Bitter temperatures will not keep hundreds of Special Olympics supporters from jumping into the lake at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve on February 27.
And for the first time, participants can also participate in a 5K Donut Dash event where eating donuts actually helps your time. This is the only 5K around that not only tests your speed but your ability to eat donuts. Participants will be treated to multiple donut stops along the route and will receive a minute deduction from their overall time for each donut they consume along the course. Awards will be given to the top three individuals in each age category.
Registration for the 5K begins at 9 a.m., with the Donut Dash Run/Walk at 10 a.m. Polar Plunge Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the plunge will start at noon. Plungers and runners can enjoy an after party lunch will be provided by Texas Roadhouse. The lunch will be $5 for spectators 12 and up.
There will also be a pre-registration event on February 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lake of the Woods.
Funds raised from the Polar Plunge and Donut Dash will benefit Special Olympics Illinois Easter Prairie/Area 8, which serves athletes with intellectual disabilities in six Central Illinois counties.
The money raised helps Area 8 purchase medals, ribbons, facility fees, equipment, t-shirts and meals for the athletes. Area 8 pays $120 to $150 per athlete to participate.
Eastern Prairie Area 8 Director Jackie Walk said the Special Olympics program helps the participants come out of their shells. The programming helps the youth develop physically while providing a safe environment for them to develop friendships. She said the social interaction is also good for parents who need to relate to others in similar circumstances.
Each Polar Plunge participant must collect a minimum of $100 in donations to participate. Each year, Plungers form teams and wear costumes for the event.
Plungers will receive incentive prizes based on the amount of money they raise. By raising the minimum of $100, you’ll receive an official Plunge hooded sweatshirt and admission to the post-plunge party. A $250 donation will receive a power/bank charger, a $500 donation will receive a bluetooth speaker and a $1000 will receive a Nike 1/4 zip pull over.
Dashers who register online by February 13, 2016 will receive a commemorative Polar Donut Dast t-shirt.
To volunteer with the Special Olympics in Central Illinois, contact Jackie Walk.
