Overview
Join us February 23rd 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 $34,800 to date and we're running towards our next milestone of surpassing $40,000 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.
***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 $34,849 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.
Friday Race Number Pick Up
Skip the line on race day morning and come pick up your number at Hopkins Vineyard on Friday February 21st from 1-7 PM.
It's the perfect opportunity to sample some of Hopkins delicious wine with your fellow runners and to learn more about our beneficiary!
Representatives and service dogs from Guiding Eyes for the Blind will be on hand to share details about their program.
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
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!
History
Much like the Lake itself, the Race has an interesting history. The Race's origin can be traced back to the running boom that swept the country in the seventies. The Woodbury, CT based Tin Man Athletic Club staged the initial running around the frozen lake in 1980. Lead Pack Sports took over organizational efforts and they were followed by the Bethel Bananas Running Club in 1986.
From 1987-1991 what had been the area's only winter running race went into hibernation and the race was not held for 5 years. In 1991, Wallie Jahn opened a retail store for runners, Road & Track Sports, and in response to strong interest from the local running community, he resurrected the Race in 1992 with the help of the Lake Waramaug Country Club.
After Jahn fell ill, Dave Dunleavy stepped up to help manage the Race in 2012. A long time Kent resident and running enthusiast, Dunleavy continued to build on the tradition that has made the Polar Bear Run a favorite of area runners. In 2018, Dunleavy handed off the race organizing responsibilities to Stephanie and Ed Raftery, co-founders of TrailHeads, a Kent, CT based online retailer of gloves, hats, headbands and related accessories for running and outdoor enthusiasts. 2018 also marked the start of a partnership with Guiding Eyes for the Blind as the event's charitable beneficiary.
In 2023 the start / finish of the race was relocated to Hopkins Vineyard, adding the challenge of Hopkins Hill and lengthening the race from 7.6 to 7.8 miles.
The record holders for the original 7.6 mile distance are: Men's Record Holder: Elijah Kitur / 38:07 (1998) Women's Record Holder: Anne Hird / 43:34 (1983)
The current record holders for the 7.8 mile distance are: Men's Record Holder: William Sanders / 40:48 (2024). Women's Record Holder: Andrea Myers / 49:51 (2023)
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
Any Questions? Contact Us!
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