Race recap: 2015 Polar Bear 5K/10K – Redmond
Event coordinator Anna Contreras was all smiles in talking about the increase in numbers over last year as well as the obvious plus of the weather (last year at race time it was 8 degrees). Anna also mentioned that beyond the usual participants, a new category was introduced for police/fire teams of 5 each, with the winner receiving a “Tommy” bear that will stay with that organization until next year’s race. Sunriver Fire & Rescue and Deschutes County Sheriff represented and both teams were pushing each other prior to the start. It was fun to see them on the course being competitive and yet they all exchanged high fives at the end. When it was all over, Sunriver Fire walked away with the bear.
Down on the course, I attempted to make small talk with several runners, but quickly determined that running backwards to chat was “showing off” (as I was told by a few male runners near me). Certainly, they were only joking, but to prevent any accidental tripping, I sped up a little and chatted with a couple of friends toward the front of the 10K group. As a side note, running and chatting is certainly OK, but doing so while racing might not always work depending on the competition. Some of these guys are pretty serious (and some are pretty good too!!).
The race benefits St. Thomas Academy, with every dollar raised going directly into the school. This year, a large matching donation from Coyote Rock Ranch allowed the school to raise nearly 30,000 dollars.
After the races, runners enjoyed hot chocolate, coffee and water inside the church, along with a bevy of snacks. As you can see from the pictures, it truly was a great day for a run!
Here are the results from the race, featuring the 5K, 10K and 5K team events.
Hey, Drew! I work at the Diocese of Baker and publish a bi-weekly Newsletter called The Diocesan Chronicle. I would really like to use all or a portion of your blog on The Polar Bear Run in our next issue. I would like to get your permission and also obtain the photos for the article. Please email me. Thank you!
Hi Terri-
My name is Matt and I am administrator of the Run Oregon blog. We love having Drew on staff and glad he was able to run this race. Could you email us at runoregonblog@gmail.com. Thanks!