The 2015 Polar Plunge is scheduled for Saturday February 28th and benefits Special Olympics Oregon. The Polar Run and Plunge begins at 9AM and includes a gorgeous stretch along Marine Drive Trail, finishing at Broughton Beach.
A 5k run/walk along Marine Drive, the course is point to point, paved and will include one aid station at mile two. Strollers are welcome, but pets will not be allowed on the course. At Broughton Beach, runners/walkers can watch the waves of 2000 brave people plunge into the chilly Columbia River and raise money for Special Olympics Oregon or join them for a quick dip. Plunge and Run participants that raise $50 for Special Olympics Oregon will earn a pair of running socks, in addition to a long sleeve NIKE Plunge shirt. After the run or run and plunge, participants can also enjoy the new ‘beach party’ with live music, food and activities all morning.
There are many options for this event. Participants can take the plunge, run or walk the 5k, do the 5k and take the plunge or take the plunge into a HEATED barge at the Columbia River Yacht Club. The first fifty people registered for the ‘Too Chicken to Plunge’ can enjoy a heated plunge with warm coffee or cocoa from the deck. For runners, free shuttles will return participants to the starting line beginning at 10AM, with shuttles running every 30 minutes. For anyone in the mood for a 10k, runners can double back and run back to the starting line.
Special Olympics Oregon will celebrate their 40th birthday this year and continue to provide year-round athletic training for approximately 12,000 people with special needs. They offer 15 Olympic-type sports at 29 statewide Regional Competitions with a Summer State Game. These are offered at no cost to the families and allow the participants a chance to compete like anyone else. These athletes gain self –confidence, make social gains and improve physical skills with Special Olympics and it’s only possible with donations and events like the Polar Plunge. You can simply donate or register for the Run and Plunge and make your donation memorable.
This is a perfect event to do with a group of people, maybe co-workers, church groups, or just extended family. Registration is easy. You can register online or head to a participating Burgerville restaurant on January 24th or January 25th from noon until 6PM and register in person. Get something to eat while you’re there and 10% of the proceeds from your purchase will go to Special Olympics Oregon.
There are all sorts of ways to take part in the Polar Plunge and help raise money for Special Olympics Oregon. Check out the website to see everything from a Super Plunge, where brave individuals take a chilly dip every hour for 24 hours, to the Run and Plunge 5k. There’s even a Duck versus Beaver option. Go check out their website and get a team together; running is always better with friends and no other run will finish such exhilaration.
