In 103 days · Sun, Jan 17, 2027
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Sunday, January 17th, 2027
1387 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester NY
5K
20–33°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 2 of the last 10 years
2026
27–36°F
dry
2025
22–34°F
dry
2024
8–18°F
dry
2023
17–42°F
dry
2022
22–30°F
rain
2021
30–40°F
dry
2020
12–20°F
dry
2019
9–25°F
dry
2018
8–22°F
dry
2017
30–45°F
rain
Best months to race in New York →
Race-day forecast says layers
20°F at the start.
Gloves, ear warmers, throwaway layers, hand warmers — delivered before race day.
About this race
🐾 Polar Cats Winter Race Series: The Bowl Series is Back! 🐾
Originally created by Bill Kehoe in the ’90s, the Polar Cats Winter Race Series returns for another fun, low-frills, low-cost winter running season around Rochester!
Each race has its own “Bowl” theme — and you can run one or all four!
🏆 Race Schedule
Race 1: Holiday Bowl 5K – December 6, 2026 | RACE 1 HERE
Race 2: Sugar Bowl 5K – January 17, 2027 | RACE 2 HERE
Race 3: Super Bowl 5K – February 14, 2027 | RACE 3 HERE
Race 4: Cereal Bowl 5K – February 28, 2027 | RACE 4 HERE
🍪 Race 2: The Sugar Bowl 5K
New Year, same you! Let’s celebrate (or recommit to) those New Year’s resolutions with this fun, mid-winter run — and then indulge in some cookies at the finish line!
📍 Location: Mendon Ponds Park
📦 Packet Pickup:
Saturday, January 16 @ Rochester Running Company – 11 AM–4 PM
Race Day (January 17) – 9-10AM at the race site
🧤 Series Registration Includes
Polar Cats Sweatpants (option to upgrade to Vuori Joggers)
Race T-shirt for the Holiday Bowl 5K (Race #1)
Entry to all four races
Post-race refreshments
Eligibility for age group and overall prizes (each race + overall series)
Keep your bib for all races, or grab a new one at packet pickup if you forget!
🏅 Awards
Top 3 male & female finishers (each race + overall series)
Age group winners (each race + overall series)
❄️ Friendly Note
Polar Cats races are traditionally scheduled opposite Freezeroo Series weekends so you can enjoy both series! (One overlap this year.)
👉 Freezeroo info: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Rochester/FreezerooSeriesIndividualRace
Course map
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Run clubs near Rochester to train with before race day.
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