44th Annual - Polar Bear Winter Classic

Saturday, February 28th - Polar Bear Winter Classic

NEW LOCATION! - Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis

SJC Racing is proud to continue the tradition of one of the oldest races in Indianapolis: the 44th Annual Polar Bear Winter Classic.

This year will feature a new location starting from the Fowling Warehouse! 

This historic race is strategically placed on the calendar during the second half of February to be the first major road race of the year in Indy.  The race offers a unique format including a 5K, 5 Mile or The Bear (5K + 5 Mile)  The Bear is the challenge that allows you to run both distances, one after the other, for a total of 8.1 miles.

SWAG - The first 1000 registrants are guaranteed a finisher medal and "Wear the Bear" winter hat (watch your email and our Facebook page for alerts as we get close to hitting 1000). We also have an optional long sleeve and hoodie available as an add on during registration or directly from the race store.

Continuing with tradition, the Polar Bear Winter Classic offers cash prizes. age group awards in all three event distances. Post-race celebration will be inside at the Fowling Warehouse. 

Route Maps: 

5k – https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6659110181

5 Mile - https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6659112424

1. If I am running The Bear, is it one 8.3 mile race?"
   • The Bear is a special challenge made up of the existing 5K and 5 Mile races. Run these as two standalone events. For scoring purposes, your times will be combined. To participate in The Bear, you must be able to finish the 5K within 45 minutes in order to make the start of the 5 Mile  event.
2. Do I have to pick up my packet on Friday? Can I get it on race morning? 
   • Picking up your race packet on Friday at The Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis (1125 E Brookside Ave) is highly recommended to avoid lines. Friday packet pickup hours are 4:00 PM-7 PM.
   • Race Day pickup is also available to all participants. Race day packet pickup is from 6:30am to 8:15 am
3. What's the course like?
   • The 5K and 5 Mile use similar, but not identical courses. Both courses utilize typical city streets in and around downtown Indianapolis. The courses is well-marked and supported by volunteers and local public safety.
4. Are the courses certified?
   • The Courses are not USATF-certified.
5. Are walkers allowed?
   • Walkers are encouraged to participate! Just note that if you are participating in The Bear (5K + 5 Mile races), you'll need to complete the 5K under 45 minutes from the gun. 5 Mile walkers must be able to maintain a 16 minute-per-mile pace.
6. How many medals do I earn for running The Bear?
   • All participants earn one (1) medal for their effort during the event. 5K runners and walkers will receive theirs when crossing the line after the 5K race. 5 Mile participants and those doing The Bear will receive their finisher medal upon completion of the 5 Mile race.
7. Are dogs allowed?
   • Dogs are allowed in the 5K race, but not the 5 Mile . To comply with city laws and for the safety of those around you, dogs must be on a leash. We ask that dogs start toward the back.  
8. I think I won an award! What do I do?
   • You can check your finish time and place by scanning the QR code on your bib. Age group awards can be claimed at the after party inside Fowling Warehouse. Please note: age group awards will not be mailed.  Top 3 overall female and male finishers in each event will receive their cash awards after the complete results are finalized. 
9. What if it rains? What if it snows?
   • Polar Bears love snow! This race is a "rain or shine" event. Participants are encouraged to use common sense, adjusting for the conditions. That said, we want to have a safe event for both our participants and volunteers. If conditions warrant, a delay or cancellation may be necessary. In the unfortunate event of a cancellation, refunds will not be issued.
10. I can no longer participate. Can I get a refund?
    • We do not offer refunds or deferrals.

NEW! Those who choose to race virtually will have the freedom to sleep-in and run wherever they choose from February 24-29, 2024. Hit the trails in the afternoon or a treadmill while watching Netflix. Your call! 

Results Submission:

Please submit results during the virtual race window of February 18-29, 2024. Submit Virtual Results using this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/130912

Packet Pickup:

Virtual participants may attend the same packet pickup as the live event participants. 

Location:

Packet Shipping:

Don't want to attend Packet Pickup? No problem. You will have the option to add-on shipping to your registration. We will start shipping the Virtual Packets on Friday, March 1st. 

Virtual Participants Receive:

• Fun 5k, 10k, or The Bear (5k+10k) to run anywhere and anytime between February 24-February 29
• Electronic Result Submission via Website (will display your results, finisher cert, etc)
• Comfy, Cozy, and Super Stylish Tee (while supplies last)
• Custom Polar Bear Winter Classic Finisher Medal 
• "Wear the Bear" knit pom hat (while supplies last)
  **Virtual Participants can pick up packets at the scheduled PPU, or add shipping during registration**