Mark the Barber's Polar Run/Walk for Life

Join us on January 11, 2026 for Mark the Barber's 5K Run/Walk and 1 mile Run/Walk. This year Mark has chosen Positive Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center as the beneficiary of the proceeds from the event. Positive Alternatives offer women support and help them confirm their pregnancy. They offer free and confidential pregnancy services to help you in your pregnancy journey and beyond. They have two locations to serve you in the Thumb: Caro and Bad Axe. Sign up donate today to help this great cause in our area!

The event will be run through the streets of Sandusky and finish on the Diamond Trail. Packet pick up and awards ceremony will take place inside Maple Valley Elementary School, 138 Maple Valley St., Sandusky, MICHIGAN.

WE still have the walk only option for the 5K.  This race is for competitive walkers.

SHIRT design and order link coming soon!! Stay tuned...

NEWS: You can also order JUST a shirt!! We have lots of options for you to choose from.

For those who do not run or wish to not walk or run outside in the frigid January weather, but still want to support our Polar Run-you can order your very own shirt!

You have the choice of picking it up at the Stoliker's in Sandusky or at the Polar Run event or by having it mailed to you.
Just click on the Stoliker’s link below to order a cotton tee, long sleeve, sweatshirt or hoodie. Or a short sleeve or long sleeved Tech shirt.
The choice is yours. LINK COMING SOON.
Orders must be placed by December 31, 2025.

All participants will receive a swag bag and a finisher medal. If you register by 12-31-25 you will also get a Long Sleeve Shirt.

Age group awards will also be given out after 5K race. This is a fundraiser sponsored by Right to Life of Sanilac County to raise funds for Positive Alternatives in Bad Axe and Caro.

RACE TIME: 2:00 p.m. - 1 Mile Run/Walk and 5K Run/Walk. Starts may be staggered. Event will be timed by Miller Race Management.

REGISTRATION: Early Bird fee of $20; good through 11:59 p.m. on 11-30-25, next price is $25 per person until 11:59 p.m. on 1231-25. Then the price increases to $30 until Noon on 1-9-26. After that time it is automatically a Same Day Registration of $35. (You can pay at Event that day).

Same day registration will begin at 1:00 p.m. inside Maple Valley Elementary School.

COURSE: The 1 mile course will be on the paved Diamond Trail. The 5K course will utilize the Diamond Trail and city streets, with some dirt roads.

REFRESHMENTS: Water, Coffee and Hot Chocolate with snacks will be available at the awards ceremony.

FACILITIES: Bathrooms inside school and a Porta-John is on site near the start/finish line. Plus the NEW indoor bathroom facility should be open for use.

MORE DETAILS: Long Sleeve Shirts are only available if you register by 12-31-25. Finisher medals go to all who participate in person.

1 Mile Awards: Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female mile finishers will receive awards. No age groups. 

5K Walk Awards: Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female finishers will receive awards. No age group awards.

5K Run /Walk Awards: Age group awards will be given to the Top 3 finishers in the following age groups: 9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over

ALL AWARDS will be given after the finish of both races.
Any left over shirts will be available for purchase at Mark's Barbershop, 41 S. Elk Street in Sandusky, MI

Entry Fees: $20 By Midnight on 11/30/25; $25 By Midnight on 12/31/25; $30 By Noon on 1/10/26; 

 $35 After Noon on 1/10 and Same Day Registration at Event (can pay at Event that day).