2022 RACE RECAP

THE POLAR BEAR BEAR 5k

In the week leading up to the Polar Bear 5k and Polar Plunge event, an un-Colorado-like ice storm swept full-force through Fort Collins and across Horsetooth Reservoir.  Anticipation for the fate of the event was palpable as the 5k course quickly went from dirt and asphalt to a winter Olympics bobsled course. This is a race director’s actual worst nightmare. Runners were advised to take all precautions necessary including wearing trail shoes or yaktrax, taking the course slow, or waddling like their favorite species of penguin if they must.

However, with less than 24 hours before the race start, when conditions showed no sign of improving under cold gray skies and ice melt sold out from most retailers, the Polar Bear 5k needed a miracle. A simple phone call to Zak George, owner of Zak George Landscaping, saved the day. Though he was out of town, his crew hurriedly spread enough ice melt to thaw the 5k course, melt our worries, and make the course safe for the next day’s race.  The change was astounding and within a few short hours, the Polar Bear 5k and Polar Plunge party were ready to begin!

The sun came out for race day, shining brightly over the foothills as 550+ runners ran the newly de-iced course with several runners snagging personal records and the top three dog finishers securing a special dog-friendly award courtesy of Poudre Pet & Feed Supply. After crossing the finish line, runners were treated to the Polar Plunge party which included complimentary breakfast burritos, donuts, piping-hot coffee, velveting smooth hot chocolate, lip-smackingly delicious bloody mary’s courtesy of Horsetooth Hot Sauce, and enough refreshing Horse & Dragon Brews to celebrate after a plunge into the icy reservoir waters.