Polar Plunge & Run
Polar Plunge & Run is a running race on February 20, 2027 in Kure Beach, NC, with entry fees from $25 to $35.
- Date
- February 20, 2027 (142 days to go)
- Price
- $25–$35
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
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 20, 2027
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.
Events
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
63°
Typical Low
38°
Chance of Rain
30%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Southport 5 N, 6 mi from the venue.
About Kure Beach, NC
Nearest Airport
ILM
Wilmington International Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
MYR
Myrtle Beach International Airport · 62 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Polar Plunge & Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
142
Days to train
- Race
- Polar Plunge & Run
- Date
- February 20, 2027
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About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
More Running races near Kure Beach, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Polar Plunge & Run?
When and where is the Polar Plunge & Run?
How do I register for the Polar Plunge & Run?
Polar Plunge & Run
Feb 20, 2027