Greater Sacramento Area Polar Plunge & Runs

Granite Bay, United States • 7 Mar 2026

Event overview

The 2026 Greater Sacramento Area Polar Plunge & Runs takes place on March 7, 2026, at Granite Bay Main Beach (8099 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay, CA). The event is presented by Special Olympics Northern California and combines a Polar Plunge with organized running events at Folsom Lake.

Race details

  • 5K timed trail run through Browns Ravine.
  • 1 Mile fun run/walk.

The 5K is a timed trail race with awards for the top three finishers in each age category. All run finishers receive a commemorative finisher medal.

Participation and fundraising

Participants may take part in the Polar Plunge or register as a "chicken" to opt out of entering the water while remaining eligible for event incentives. Plungers and "chickens" must raise a minimum of $125 to participate. Cool School participants must raise $50; to receive the Polar Plunge t-shirt and lunch the required fundraising level is $125. Registration pricing listed for the running events includes a $50 fee for the 5K and a $20 fee for the 1 Mile entry. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

5 km
5k Run
1 Mile Run/walk
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

A USATF certified loop ultra along the American River Parkway in Sacramento offering 100K, 50M, 50K, marathon, 30K and half marathon distances, long sleeve technical shirts and handcrafted wooden medals for finishers.

Trail runs at Granite Beach beside Folsom Lake offering 10 mile and 5K courses with multiple aid stations, finisher medals, and age group and overall awards. Pre-sale shirts are available.

FOURmidable is a trail running event in Auburn, California offering 50K, 35.5K, half marathon and 13K races. Prize money is funded by runner donations matched up to $3,000, plus a $500 bonus for a 50K course-record break.

Trail runs at Granite Beach on well marked single track with scenic lake views and stocked aid stations. Distances include a 5K and a half marathon, with finisher medals, race shirts for preorder and age group awards.