allow us to manage at least 100 more children this year," Milliken said. "Even though volunteers are the heart of our organization, it still costs a little over $1,100 per year, per match relationship to ensure high quality mentoring. So it is through these funds that we're able to increase the number of children we serve." 

• The 19th annual Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Richmond & the Tri-Cities Duck Race will be held on Saturday, July 26 at Brown's Island. The festival will open at 11 a.m. with the Duck Race beginning at 3 p.m. Winners will be announced between 3:45 and 4 p.m. Parking is free. To purchase a duck (or ducks) for the race or for more information, call Amy Figard at (804) 261-4940 ext 19 or visit bigbrobigsis.com.