41st Polar Bear Run wraps up before snowstorm

41st Polar Bear Run wraps up before snowstorm

Runners depart on the 7.8-mile course around Lake Waramaug for the 41st Polar Bear Run held on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Lans Christensen

KENT— Blizzard warnings did little to deter most of the 700 pre-registered participants from competing in the Polar Bear Run on Sunday, Feb. 22.

On race day, 526 athletes ran the 7.8-mile course around Lake Waramaug, along with a large number of participants in the walking event.

Cloudy, breezy and cold conditions defined the day with the thermometer steady in the 30-degree range. The race started promptly at 11 a.m., and 40 minutes and 19 seconds later— a new record — Hiro Kawakatsu crossed the finish line.

Complete results available at FastTrackTiming.com

This 41st edition of the Polar Bear Run was as popular as ever, thanks to the efforts of Stephanie and Ed Raftery of TrailHeads, a performance accessories retailer based in Kent.

The race benefits Guiding Eyes for the Blind. As always, one of the best parts of the day was meeting and spending time with the organization’s dogs.

Lans Christensen

Stephanie Flacco of Guiding Eyes for the Blind with “Navy.”

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google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.