Polar Plunge & Run

🎉 WHAT

• Run - Plunge - Or Both: Some People Are Just Worth Freezing For!
• Support: Help support local Special Olympics athletes by participating in the Polar Plunge & Run.
• Options: Choose from the 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, or take a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Encouragement: Participants are encouraged to heat up with the run/walk and cool down with the Polar Plunge.

🎶 EVENT EXPERIENCE

• Music: Live music will be part of the event.
• Vendors: Various vendors will be present.
• Food Trucks: Enjoy a selection of food trucks.
• Games: Participate in games during this one-of-a-kind special event.

📅 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 Polar Plunge & Run is fundraising.
• Fundraisers: Amazing Polar Plunge Fundraisers are the backbone of this event.
• Prizes: Prizes are available for fundraisers!
• Get Involved: To fundraise, click on Become a Fundraiser in the menu above.

👥 TEAMS

• Team Gathering: Get your team together for the 2026 Polar Plunge.
• Competition: 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. We strongly encourage you to register at home or on your phone before visiting the registration tents.
• Registration: Participants who register at the event will be asked to scan a QR Code with their phone to register digitally.

🕒 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Details: Visit the Schedule of Events by clicking HERE.

🤝 HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

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