Polar Bear 5K Prediction Run
Rochester, United States • 2 Jan 2027
Polar Bear 5K Prediction Run : Rochester, MN
The Polar Bear 5K Prediction Run is a club-organized 5 kilometer event held at 116 17th Avenue Northwest in Rochester, Minnesota. The race is run as a prediction event: each participant predicts their finish time and times their own start so their finish coincides with the event finish time. An official clock and finish-line stopwatch are used, but the clock is not visible at the finish and participants are not allowed to wear or use watches or any timing devices.
Rules note that runners should not stop on the course and that finishing before the target time results in disqualification for that attempt. The first ten participants to cross the finish line at the official finish will receive a carved Polar Bear award.
Packet pickup is handled at Minnesota Treads and the course will begin and end near that location, with an intended route using Cascade Lake. Registration is tiered: a base fee applies through 12/14/26 with higher fees after 12/15/26 and still-higher race-day fees; registered participants receive a race gift. Following the run, award winners are announced in the Event Center at Charlie's Eatery & Pub where food and beverages are available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.