Polar Dash Minneapolis

Polar Dash Minneapolis

Polar Dash Minneapolis

( 5 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Minneapolis,
    Minnesota,
    United States
  • January
  • 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K, Other
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Gina Hanzel

Minnesota, United States
54 24
2016
"Polar Dash - Half Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Gina Hanzel's thoughts:

This year, Team Ortho moved their Polar Dash to a new location in St. Paul! Kudos to the race organization!! Minnesota winters can be brutally cold and January 1st always brings cold blustery weather. Today was no exception. We had 6 degrees at the start with 9-10 mph winds. The new location had a HEATED pavillion for racers to relax in before and after the race. To make matters even better.... FLUSH TOILETS!!!!
If you're brave enought to run a winter race in Minnesota - make sure that you dress warm! Very warm. For the race I wore a neck gator that pulled up over my face as well as two pair of pants and two pair of socks - although after 13.1 miles the blister on my foot is angry at me for doing that! One pair of socks from now on!
There is not a race expo for the Polar Dash, but they do have a store at all of the race pickups where they sell Team Ortho themed race gear.
The course scenery was very beautiful and the roads were some sidewalk, some paths and some pavement. The Mississippi River was always along side us as well. Some rolling hills that I only noticed the 2nd time through - after I was starting to get tired. The only complaint I had was that the course was repeated twice. Normally, this isn't a big deal running down and back twice ( for a total of 4 times ) but at the 6.8 mile mark you literally run through the finish line gates to complete the course again. In very cold and blustery temps it was slightly depressing realizing that you still had to complete the final loop. However, I will say that having run this race twice - I did enjoy this course more.
Parking was very accessible - we arrived an hour early and scored a FREE parking space. Otherwise there were lots available for 10 dollars within a few block walk to the race start.
Lets talk about the SWAG. You run this race for the gear most definately! The 3/4 thermal jacket this year is simple but warm! And the medals are always great! But, don't be shocked by the pricetag of the race entry fee - it's steep! I paid $70 to run the half marathon and they wanted a $30 bib pickup fee for a total of $100. I was a little late in deciding to register, so the bib pickup fee was my fault. Luckily, I new someone at the race that would pick up the packet for me, so I saved the $30.
Even thought is extremely cold, I like this race by Team Ortho. It's the only race Team Ortho puts on that isn't over crowding. The half marathon size was around 350 people today. Small race which I loved, but only 2 spectators on the entire course! :)

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