WARREN, Conn.—The leaves have barely turned to reds and oranges and yellow, but registration for the Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run, an annual Connecticut running tradition, will open on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m.
Slated for Sunday, Feb. 28, the Polar Bear Run features a 7.8-mile course that travels counterclockwise along the shoreline of the glacial lake, passing through the towns of Washington, Warren and Kent.
Organized by Kent-based performance running gear brand TrailHeads, the primarily flat course includes gently rolling hills before delivering its final challenge: a demanding ascent up Hopkins Hill to the finish line at Hopkins Vineyard.
The race begins at 11 a.m., with an early start for walkers at 10:15 a.m. Runners come from all over Connecticut, and more than 10 other states each year, to be part of this longstanding winter tradition.
“Supporting Guiding Eyes for the Blind is at the heart of the Polar Bear Run, and we’re incredibly proud of what this community has accomplished together. Since 2018, runners, walkers and volunteers have helped us raise more than $57,000 to support Guiding Eyes’ mission of providing guide dogs to people experiencing vision loss,” said TrailHeads co-founder Stephanie Raftery.
“With this year being TrailHeads 25th anniversary,” added TrailHeads co-founder Ed Raftery, “we are excited to celebrate this milestone by offering a $250 “Bear Bonus” to the first male and female finishers if they break the course records.”
Other prizes for the winners include TrailHeads gift cards, bottles of Hopkins Vineyard wine and a stay at the Kent Collection, which offers luxurious boutique lodging at its three properties in the village of Kent.
Since 2018, the event has partnered with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization that trains guide dogs to partner with people experiencing vision loss.
The event is supported by volunteers from many community organizations. The Kent Lions Club plays a key role by providing financial support as well as volunteers.
The Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit winter running event organized and sponsored by TrailHeads. Since 2018, the event has raised more than $57,000 for the organization. Runners can register at www.lakewaramaugpolarbearrun.com.
