Polar bear plunge set for New Year’s Day

North Whidbey residents can start the new year feeling refreshed -- or just plain cold -- by participating in a New Year's Day polar bear plunge at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor Thursday.

By Ron Newberry • December 29, 2014 6:44 pm
Participants make a quick exit from the chilly lagoon in Windjammer Park after the first polar bear plunge in Oak Harbor Jan. 1
Participants make a quick exit from the chilly lagoon in Windjammer Park after the first polar bear plunge in Oak Harbor Jan. 1

North Whidbey residents can start the new year feeling refreshed — or just plain cold — by participating in a New Year’s Day polar bear plunge at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor Thursday.

The plunge is part of the second annual 5K Resolution Run and Polar Bear Plunge. The run and walk is at 11 a.m. and will take place along the waterfront inside and near Windjammer Park, starting and finishing at the windmill.The plunge is set for noon in the lagoon near the windmill.

Both events are free and are being coordinated by Oak Harbor’s Melissa Riker, who also is director of the Whidbey Island Marathon and Half-Marathon April 19.

Instead of an entry fee, participants are asked to donate cash or food that benefit the North Whidbey Help House and the Garage of Blessings.

Diamond Rentals is donating a tent for participants to change clothes and the Whidbey Sign Company is donating signage for the race.

About 160 people participated in the run and walk last year with less than half jumping into the lagoon afterward.

For more information on the event, call 360-929-2489.