NRCM's 13th annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash registration is going virtual!
Run, Walk, Make a Splash at this benefit for NRCM's work to fight climate change.
Sunday, December 27, 2020, through Sunday, January 3, 2021
Although this year looks a bit different due to the ongoing pandemic, we are happy to announce that NRCM's chilling and thrilling 5k and polar bear dip, which raises funds to combat climate change… has gone virtual! Throughout the event we encourage you to send in photos and videos, your run route, your dip location of choice (see our suggestions below), and have access to a specially curated playlist from NRCM’s staff for your run!
The effects of climate change on Maine’s environment are severe. Weather patterns are changing from one extreme to the next, habitat has been lost, and our seas are rising. Energy efficiency, clean air, and renewable energy sources are a priority for NRCM. Every cent you raise will be used to directly support this work to reduce emissions and realize a clean energy future. The nonrefundable registration fee to dip, dash, or both is $50 until December 26. Learn more about logistics, prizes, & sign up today!
Dip & Dash Location Suggestions & Tips
With this year’s virtual Polar Bear Dip & Dash, finding your location is part of the fun! We’ve got a few suggestions for you, in case you’re stumped about where to go.
When planning your dip and/or dash, however, please check ahead of time to make sure you follow any rules and regulations that may apply to these specific locations. And remember, this is Maine: water that may be open one day may ice over and become inaccessible overnight! And always put physical safety first. Be careful of ice on trails and on the beach. Also, keep in mind that facilities that are open in summer may not be open this time of year. If you have other suggested routes, please send them along. We can't wait to see your pics & video! Be safe & have fun!
| Coastal Beaches | Lakes | Suggested Dash Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Bayside Beach, Northport | Barrett's Cove, Megunticook Lake, Camden | Aroostook Valley Trail |
| Belfast Harbor | Echo Lake, Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle | Auburn Riverwalk |
| Crescent Beach, Roque Bluffs State Park | Lily Bay State Park, Beaver Cove, Moosehead Lake | Brunswick/Topsham Bike Path |
| Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth | Sebago Lake State Park, Naples | Back Cove Trail, Portland |
| East End Beach, Portland | Cobbosseecontee Lake Public Boat Launch, Monmouth | Downeast Sunrise Trail, Hancock & Washington Counties |
| Fortunes Rocks Beach, Biddeford | Winthrop Town Beach on Maranacook Lake | Eastern Trail, South Portland to Kittery |
| Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport | Rangeley Lake, Town of Rangeley's Lakeside Park in Rangeley Village | Kennebunk Plains Wildlife Management Area |
| Kennebunk Beach | Range Pond State Park, Poland Spring | Kennebec Rail Trail, Augusta to Gardiner |
| Laite Beach, Camden | Messalonskee Lake, Old Belgrade Road, Oakland | Marginal Way, Ogunquit |
| Long Sands and Short Sands Beaches, York | Mountain Division Trail, Windham | |
| Lucia Beach, South Thomaston | ||
| Ogunquit Beach | ||
| Old Orchard Beach | ||
| Popham Beach, Phippsburg | ||
| Reid State Park, Georgetown | ||
| Rockland | ||
| Sand Beach, Acadia National Park | ||
| Swans Island | ||
| Wadsworth Cove, Castine | ||
| Willard Beach, South Portland |
In 2009, fourteen 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. There’s also a 5k “warm-up” run for those who are interested!
Watch a fun video by Josh Gerritsen of one of our past Dip & Dash events.
