Polar Plunge & Run

Polar Plunge & Run Race Information

<p><b><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#e03e2d">WHAT</span><br /></span></b><span style="color:#236fa1"><b><span style="color:#000000">RUN - PLUNGE - OR BOTH</span></b><br /><br /><i><b><span style="color:#000000">Some People Are Just Worth Freezing For!</span></b></i><br /><span style="color:#000000">Help support local Special Olympics athletes by participating in the Polar Plunge &amp; Run.  <br />Choose from the 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, or by taking a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. Run for a great cause on a great 5K course open to all ages and skill levels. Race participants will not be required to plunge, but are encouraged to heat up with the run/walk and cool down with the Polar Plunge – because some people are just worth freezing for! </span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#000000">Live music, vendors, food trucks and games make this a one-of-a-kind special event not to be missed!</span></span><b><span style="color:#236fa1"><br /></span></b></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#000000"><b><span style="color:#236fa1"><br /><span style="color:#e03e2d">DATE</span></span></b><br />Saturday, February 21, 2026</span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#000000"><b><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#e03e2d"><br />LOCATION</span></span></b><br /><b><span style="color:#7e8c8d">Race Start / Finish Line</span></b><br />105 Atlantic Avenue<br />Kure Beach, NC  28449<br /><br /></span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#000000"><b><span style="color:#7e8c8d">Polar Plunge</span></b><br />On the Beach<br />105 Atlantic Avenue<br />Kure Beach, NC 28449</span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#000000"><br /><span style="color:#e03e2d"><b>PARKING</b></span><br />Parking is available at any legal street parking spot in surrounding blocks. Parking fees may apply.</span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#000000"><b><span style="color:#236fa1"><br /><span style="color:#e03e2d">EVENTS OFFERED</span></span></b><br />5K - This is a timed event<br />1 Mile - This event is not timed <span style="color:rgb( 126 , 140 , 141 )"><strong>(PLEASE NOTE: The 1 Mile starts before the 5K at 1:00pm)</strong></span><br />Polar Plunge -- Because some people are just worth freezing for!<br />*You can run or walk the 5K or 1 Mile.</span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#000000"><b><span style="color:#236fa1"><br /><span style="color:#e03e2d">FUNDRAISING</span></span></b><br />A big part of the Special Olympics Polar Plunge &amp; Run is fundraising.  The amazing Polar Plunge Fundraisers are the backbone of this event. Prizes are available for fundraisers! To fundraise, click on Become a Fundraiser in the menu above.</span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="color:#e03e2d"><b><br />TEAMS</b></span><br /></span></span><span style="color:#000000">Get your team together for the 2026 Polar Plunge. Prizes are available for biggest teams and top team fundraisers.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#236fa1"><b><br /><span style="color:#e03e2d">TO REGISTER</span></b></span><br /><b>How to Register Before the Event:</b>  Click on the Sign Up button in the top right<br /><b>How to Register At the Event:</b>  Online registration does not close until the race starts.  We strongly encourage you to register at home or on your phone before visiting the registration tents.  Participants who register at the event will be asked to scan a QR Code with their phone to register digitally.</p> <p><b><span style="color:#236fa1"><br /><span style="color:#e03e2d">SCHEDULE OF EVENTS</span></span></b><br />Visit the Schedule of Events by clicking <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/PolarPlungeNC/Page-1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">HERE</a></p> <p><b><span style="color:#236fa1"><br /><span style="color:#e03e2d">HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE</span></span></b><br />Special Olympics New Hanover County provides year-round sports training, competition, social events, and Summer Camp for individuals eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities.</p> <p>In New Hanover County, more than 1000 athletes participate in Special Olympics. The program relies solely on private and corporate support as well as the efforts of over 500 volunteers to provide these services at no cost to the athletes or their families.</p> <p> </p>