Polar Plunge & Run

🏃‍♂️ WHAT

• Event: Help support local Special Olympics athletes by participating in the Polar Plunge & Run.
• Options: Choose from the 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, or by taking a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Encouragement: 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.
• Benefit: Because some people are just worth freezing for!

🎶 EVENT EXTRAS

• Entertainment: Live music, vendors, food trucks and games make this a one-of-a-kind special event not to be missed!

📅 DATE

• Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026

📍 LOCATION

• Race Start / Finish Line: 105 Atlantic Avenue, Kure Beach, NC 28449
• Polar Plunge: On the Beach, 105 Atlantic Avenue, Kure Beach, NC 28449

🅿️ PARKING

• Availability: Parking is available at any legal street parking spot in surrounding blocks.
• Fees: Parking fees may apply.

🏁 EVENTS OFFERED

• 5K: This is a timed event.
• 1 Mile: This event is not timed (PLEASE NOTE: The 1 Mile starts before the 5K at 1:00pm).
• Polar Plunge: Because some people are just worth freezing for!
• Participation: You can run or walk the 5K or 1 Mile.

💰 FUNDRAISING

• Importance: A big part of the Special Olympics Polar Plunge & Run is fundraising.
• Fundraisers: The amazing Polar Plunge Fundraisers are the backbone of this event.
• Prizes: Prizes are available for fundraisers!
• How to Fundraise: Click on Become a Fundraiser in the menu above.

👥 TEAMS

• Gather: Get your team together for the 2026 Polar Plunge.
• Incentives: Prizes are available for biggest teams and top team fundraisers.

📝 TO REGISTER

• Before the Event: Click on the Sign Up button in the top right.
• At the Event: Online registration does not close until the race starts. Register at home or on your phone before visiting the registration tents.
• QR Code: Participants who register at the event will be asked to scan a QR Code with their phone to register digitally.

📅 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• More Information: Visit the Schedule of Events by clicking HERE.

💖 HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

• Services: 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.
• Participation: In New Hanover County, more than 1000 athletes participate in Special Olympics.
• Support: The program relies solely on private and corporate support as well as the efforts of over 500 volunteers.
• Cost: All services are provided at no cost to the athletes or their families.

For more information about the event, visit the official race page: Polar Plunge & Run.