Polar Bear Plunge, 5K set for Jan. 18

By LYNETTE SOWELL 

Cove Leader-Press 

The Copperas Cove Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the annual 5K Run to the Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 18.  

The race is part of the Cen-Tex Race Series.  Participants must register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/CopperasCove/5KRuntothePolarBearPlunge. The entry fee is $25 per person online through Jan. 7, and goes up on Jan. 8. Same day registration is $35, and those who want to be guaranteed a shirt must register by Jan. 3. Online registration closes on Jan. 15th. 

Early packet pick-up will take place January 16 and 17 at the Copperas Cove Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The first 200 runners to pick up their packet will be guaranteed a race bag. 

The course begins at the City Park Pool parking lot and traverses throughout City Park. 

For the full 5K, participants must make their laps around the park three times, finishing back at the City Park Pool parking lot. Vendors will be on site throughout the chip-timed event. 

After the race will be the 26th annual Polar Bear Plunge. The plunge itself is free, and starts at 10 a.m. with pool gates opening at 9:30 a.m. The event will feature belly flop contests. Ages 10 and up may participate and waivers must be signed prior to participating.  

Further questions may be directed to Ashley Wilson, Special Events Coordinator, at awilson@copperascovetx.gov or (254) 542-2719. The department is still accepting bag donations, sponsorships. For more information about becoming a vendor, contact Ashley Wilson.