The Polar Plunge, which was started by Campus Police in 2006 as a creative way to raise money, now includes a wide range of participants and a 5K walk/run which was added this year. The N.C. State 5K Run ‘N Plunge, as it is called, is a subsidiary of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run that raises money for the Special Olympics according to Steve Carlton, crime prevention officer and coordinator of the event.
“All the money raised goes to support Special Olympics North Carolina and over 38,000 Special Olympics athletes,” he said.
Carlton has been involved with the program for three years. He praised the event for its cause as well as its community-building atmosphere, but said his initial thoughts were different.
“My first impression of the event was that it was a little crazy to jump into a lake in winter just to raise money,” Carlton said. “But when I saw how many people participated and how the University supported it, I thought it was a great effort.The festival atmosphere of the whole event makes for a great day all around.†I was proud to become a part of it.”
The addition of the 5K has brought in a new group of participants who had no interest in jumping in freezing water but were still eager to help raise money for the cause and have some fun, Carlton said.
Amy Orders, a doctoral student in adult and community college education, plans to participate for the first time.
“While I agree that watching people run and dive into freezing water is exciting, most runners are dedicated to land,” Orders said. “I will gladly show support of both events, but run only.”
In addition to new participants, recruitment for polar plungers is also taking place.
Sgt. Edward Farmer, a volunteer for the past two years, signed up to participate in his very first plunge.
“I have a game plan. Jump in and run out quickly,” he said. “I have not trained, I only need to experience the plunge once a year.”
The fundraiser has grown in participants and proceeds each year, Carlton said. Organizers and participants still see room for improvement, particularly the comparative lack of participation from State student groups.
“I would like to see more student groups involved. It’s a great way to perform community service and challenge their fellow students,” said David Setser, a fourth-year plunger. “Get a group, come up with a theme, be creative and above all, have fun.”
In addition to support from those directly involved in the 5K Run Ní Plunge, the fundraiser also receives support from various groups in the area, Carlton said.
“University departments, partners and [some] student groups sponsor it,” he said. “We are also getting great support from other state agencies this year, plus some major businesses like Red Hat, BJ’s and Sheetz.”
As the day of the Run ‘N Plunge draws near, excitement is building for both new and veteran participants as they try to raise money and encourage last minute registers.
“I have enjoyed it every year,” Setser said. “The first year, I didn’t really know what to expect and the feeling of dread of actually jumping in cold water as it was sleeting on us was worse than the actual plunge. I highly recommend it.”
The 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. on Feb. 28, with the plunge to follow at 11 a.m. In order to participate, runners must contribute a $25 donation and plungers must donate $50. enjoy.
“This year is proving to be quite a bit different with the addition of the 5K Run,” Carlton said. “We have more people working on advertising, preparations and fundraising, so it looks like we will at least raise as much as last year, if not more.”
