2025 Bay Area 5K Run & Polar Plunge supporting Special Olympics Northern California
2025 Bay Area 5K Run &  Polar Plunge

About 2025 Bay Area 5K Fun Run & Polar Plunge

Join Us for the Polar Plunge 
 Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach | March 1

A BRAND NEW LOCATION!

We've moved the San Francisco Aquatic Park Plunge to Robert W. Crown Memorial Beach in Alameda!

THE POLAR PLUNGE

Ready to brave the waters for Special Olympics Northern California? On March 1, join the Bay Area Polar Plunge, a fun dip, skip or jump into the Bay for a great cause!   The Polar Plunge is a global Special Olympics fundraising tradition where festive supporters splash into chilly waters in support of our athletes and mission. Gather your friends for this crazy event and come join the fun!

The Polar Plunge isn’t a swim: It's a celebration of community and inclusivity. It’s a chance to be with friends, make new connections, and experience a beautiful location in the Bay Area. Part costume party, part test of will, the Plunge is all for the benefit of Special Olympics. 

Plungers can brave the waters however they’d like, from dipping in a toe or two to a fully immersive splash. Don’t want to get wet? No worries! Register as a chicken and you can still raise funds, enjoy the festivities and help support Special Olympics.  However you choose to participate, it's time to bear down for the Bay Area Polar Plunge.

HOW IT WORKS

Plungers can form or join teams, or sign up as an individual. Every Plunger must raise a minimum of $125 and will receive a Polar Plunge T-shirt and lunch. Cool School participants must raise a minimum of $50 to Plunge, but need to raise a minimum of $125 to earn the T-shirt and brunch. Everyone is encouraged to raise additional funds and earn cool incentive rewards. The more you raise, the more you can help directly impact the lives of Special Olympics athletes, their families, and our community. 

DID SOMEONE SAY AWARDS?

We’ll also present awards to the top individual and team fundraisers, as well as for best costumes. That’s right! Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume for the Plunge.  They aren't mandatory, but they’re a fun part of the global Polar Plunge tradition. So go with the flow and dress up, whether with your team or solo. 

Everyone wins at the Polar Plunge. Be brave in your attempt and make a splash for our amazing Special Olympics NorCal athletes!  All funds raised will support the sports, educational, health and leadership programs our athletes enjoy for free.

THE 5K TIMED RUN 

Warm up before you cool down! Prior to the Plunge, join us for a scenic 5K timed run along the beautiful beach to psyche yourself up for the fun ahead!  Registration is $45.  The first 300 runners will receive a commemorative medal at the finish line.

Better yet, Dash and Splash!  Runners are encouraged to participate in the Plunge by raising an additional $125 and party with our Plungers who will get their chill on for Special Olympics. 

AFTER SPLASH BASH 

We like to say that the Plunge is a minor inconvenience to a great party, and we aren't kidding!  Our Post Plunge Party will take place immediately after the Plunge.   Everyone who raises a minimum of $125 is invited - come celebrate with other brave souls with warm hearts.  Food and beverages will be provided.   

BE A SPONSOR 

There are a wide variety of ways to be sponsor opportunities.  This is the perfect way to engage your company in a community, family-oriented event.  Contact Sheena at Sheenak@sonc.org to learn more.


Register today and make a difference for children and adults with intellectual disabilities!  


If you have any questions or need any assistance, please email Plunge@sonc.org.

Date

Starts at:  March 1, 2025 9:45 AM
Ends at:  March 1, 2025 3:30 PM

Location

Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
8th Street Otis Dr
Alameda,CA 94501 USA

Contact

Brrizzly the Polar Plunge Bear
Plunge@sonc.org

Why Participate?

Your participation will directly support our inclusive sports, health, schools and leadership programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Through Special Olympics, our athletes build friendships, overcome obstacles and are empowered to realize their full potential. Success on the field leads to more opportunities in daily life as the community learns about the unique abilities and contributions of our athletes. All Special Olympics programs are provided at no cost to the athletes and their families thanks to your support. 

What can you Expect?

You can expect an amazing time with some great people!  The Polar Plunge is an iconic tradition in Special Olympics in which brave supporters raise funds and take a quick dip in chilly waters to show their dedication for Special Olympics athletes.  The Plunge is a family event and costumes are encouraged! You'll have a blast and feel good knowing that the funds you raise will help us change lives.  

Before the Plunge be a part of the 5K Fun Run along the beach trails. 

A Wide Range of Sponsorship Opportunities are Available.

Make a difference in your community!  

Learn More

Contact Sheena at SheenaK@sonc.org for details.