39th Annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run ~ Results

• 7.8 Mile Run:- Run 7.8 Miles

_The 39th Annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run:

Join us for an epic 7.8 mile loop of picturesque Lake Waramaug - this annual winter tradition attracts hundreds of area runners. Powered by a team of more than 50 volunteers, we're committed to delivering a fantastic experience for all participants and to raising both awareness and money for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. We've donated over $24,000 to date and we're running towards our next milestone of surpassing $40,000 in total donations. 

Much like the Lake itself, the Race has an interesting history. The Race's origin can be traced back to the running boom that swept the country in the seventies. The Woodbury, CT based Tin Man Athletic Club staged the initial running around the frozen lake in 1980. Lead Pack Sports took over organizational efforts and they were followed by the Bethel Bananas Running Club in 1986.

From 1987-1991 what had been the area's only winter running race went into hibernation and the race was not held for 5 years. In 1991, Wallie Jahn opened a retail store for runners, Road & Track Sports, and in response to strong interest from the local running community, he resurrected the Race in 1992 with the help of the Lake Waramaug Country Club.

After Jahn fell ill, Dave Dunleavy stepped up to help manage the Race in 2012. A long time Kent resident and running enthusiast, Dunleavy continued to build on the tradition that has made the Polar Bear Run a favorite of area runners. In 2018, Dunleavy handed off the race organizing responsibilities to Stephanie and Ed Raftery, co-founders of TrailHeads, a Kent, CT based online retailer of gloves, hats, headbands and related accessories for running and outdoor enthusiasts. 2018 also marked the start of a partnership with Guiding Eyes for the Blind as the event's charitable beneficiary.

In 2023 the start / finish of the race was relocated to Hopkins Vineyard, adding the challenge of Hopkins Hill and lengthening the race from 7.6 to 7.8 miles.

The record holders for the original 7.6 mile distance are:

       •  Men's Record Holder: Elijah Kitur / 38:07 (1998)

       •  Women's Record Holder: Anne Hird / 43:34 (1983)

The current record holders for the 7.8 mile Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run are:

       •  Men's Record Holder: William Sanders / 41:25 (2023)

       •  Women's Record Holder: Andrea Myers / 49:51 (2023)

With Special Thanks to:

Kent School, Brookfield High School, and South Kent School

The towns of Warren, Washington and Kent

Fast Track Timing

Washington & Warren EMS

Muddy Socks Photography

 Instagram

The 7.8 mile loop of Lake Waramaug has become an annual winter tradition for hundreds of area runners. The scenic course travels counterclockwise along the shoreline of the glacial lake while passing through Washington, Warren and Kent. The route is primarily flat with a few gentle rolling hills. The final .2 miles provides a true test for all as runners ascend the unforgiving Hopkins Hill to the finish line at Hopkins Vineyard.

Course Map

From the South: 
 - Head north on Route 202, take a left onto Route 45. Go left at the stop sign onto West Shore Road. Registration takes place at the Lake Waramaug Country Club Tennis House next to the courts.

From the North:

 - Head south on Route 202, take a right onto Route 45 and follow same directions as above.

The current record holders for the Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run are:

Men's Record Holder: Elijah Kitur / 38:07 (1998)
Women's Record Holder: Anne Hird / 43:34 (1983)

2023 Results at: runsignup.com 
2022 Results at: iresultslive.com or athlinks.com
2021 Results: not available ???

2020 Results at: athlinks.com or iresultslive.com 
2019 Results at: iresultslive.com 
2018 Results at: iresultslive.com 315 Finishers
2017 Results at: greystoneracing.net
2016 Results at: greystoneracing.net
2015 Results at: greystoneracing.net
2014 Results at: greystoneracing.net
2013 Results at: greystoneracing.net
2012 Results at: greystoneracing.net 
2011 Results at TriFind.com: Overall / Age Group 

2010 Results at: athlinks.com 
2009 Results at: athlinks.com 
2008 Results at: athlinks.com 
2007 Results at: athlinks.com 
2006 Results at: athlinks.com 
2005 Results at TriFind.com: Overall / Age Group
2004 Results at: resultsafe.com 
2003 Results at: plattsys.com
2002 Results at: plattsys.com or athlinks.com 
2001 Results at: plattsys.com

2000 Results at: plattsys.com
1999 Results at: plattsys.com
1998 Results at: plattsys.com or athlinks.com 
1997 Results: not available ???
1996 Results: not available ???
1995 Results at: plattsys.com 
1994 Results at: TriFind.com 

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