Location: Okemos, Michigan
If jumping into freezing cold water in the middle of winter is not your thing, a Polar Bear 5K might be what you are looking for to get outside and enjoy the winter.
Hosted by Meridian Township Parks and Recreational, this Polar Bear 5K follows a flat and easy course. The course is well marked by cones and volunteers who, prior to the race, salt and shovel the sidewalk.
The 1st mile takes participants through Central and Nancey Moore Parks. The 2nd mile is mostly side streets and the 3rd follows the sidewalk along the busy Marsh Road. It is not a very scenic course.
Participants who registered 3 weeks before the event received a long sleeve tech t-shirt. I missed the deadline by 2 days but was lucky enough to snag an extra shirt after the race.
Last year, participants received a Polar Bear 5k head buff.
Awards were given to overall male/female as well as the top 3 finishers in each age group. The medals are heavy, made from metal and are cute. They are some of the best I’ve seen so far.
Although not the most scenic of races, the Polar Bear 5K is a great event that is well organized and has friendly volunteers. It is perfect for those who want to keep racing in the wintertime.
For more information, visit Polar Bear 5K.