More than 500 are expected to return to the park and take a frigid dip in Kentucky Lake. The Plunge works just like a walkathon, with Polar Bears raising a “bear” minimum of $75 ($50 for Junior Polar Bears, those between the ages of six and 18) to earn the right to plunge. Every Polar Bear receives an official Polar Plunge T-shirt and Polar Bear Club Certificate, but participants who raise more money can earn even better rewards.
New this year is the Polar Triple Crown Challenge: 1) Polar 5k at 9:00 am, 2) the traditional “Jump-In” from a dock at 10:45 am, and 3) a NEW “Run-In” from the old beach area. As always, participants can choose to do just one of the events.
There will be prizes given for top fundraising individuals and top fundraising groups. There will also be the annual costume contest, which is always one of the highlights of one of the craziest events of the winter.
People who want to support the Polar Plunge, but not jump or run can register as “Too Chicken to Plunge” and raise money. They receive a special Too Chicken to Plunge t-shirt and are eligible for all other fundraising prizes.
Events begin on Friday, February 17, with Polar Plunge 5K packet pick up and Polar Plunge Early Check-In from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center. Participants can turn in all remaining money, get their number and/or wristband they will need to participate on Saturday and pick up their T-shirt and select other fundraising prizes while avoiding lines on Plunge day.
Polar Plunge 5k Race Day check-in will be from 7:30-8:45 am, with the run starting at 9 am. Polar Plunge check-in opens from 9-10:45 am with opening ceremonies and costume contest from 10:45 am until 11:30 am. The Plunge begins at approximately 11:30 and should run until about 1 pm.
The Western Kentucky Polar Plunge is one of five that will be held statewide this year. Other events will take place in Lake Cumberland, Lexington, Louisville and Northern Kentucky (Bellevue). Last year, the Western KY Polar Plunge raised over $99,000.
All funds raised by the Polar Plunge go to support the more than 7,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics programs in Kentucky and the more than 2,000 volunteers who help run those programs statewide. Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
For more information about the Polar Plunge, contact Laura Miller, West Regional Director, at 270-293-9054 or via e-mail at lmiller@soky.org, or visit www.kentuckyplunge.com.
On the Net:
Polar Plunge website
