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Polar Bear Run marks 40th year

Polar Bear Run marks 40th year

Competitors charge up the inclined finish of the Polar Bear Run Feb. 23.

Photo by Lans Christensen

WARREN — Connecticut’s oldest winter run, The Polar Bear, was held Sunday, Feb. 23.

The 7.8 mile course circles Lake Waramaug and the start/finish was at Hopkins Vineyard.

Cloudless skies and a balmy 45 degrees were a welcome change , and lured a big field of more than 700 runners and walkers. The main beneficiary of this event is Guiding Eyes for the Blind and there were many wagging tails in attendance.

Top female runner Brittany Telke crosses the finish line, placing 16th overall in the race.Photo by Lans Christensen

The 0.2 mile uphill finish to Hopkins provides a challenge to the participants. Barely 41 minutes after the start and William Sanders of Marlborough, Connecticut, crossed the finish line. No surprise, Sanders has won every time he’s entered — six times or more.

Brittany Telke finished in 50:36 to be the top female runner and 16th overall. All results can be found at Fast Track Timing.

Lans Christensen

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