South Portland, Maine Celebrates the New Year With a Run and a Polar Plunge

If jumping into the icy Atlantic sounds like your idea of a fresh start, the Natural Resources Council of Maine has just the New Year’s challenge for you. Equal parts adrenaline rush and winter celebration, the Polar Bear Dip & Dash invites participants to run, laugh, and shiver their way into 2026, all for a cleaner energy future.

The event returns on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Southern Maine Community College’s South Portland campus. Participants can kick things off with the optional 5K “Dash,” a brisk winter run designed to get hearts pumping before the main event.

Runners of all abilities are welcome, whether you’re racing for time or simply jogging to stay warm. After crossing the finish line, many participants trade sneakers for swimsuits and make a mad dash straight into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Then comes the moment everyone remembers: the "Dip". With a mix of excitement and collective gasps, participants race from the finish line straight into the icy Atlantic waters. Screams, laughter, and a few shivers collide as brave Mainers immerse themselves in the freezing ocean

According to their website, the Polar Bear Dip & Dash supports the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s work to advance energy-efficient solutions for homes and businesses, promote clean transportation, protect pollution-free air, and expand renewable energy across the state. Every dollar raised goes directly toward reducing emissions and helping Maine transition to a clean energy future.

While the plunge traditionally took place on New Year’s Eve, 2026 marks a shift to early January, giving participants a new way to kick off the year.

Whether you run, plunge, or bravely do both, the Polar Bear Dip & Dash proves that Mainers aren’t afraid of a little cold for a good cause.