Polar Plunge & Run

WHAT
RUN - PLUNGE - OR BOTH

Some People Are Just Worth Freezing For!
Help support local Special Olympics athletes by participating in the Polar Plunge & Run. 
Choose from the 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, or by taking a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. Run for a great cause on a great 5K course open to all ages and skill levels. Race participants will not be required to plunge, but are encouraged to heat up with the run/walk and cool down with the Polar Plunge – because some people are just worth freezing for!

Live music, vendors, food trucks and games make this a one-of-a-kind special event not to be missed!

DATE
Saturday, February 21, 2026

LOCATION
Race Start / Finish Line
105 Atlantic Avenue
Kure Beach, NC  28449

Polar Plunge
On the Beach
105 Atlantic Avenue
Kure Beach, NC 28449

PARKING
Parking is available at any legal street parking spot in surrounding blocks. Parking fees may apply.

EVENTS OFFERED
5K - This is a timed event
1 Mile - This event is not timed (PLEASE NOTE: The 1 Mile starts before the 5K at 1:00pm)
Polar Plunge -- Because some people are just worth freezing for!
*You can run or walk the 5K or 1 Mile.

FUNDRAISING
A big part of the Special Olympics Polar Plunge & Run is fundraising.  The amazing Polar Plunge Fundraisers are the backbone of this event. Prizes are available for fundraisers! To fundraise, click on Become a Fundraiser in the menu above.

TEAMS
Get your team together for the 2026 Polar Plunge. Prizes are available for biggest teams and top team fundraisers.

TO REGISTER
How to Register Before the Event:  Click on the Sign Up button in the top right
How to Register At the Event:  Online registration does not close until the race starts.  We strongly encourage you to register at home or on your phone before visiting the registration tents.  Participants who register at the event will be asked to scan a QR Code with their phone to register digitally.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Visit the Schedule of Events by clicking HERE

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Special Olympics New Hanover County provides year-round sports training, competition, social events, and Summer Camp for individuals eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities.

In New Hanover County, more than 1000 athletes participate in Special Olympics. The program relies solely on private and corporate support as well as the efforts of over 500 volunteers to provide these services at no cost to the athletes or their families.