NRCM's 18th Annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash
New date, same great event! Registration is now open.
Join us on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Southern Maine Community College's South Portland campus for our annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash. Start building your team and making plans to join us on the beach for another great event in support of work toward a clean energy future for Maine.
Please note: the Dip is now scheduled for 10:15 AM rather than 10:30 AM. The 5k walk/run will begin at 9:00 AM as scheduled.
Scroll down to see answers to Frequently Asked Questions about this event. We look forward to seeing you in South Portland on Sunday, January 4th.
Thank You to Our 2026 Dip & Dash Presenting Sponsor:
And to all of our generous business sponsors:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dip & Dash
Is registration refundable and/or transferrable?
Registration is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
When is the last day to register?
Online registration will be available until noon on Friday, January 2. After that you can register in-person at our packet pick-up on Saturday, January 3rd at Maine Beer Company or at SMCC on January 4th between 8 & 8:30AM.
Where do I park?
Parking for the event will be available on the SMCC campus. When you arrive on campus, watch for Polar Bear Dip & Dash signs directing you to park. Additional parking available in parking lots on Fort Rd if needed. Bike parking is available on campus. The South Portland Bus Service serves SMCC directly.
Where to change
Individual and group changing areas will be available indoors & outdoors.
Accessibility:
Our venue (SMCC Dining Hall) is wheelchair accessible, with ramps for navigation. Accessible parking spaces and restrooms are available. The 5K run/walk course goes through the SMCC campus, over to Bug Light and back, weaving through streets, sidewalks, and trails. Conditions are weather-dependent and vary but can be wet and slippery. Access to Willard Beach from the SMCC Dining Hall area is via a staircase or ramp. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Events@NRCM.org
Is the 5K course certified?
No. The Dip & Dash is not a USATF-certified course, and the distance is slightly shorter than a traditional 5K. This race is designed to be a safe, fun, community-focused event that welcomes runners, walkers, families, and participants of all speeds and experience levels. While it’s not intended for qualification, it’s a great opportunity to have fun and make a positive impact on Maine’s environment. It’s also a great way to warm up before plunging into the icy waters of Casco Bay!
Can I bring my dog?
We love your dog. However, for everyone’s safety, including your dogs, we ask that only service dogs attend the event. With large crowds, cold temperatures, and lots of excitement, this policy helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Thank you for understanding. We look forward to meeting your dog another time!
Is there a fundraising minimum to participate in the Dip & Dash?
While participants are encouraged to raise additional funds, there is no minimum; registration fees cover your participation in the event. Additional fundraising is optional but encouraged.
Please reach out to Events@nrcm.org with any questions.
Listen to NRCM Climate & Clean Energy Director Jack Shapiro's interview with our media sponsor WCLZ (98.9 FM) in advance of the 2024 Dip & Dash:
The effects of climate change on Maine’s environment are severe. We’re already seeing extreme weather patterns. Wildlife habitat and our recreation, leaf-peeping, and fishing industries are threatened. Seas are rising and our air quality is decreasing.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine advocates for energy-efficient solutions for homes and businesses, pollution-free air, clean transportation, and renewable energy sources. Every cent raised through the Polar Bear Dip & Dash is used to directly support this work to reduce emissions and realize a clean energy future.
History
In 2009, 14 staff and family members gathered on East End Beach in Portland and plunged into the icy, cold Atlantic Ocean to raise funds and awareness of NRCM's work to curb climate-changing pollution and support a clean energy future for Maine.
Since then, we have had a polar plunge each year on New Year's Eve Day, with hundreds of participants. We added a 5K “warm-up” run in 2011. From 2020-2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we switched to an all-virtual format...and still met our fundraising goals! In 2022, we moved to a new location at Southern Maine Community College's South Portland campus for our December 31st for an in-person event.
Watch a fun video by Josh Gerritsen of one of our past Dip & Dash events.
