Overview
Join us February 28th for an epic 7.8 mile loop of picturesque Lake Waramaug - this annual winter tradition attracts hundreds of area runners. The Run starts at 11 am.
Powered by a team of more than 75 volunteers, we're committed to delivering a fantastic experience for all participants and to raising both awareness and money for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. We've donated over $57,00 to date and we're running towards our next milestone of surpassing $100,000 in total donations.
The scenic course travels counterclockwise along the shoreline of the glacial lake while passing through Washington, Warren and Kent. The route is primarily flat with a few gentle rolling hills. The final .2 miles provides a true test for all as runners ascend the unforgiving Hopkins Hill to the finish line at Hopkins Vineyard.
The top three male and female finishers receive prizes. First place overall wins a $100 TrailHeads gift card and a bottle of wine from Hopkins Vineyard. Age Group Awards are presented for the top 3 in each category:
18 & under / 19-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60-69 / 70& over
Polar Bear Run, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible.
Walkers will have the option of an early start at 10:15 am; to partake please arrive at the start/finish line by 10:00 am.
***Be Sure to Sign Up Early - The Race is limited to 700 participants***
Beneficiary
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an organization that trains guide dogs to partner with blind or visually impaired people. The Run has raised $57,330 for Guiding Eyes for the Blind since 2018. Trainers and guide dogs in training have attended the race to meet and support the runners and trainers and guide dogs from the Running Guides Program have run and completed the race as part of their training. Learn more about Guiding Eyes for the Blind here.
Help us support Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Click here to donate
Course Map
Directions to 25 Hopkins Rd, Warren, CT 06777:
From the South:: Head north on Route 202, take a left onto Route 45. Continue on 45 straight through the stop sign. Turn left onto Curtiss Road. Turn left onto Hopkins Vineyard Rd. Parking will be on the left. Registration takes place at Hopkins Vineyard.
From the North: Head south on Route 202, take a right onto Route 45 and follow same directions as above.
A note regarding parking: Parking is available in several lots near the intersection of North Shore Rd and Hopkins Rd. Please consider carpooling with your fellow runners.
Awards
Get ready to race for the record!
To celebrate TrailHeads 25th Anniversary in business we’re offering a $250 “Bear Bonus” to the top male and female finishers of the 42nd Annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run – if they can break the current course records!
And regardless of whether you break the record when you break the tape, the first place finishers will be taking home some awesome race prizes.
- Overnight stay at The Victorian by The Kent Collection; enjoy luxurious boutique lodging in the heart of Kent, CT.
- $100 TrailHeads gift card
- TrailHeads tote bag
- A bottle of Hopkins Vineyard wine
- Custom Ragged Cuts wooden race medal
- Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run performance running socks
- Polar Bear Run Coaster
- Polar Bear Plushie
- A cozy Guiding Eyes for the Blind blanket
- Popcorn from Lesser Evil
- Beverages from Athletic Brewing Co.
- $20 gift card from Kent Falls Brewing Co.
Select race prizes will also be handed out to the top 3 age group winners in the following categories: 18 & under / 19-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60-69 / 70& over
Good luck everyone!
Friday Race Number Pick Up
Skip the line on race day morning and come pick up your number at Hopkins Vineyard on Friday February 26th from 3-7 PM.
It's the perfect opportunity to sample some of Hopkins delicious wine with your fellow runners and to learn more about our beneficiary!
TrailHeads will be hosting several prize giveaways for runners who attend.
Number pick up will also be available Race Day at Hopkins Vineyard, beginning at 9:30 AM
Commemorative TrailHeads Hat
The first 600 registrants will receive a FREE commemorative Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run Cap from TrailHeads.
Unable to attend?
If you don't plan on running or are unable to attend this year, you can donate directly to Guiding Eyes for the Blind!
Post Polar Beer
After you've conquered the course and enjoyed the post run festivities at Hopkins Vineyard, join us for the Post Polar Beer hosted by Kent Falls Brewing Company.
The Brewery is a 10 minute drive from the start/finish line. Located on a 50 acre farm, the Brewery's Tasting Room is in what was the old dairy barn. Runners can kick back and relax in the tasting room and enjoy flights of the latest beer releases in this truly unique setting.
Raise a well deserved glass and feel great knowing that your participation helps to generate thousands of dollars to support the amazing work being done by Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Located at 33 Camps Rd Kent, CT 06757 (860) 398-9645
Polar Bear Merch
