Polar Plunge & Run

Polar Plunge & Run

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Kure Beach Pavillion | Kure Beach, NC

Choose from the 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, or take a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. Race participants are not required to plunge but are encouraged to heat up with the run/walk and cool down with the Polar Plunge. Live music, vendors, food trucks and games make this a one-of-a-kind special event.

Schedule of Events

• The 1 Mile starts at 1:00pm.
• The 5K starts at 1:30pm.

Race Swag

Shirt: Register by January 20, 2026, to guarantee your Polar Plunge Shirt. You must get your shirt at packet pick up or race day. Those who register after January 20th can choose from remaining sizes while supplies last.

Finisher Medal: 5K and 1 Miler Finishers will get a finisher medal.

The Course

Kure Beach Pavillion
105 Atlantic Avenue
Kure Beach, NC 28449

Run Kure Beach from the boardwalk through neighborhoods and parks. This flat race course is a great opportunity to get a new Personal Record. The course is stroller, wheelchair and dog friendly.

Awards

5K Awards: Top 3 Overall, Male & Female; Top 3 Male/Female in Age Groups: 10 & Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

All 1 Mile and 5K Finishers receive a finisher medal.

The Cause

Special Olympics New Hanover County provides year-round sports training in 27 sports, competition, social events and more for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In New Hanover County, over 1000 athletes participate in Special Olympics. Our program relies solely on private and corporate support as well as the efforts of over 400 volunteers to provide these services at no cost to the athletes or their families.

Events Offered

• 5K - This is a timed event
• 1 Mile - This event is not timed
• Polar Plunge

You can run or walk the 5K or 1 Mile.