45th Annual - Polar Bear Winter Classic

Sat, Feb 27, 2027, 8:30 AM EST

Location: Indianapolis, IN; 1125 E Brookside Ave d9, 46202
Type: RUN

At a glance

A historic Indianapolis winter classic known for its unique "The Bear" challenge and competitive spirit, complete with cash prizes.

Competitive

Great for: runners who like a competitive edge

The 45th Annual Polar Bear Winter Classic invites you to kick off your racing year in Indianapolis. This historic event, known as the city's first major road race of the year, offers a unique challenge with its "The Bear" option, combining a 5K and 5 Mile for a total of 8.1 miles. Runners can anticipate a competitive atmosphere with cash prizes and age group awards. The post-race celebration takes place indoors at the Fowling Warehouse.

What to expect

Challenge yourself with "The Bear" — a combined 5K and 5 Mile race.
Compete for cash prizes and age group awards across all distances.
Enjoy a post-race celebration indoors at the Fowling Warehouse.

Standout details

45th Annual event
"The Bear" challenge (5K + 5 Mile)
Cash prizes & age group awards
"Wear the Bear" winter hat & medal (first 1000)

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

6 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

5K
Sat, Feb 27, 8:30 AM EST · From $43.40
Opens Feb 28, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes Dec 6, 2026, 6:59 PM EST
5K
Sat, Feb 27, 8:30 AM EST · From $43.40
Opens Feb 28, 2026, 8:37 PM EST · Closes Feb 27, 2027, 4:30 AM EST
5 Miles
Sat, Feb 27, 9:15 AM EST · From $48.70
Opens Feb 28, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes Dec 6, 2026, 6:59 PM EST

+ 3 more options

5 Miles
Sat, Feb 27, 8:30 AM EST · From $48.70
Opens Feb 28, 2026, 8:37 PM EST · Closes Feb 27, 2027, 4:30 AM EST
13.05K
Sat, Feb 27, 8:30 AM EST · From $54.00
Opens Feb 28, 2026, 7:00 PM EST · Closes Dec 6, 2026, 6:59 PM EST
13.05K
Sat, Feb 27, 8:30 AM EST · From $54.00
Opens Feb 28, 2026, 8:37 PM EST · Closes Feb 27, 2027, 4:30 AM EST

Vibe Check

Steady Effort

Flat road course

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

From the organizer

Saturday, February 27th - Polar Bear Winter Classic

Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis

SJC Racing is proud to continue the tradition of one of the oldest races in Indianapolis: the 45th Annual Polar Bear Winter Classic.

We heard great feedback about the new location, and we'll be back at Fowling Warehouse for 2027!

This historic race is strategically placed on the calendar during the second half of February to be the first major road race of the year in Indy. The race offers a unique format including a 5K, 5 Mile or The Bear (5K + 5 Mile) The Bear is the challenge that allows you to run both distances, one after the other, for a total of 8.1 miles.

SWAG - The first 1000 registrants are guaranteed a finisher medal and "Wear the Bear" winter hat (watch your email and our Facebook page for alerts as we get close to hitting 1000). We also have an optional long sleeve and hoodie available as an add on during registration or directly from the race store.

Continuing with tradition, the Polar Bear Winter Classic offers cash prizes. age group awards in all three event distances. Post-race celebration will be inside at the Fowling Warehouse.

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