41st Annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run

Overview

Join us February 22nd 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 $45,00 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 isPr imarily 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 $45,089 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.

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.

Record Holders

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.