63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races
Sun, Dec 27, 2026, 4:30 AM EST
- Type
- Run
Sign up and verify details on the organizer's official page.
Race feel
Embrace the chill at the 63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races, a festive post-holiday run along the scenic New Jersey shore.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Competitive
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Quirky
FestiveJoin the 63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races for a refreshing 5K run or walk, or a 1 Mile run, along the New Jersey coast. Held just after Christmas, this long-standing event offers a unique way to embrace the winter season while supporting Interfaith Neighbors. The course takes you through Asbury Park and Bradley Beach, culminating in an awards ceremony at Convention Hall. It's a cherished tradition combining community spirit with a touch of competitive fun.
From the organizer
* 63rd Annual *
Asbury Park Polar Bear Races
Sunday, December 27, 2026
REGISTRATION - now open
$35 Early Registration (5K) & $15 (1 Mile) until May 23
$40 Regular Registration (5K) & $20 (1 Mile) until December 26 $45 Race Day Registration (5K) & $25 (1 Mile)
SATURDAY BIB PICK UP - 11 AM to 2 PM THE OUTPOST RUNNING & WALKING CO. 32 CHURCH ST. LITTLE SILVER, NJ 07739 Free raffle of fun items for all those who pick up bibs and shirts on Saturday.
** - For those who still need to pick up bibs and shirts, you can do so at Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Saturday morning, starting at 7:45 AM.
EVENT DAY INFORMATION
7:45 AM to 9:25 AM - T-shirt + Bib pick up 9:30 AM - 1 Mile Run 10:00 AM - 5K Run & 5K Walk
RACE COURSE
The 5K course will now go out once 1.55 miles and turn around in Bradley Beach to then head back to Convention Hall to finish in Asbury Park. We will use the same course as was used in 2024. The course is narrow as you leave Asbury Park and for a section on the Bradley Beach boardwalk, so we ask everyone to stay alert and stay to your RIGHT going out and coming back on the course.
CHARITY PARTNER
Interfaith Neighbors “Interfaith Neighbors [IFN], located in Asbury Park, has been assisting neighbors in need and building healthier, more resilient communities since 1988. The Community Food Connection program of IFN has created a community-led coalition that aims to develop solutions to inequities in the regional food system. This program distributes fresh, local produce to over 35 pantries and community sites every week throughout the growing season, providing families with food security and promoting health equity while supporting local, NJ farms. Learn more about this program and sponsor a family’s produce at the following link .
AWARDS
Commemorative T-shirts for the first 500 people to pick up their bib.
$100 cash and free race entry to the overall male and female winners of the 5K. G ift certificates ($50 value) will be provided to the 2nd and 3rd open men and women as well as to the top male and female masters finishers in the 5K. Age-group awards, grouped by 5-year increments, will also be presented after 11:00 AM in Convention Hall.
