Polar Bear Races return to boardwalk for 49th year
Running, race-walking events began in 1964
Hurricane Sandy cancelled everything from weddings to 5K races in its wake, but one Shore running tradition is kicking off right on schedule this year.
A yearly ritual since 1964, the Polar Bear Races are set for Sunday, Dec. 30, with a 10-mile race walk kicking off at 10 a.m. and a five-mile run at 1 p.m.
“That’s been the tradition here,” said event organizer Elliott Denman, “to give the race-walkers and runners equal billing.”
Denman, who is a race-walker, has helped put the event on since its inception in the 1960s. It has taken place on the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s Eve every year.
Denman was working as a reporter at a local newspaper when the Polar Bear Races were created in 1964. He and others saw a need for track and field events in the shore area, he said. He received help from Asbury Park High School athletic director Bill Bruno, who was also the recreation director for the city.
“Everybody kind of pitched in and we all joined together and got in the first year,” Denman said.
Usually, the Polar Bear Races make use of much of the boardwalk, but due to storm damage from Hurricane Sandy on the south end of the boardwalk, the race’s path will have to be re-drawn this year. This won’t be the first time race officials have to get creative — they also moved the race off the boardwalk in the 1980s due to disrepair.
A portion of the entry fee for the race will benefit hurricane relief, although organizers have not yet selected a fund. Racers will have to forego T-shirts this year, as Denman and his colleagues decided money to be spent on T-shirts would be better off going to relief efforts.
Some races in the area were called off due to the storm, but the Polar Bear Races’ organizers decided to keep the tradition alive despite storm damage.
“Our slogan is No Surrender and Restore the Shore, and we hope to do both by doing the race and showing our very positive attitude toward things,” he said.
“We’re hoping to have a really good and festive time,” he said. “Fast people, not-so-fast people — whatever pace you run, you’re cordially invited to take part and join the holiday spirit.”
And for those who like to stay dry, a traditional post-run dip in the ocean is strictly optional, Denman said.
Click here for registration. Participants will meet at Convention Hall.
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[Photos by Bob Both of the Jersey Shore Running Club.]