Polar Bear Run
Updated
Saturday, January 23, 2027, first start 10:00 AM, in Selma (201 N Webb Street). Distances: 5K. Entry from $25; the 5K goes from $25 to $35 after January 11.
Course and race notes
The Polar Bear Run in Selma, NC, returns on Saturday, January 23, 2027, for a frosty, fun-filled 3.1-mile race through the heart of downtown.
This beloved local tradition is famously dog-friendly-pets run completely free and can even compete for their very own top-finisher awards!
In the organizer's words, from the race's own listing.
Race details
Date
Saturday, January 23
2027 · in 77 days
Start time
10:00 AM
Earliest wave
Course
Road or path
Paved course
Distances
5K
Price
$25
Plus the platform's processing fee
5K goes up after Mon Jan 11 (in 65 days)
Registration
Open
Online signup closes Sat Jan 23 (in 77 days)
Opened Oct 23, 2026
Race day in Selma
Weather
54° / 31°F
Typical high and low for January 23, with a 34% chance of rain.
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Smithfield, NC (3.7 mi away). Averages, not a forecast; a forecast appears here a week out.
Daylight
7:18 AM – 5:29 PM
Sunrise and sunset on Saturday.
Calculated for the race location.
Near the start
Pin from the race's listed address. The start line can differ; check the race website for the course map. Directions
Parking
11 public lots and garages within 0.6 mi, the nearest under 0.1 mi away.
Places to eat
- Coffee On Raiford cafeunder 0.1 mi
- Pizza Xpress quick bite0.2 mi
- Taqueria & Pupuseria, Fiorentine Cafe restaurant0.3 mi
- My Casa Hispano Restaurant restaurant0.3 mi
5 places to eat within 0.6 mi.
Distances are straight-line from the race address. Check the race website for official parking.
Plan your trip
For the night before, Fri Jan 22
Where to stay
14 within 3 mi21 within 5 mi
Motel
Hotel 1 of 5: Knights Inn Selma
About 21 min walk1.1 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 2 of 5: Days Inn by Wyndham Selma
About 24 min walk1.2 mi from the start
Motel
Hotel 3 of 5: Masters Inn
About 25 min walk1.3 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 4 of 5: Suburban Extended Stay Hotel Selma I-95
About 26 min walk1.3 mi from the start
Motel
Hotel 5 of 5: Econo Lodge
About 27 min walk1.4 mi from the start
Hotels on the map
See all places to stay near Selma, NC ↗
Prices checked November 4, 2026 and can change. Confirm on the booking site before you book. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Places from OpenStreetMap. Straight-line distances, so times are rough.
Trip cost
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Total $0
Race entry starts at the lowest listed price, before the platform's fee.