1387 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester NY
Sunday, January 18th, 2026
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, 2025 | RACE 1 HERE
- Race 2: Sugar Bowl 5K – January 18, 2025 | RACE 2 HERE
- Race 3: Super Bowl 5K – February 8, 2025 | RACE 3 HERE
- Race 4: Cereal Bowl 5K – March 1, 2025 | 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
TSE in Gates – featuring a new course!
Packet Pickup
- Saturday: January 17 @ Rochester Running Company – 11 AM–4 PM
- Race Day: January 18 – 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)
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: here.
Course Map
Suggested Races
Find The Run Newsletter