Polar Bear Run slated for Feb. 24

KENT — The 35th annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run is scheduled to take place Feb. 24. All proceeds benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization that trains guide dogs to partner with the blind or visually impaired. Their facilities in Yorktown and Patterson, N.Y. train and partner more than 160 guide dogs each year. All services are offered free of charge to the people and families in need of them. Last year organizers designated Guiding Eyes for the Blind as the event’s official charitable beneficiary and donated $1,418 to the charity; this year, organizers hope to double that amount.

Runners will complete a 7.6 mile loop around Lake Waramaug. The course passes through the towns of Kent, Warren, and Washington. As the oldest winter road race in the state, the run is a popular annual tradition and draws runners from all over Connecticut and nearby states.

The event is organized by TrailHeads, a Kent-based online retailer of gloves, hats, headbands and related accessories for running and outdoor enthusiasts. TrailHeads president, Stephanie Raftery says, “We are thrilled to be a part of this fantastic winter tradition. TrailHeads has supported Guiding Eyes for the Blind for many years and it’s exciting to extend that partnership to the Polar Bear Run and help raise money for this great charity.”

Registration for the event is open at https://bit.ly/2RVSbdE or register on the day of the race until 10:45 a.m. The race will begin promptly at 11 a.m. Be sure to follow Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run on Facebook to receive updates on the race as the event draws nearer.