By Michelle Madden
Polar bears are not good runners. Apparently their bulky build and swinging gait cause them to use twice as much energy to move at a given speed than most other mammals.
The mammals who complete the 7.8-mile Polar Bear Run around the serene, glacial Lake Waramaug do so with considerably more grace than a polar bear. I was one of those who set out on a frigid morning in 2024 along with my 12-year-old son, to join friends in doing something that would remind us why—even in February—we love Litchfield County.
The 40th annual run will be held this coming February (it is the oldest winter race in the state). When I ran, there were a record 607 runners, from 13 different states, ranging in age from seven to 74, all circumnavigating the beautiful lake on a calm winter day.
The excitement begins in the field-turned-parking-lot where runners, before leaving the protective cocoon of their car, perform the exacting calculations of how many layers to wear to avoid freezing pre-race but not overheating mid-race. They toss back last-minute energy bars, proceed to the start, sing the national anthem, take one more quad stretch, and they’re off!
Joining the field are a few canine athletes. The race benefits Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which trains more than 160 dogs each year to partner with blind and visually impaired people, while also offering a running guides program—the only one of its kind in the country. Over $10,000 was raised from the 2024 run.
The race is very much a community affair, powered by a team of more than 75 volunteers. The Lions Club managed the parking, South Kent and Brookfield High School students provided water for the runners, students from The Marvelwood School sang the national anthem, and Kent First Selectman Martin Lindemayer served as announcer.
Rebekah Cross, director of Donor Relations and a Guiding Eyes graduate says, “We’re so grateful to every participant for your incredible support! Our work at Guiding Eyes for the Blind is only possible through the kindness of donors and volunteers like you.”
The race is organized by Trail Heads, hosted by Hopkins Vineyard, and supported by numerous local businesses, including Kent Wine & Spirit, Davis IGA, J.P. Gifford, Lesser Evil, Athletic Brewing Co., Stonewalls by George, Randy O’Rourke Photography, Muddy Socks Photography and Kent Falls Brewing Co.
The finish is at Hopkins Vineyard, where racers cross the tape and make their way to the snack tent. Cream cheese and bagels, fruit gummies, and tray upon tray of chocolate chip cookies provide essential refueling. Socks adorned with polar bears, of course, are handed out.
And though it’s about the fun and not the winning, someone’s got to! Will Sanders took home top prize in the men’s division with a time of 40.48—breaking his course record, set in 2023 by 37 seconds—while Katie Overstrum won the women’s with a time of 50:09. And they accomplished this feat by using far less energy than a polar bear would have.—trailheads.com/lake-waramaug-polar-bear-run
