40th Annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run - February 23rd, 2025

frequently asked questions

• Is there race day registration?

  Online registration is continuously available until 30 minutes before the Run starts. So if you’re waiting to see what the weather brings, you can register at home the morning of the race.

  Note: Phone service & wifi will likely be better at home than at the event - do your best to sign up before you show up!

  All online registrants should check in at the tent for their bib number. This includes those who sign up online race day morning.

  Prefer to pay with cash or check? You can register in person at the event starting at 9:30 AM. Go to the registration table located inside Hopkins Vineyard.

• Can I pick up my bib number ahead of time?

  Yes!Join us on Friday February 21st for a bib number pick up event at Hopkins Vineyard from 1-7 PM. Grab your number and stay to savor a glass of Hopkins award winning wine with your fellow runners. Flights will be available in the cozy downstairs tasting room by the woodstove, or you can head upstairs to the wine bar and plan out your race strategy while enjoying sweeping views of the lake.

  From 4-6 we’ll be joined by representatives and guide dogs from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Run’s charitable beneficiary, which will be a great chance to learn more about their incredible program.

  TrailHeads will be hosting giveaways during the course of the afternoon.

• Where should I park on the morning of the Run?

  Parking is available in several lots near the intersection of North Shore Rd and Strawberry Ridge Rd and in a lot near the intersection of North Shore Rd and Hopkins Rd (alongside the road that leads to Warren Town Beach).

  Volunteers will be on hand to direct you to parking areas. Please consider carpooling with your fellow runners.

  

• Is the course well marked?

  Each mile is marked, and we have volunteers along the course to point the way.

• Are the roads closed to thru traffic?

  No, the roads are open. There are Connecticut State Police on site to monitor surroundings, but it’s important to remain aware throughout the Run. In particular, it’s critical for all runners to stay on the left hand side of the road while running on Route 45.

• What happens in the event of poor weather?

  State Police evaluate road conditions and decide if we are allowed to hold the event. If we do have to cancel, the race will be rescheduled. Our default snow date is the following week unless we announce otherwise on our social media channels.

• How can I sign up to be a volunteer?

  We love volunteers! Please email at us at info@lakewarmaugpolarbearrun.com and we'll provide details on our volunteer opportunities!

• Where does the money go?

  The Run is to benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization that trains guide dogs to partner with blind or visually impaired people. Their facilities in Yorktown Heights and Patterson, NY train and partner more than 160 guide dogs each year. All services are offered free of charge to those in need. Over the past 5 years the Run has raised over $34,800 for the organization.

  Those who wish to donate in addition to their race fee can do so at registration or by following this link to donate.

  Polar Bear Run, Inc. is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Polar Bear Run, Inc. Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 99-3064265.

• Can I run with a stroller?

  Yes, but please try to line up toward the back of the crowd at the start line.

• Can I walk the course?

  Yes, you can walk the course. We have a number of participants who walk each year. If you intend to walk please try to line up towards the back of the start line.

• If I signed up, but can no longer attend the event can I get a refund?

  Yes, refunds can be processed up to one day before the event takes place.

  You can request a refund by logging on to RunSignUp.com > Profile > Manage Registration > Request Refund.

  Once under the “Request Refund” tab make sure that you have selected the correct registrant and event. A breakdown of the refund can be found below.

  When you have reviewed all of the information, and you are ready to remove yourself from the Run, click on the button for “Issue Refund”. At this point, a confirmation message will let you know that you have been removed from the event.

  Your refund will be applied to the original card that was used for your registration. This should appear within 5 business days of the refund request. If you do not see this refund as being credited to your account within that time frame please contact finance@runsignup.com.

• Can I defer or transfer my registration?

  Yes, we will allow you to defer or transfer your registration if you are no longer able to attend the event.

  To defer your registration to the next year log on to RunSignUp.com and navigate to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Defer Registration. You will be shown your Deferral Information and Total Payment. Please confirm the information is correct. Then click on the "Confirm Deferral" button. You will receive an email confirming your deferral.

  To transfer your registration to another runner log on to RunSignUp.com and navigate to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer to Another Runner. On the Transfer to Another Runner page, you will be shown your Transfer Information. Please confirm the information is correct. After reviewing, you can enter the Recipient Information. Next, you can complete the Transfer process by clicking on the Transfer as Gift button. The recipient will receive an email notification with a unique link which they can use to claim this transfer.