The 63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races offers running and race walk options at 1-mile and 5K distances, held on December 27, 2026, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The event takes place at the Asbury Park Convention Center with a typical start time of 9:30 AM. Entry fees range from $15 to $45 depending on the distance and registration timing. This winter race provides a straightforward option for athletes looking to compete on the Jersey Shore during the holiday season, with both shorter and longer distance choices to accommodate varying fitness levels and training goals.
From the Race Organizer
* 63rd Annual * Asbury Park Polar Bear Races Sunday, December 27, 2026 REGISTRATION - now open $35 Early Registration (5K) & $15 (1 Mile) until May 23 $40 Regular Registration (5K) & $20 (1 Mile) until December 26 $45 Race Day Registration (5K) & $25 (1 Mile) SATURDAY BIB PICK UP - 11 AM to 2 PM THE OUTPOST RUNNING & WALKING CO. 32 CHURCH ST. LITTLE SILVER, NJ 07739 Free raffle of fun items for all those who pick up bibs and shirts on Saturday. ** - For those who still need to pick up bibs and shirts, you can do so at Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Saturday morning, starting at 7:45 AM. EVENT DAY INFORMATION 7:45 AM to 9:25 AM - T-shirt + Bib pick up 9:30 AM - 1 Mile Run 10:00 AM - 5K Run & 5K Walk RACE COURSE The 5K course will now go out once 1.55 miles and turn around in Bradley Beach to then head back to Convention Hall to finish in Asbury Park. We will use the same course as was used in 2024. The course is narrow as you leave Asbury Park and for a section on the Bradley Beach boardwalk, so we ask everyone to stay alert and stay to your RIGHT going out and coming back on the course. CHARITY PARTNER Interfaith Neighbors “Interfaith Neighbors [IFN], located in Asbury Park, has been assisting neighbors in need and building healthier, more resilient communities since 1988. The Community Food Connection program of IFN has created a community-led coalition that aims to develop solutions to inequities in the regional food system. This program distributes fresh, local produce to over 35 pantries and community sites every week throughout the growing season, providing families with food security and promoting health equity while supporting local, NJ farms. Learn more about this program and sponsor a family’s produce at the following link . AWARDS Commemorative T-shirts for the first 500 people to pick up their bib. $100 cash and free race entry to the overall male and female winners of the 5K. G ift certificates ($50 value) will be provided to the 2nd and 3rd open men and women as well as to the top male and female masters finishers in the 5K. Age-group awards, grouped by 5-year increments, will also be presented after 11:00 AM in Convention Hall. Special gift will be provided to youth participants in the mile, and the top boys and girls finishers will also receive a special award. The awards ceremony will take place back in Convention Hall as soon as the results are available (approximately 11-11:15 AM)
Hotels Near This Race
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63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races 2026 — Asbury Park, NJ
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Asbury Park, NJ.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is 63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races 2026 — Asbury Park, NJ?
63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races 2026 — Asbury Park, NJ takes place on December 27, 2026. The race is held in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Where is 63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races 2026 — Asbury Park, NJ held?
63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races 2026 — Asbury Park, NJ is held at Asbury Park Convention Center in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Where can I find hotels near 63rd Annual Asbury Park Polar Bear Races 2026 — Asbury Park, NJ?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Asbury Park. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
