Polar Bear 5K Prediction Run

Polar Bear 5K Prediction Run : January 3, 2026, Rochester, MN

The Rochester Running Club presents a 5K prediction run on January 3, 2026, at 116 17th Avenue Northwest, Rochester, MN. The event will begin and end on the trail near Minnesota Treads and is planned to use the Cascade Lake area for a roughly 5K out-and-back course. The race uses a central clock and a single official finish time; participants must time their own start so their predicted finish coincides with that official finish time. The clock is not visible at the finish line, and participants may not wear or use watches or other timing devices while on course. No stopping on the course is allowed. At the official finish time, the first ten finishers to cross the line will receive a carved Polar Bear prize.

Registration and logistics

Packet pickup is at Minnesota Treads before the race. Registration fees vary by date: for example, members pay $20 and non-members pay $25 if registered by 12/14/25; fees increase for late registration and are highest on race day. The registration structure includes an early window, a mid window through 12/31/25, and a race-day rate. Registered entries include a race gift. A map of the course will be provided prior to the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.