About the Polar Plunge & Run
The course runs along the Atlantic coast at Kure Beach, starting and finishing near the beach pavilion. The route is open to all paces, and the ocean setting keeps things interesting. The whole event benefits Special Olympics athletes, with the option to follow the run with a cold-water plunge into the Atlantic, which draws a crowd of its own.
Packet pickup opens the morning of the race, well before the first wave starts. The surrounding blocks offer street parking, though fees may apply depending on where you land. After the run, the pavilion area has food trucks, live music, vendors, and games running through the afternoon until the plunge wraps things up.
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Polar Plunge & Run 2026 Results
Going by the 2026 results, this is a decent-sized field, with a competitive front end and a big recreational middle.
5K Results · 2026
398finishers
19:14winner
35:24median
1:05:15cutoff
Top 3: Nathan Sudduth (19:14) · T. Fallica (19:24) · Gavin Green (19:31)
The Polar Plunge & Run has been held every year since at least 2021. That is as far back as RunSignup's records for this race go, so it may well be older.
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
Distances & Start Times
3.1 Miles2/20/2027 13:30$25
1 Mile2/20/2027 13:00$25
Plunge Only2/20/2027 15:05$25
3.1 Miles2/20/2027 13:30$35
1 Mile2/20/2027 13:00$35
Going for a Time?
Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.
Not sure what to aim for? The 5K pace chart lists the pace for every finish time.
Where to Stay
Traveling for this race? The map shows hotels and rentals in and around Kure Beach — pan or zoom to compare what's nearby.
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