TrailHeads Organizes 40th Annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run To Benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind

The 40th Annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run to benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind will take place in Warren, CT on February 23rd at 11 AM. The 7.8-mile loop circles Lake Waramaug located in Litchfield County, CT.

The Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run is a non-profit. The race is powered by a team of over 50 volunteers. All proceeds from the Run benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

Since 1954 Guiding Eyes for the Blind has raised and trained guide dogs to partner with blind and visually impaired people. There are over 3 million people in the U.S., who are either visually impaired or blind. It can cost up to $50,000 to train and care for a guide dog through its working lifetime. Guiding Eyes' facilities in Yorktown Heights and Patterson, NY train and partner more than 160 guide dogs each year. All services are offered free of charge to those in need.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind has been the Run's charitable beneficiary for the past 7 years during which time the race has raised over $34,800. In recent years runners have been greeted by a group of future guide dogs and their handlers who come to raise awareness about Guiding Eyes and provide support for the Run.

The Run is organized by TrailHeads, a Kent-based business that designs and markets hats, gloves, headbands, and related accessories for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. TrailHeads President and Co-Founder Stephanie Raftery commented, "This is a big year for the event. We're expecting incredible turnout for the 40th Running! We're also pleased to announce that the Run is now a registered nonprofit, which is an exciting step forward in our efforts to raise funds and awareness for Guiding Eyes for the Blind."

The Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run is the oldest winter race in the State. Runners from all over Connecticut and surrounding states come to participate in this fun annual tradition on what many area runners consider the most scenic course in all of Connecticut. The 7.8 mile Run loops around beautiful, glacial Lake Waramaug and passes through three towns: Kent, Warren, and Washington. The start/finish line for the Run is located at Hopkins Vineyard.

The race is hosted by Hopkins Vineyard. The Vineyard will be open so runners can stop in and sample Hopkins' award-winning wines after completing the Run.

Another local business and sponsor of the event, Kent Falls Brewing Co. will host the Post Polar Beer. After the festivities at Hopkins runners can stop by the brewery after the Run to celebrate and relax in the tasting room while enjoying flights, and the latest beer releases.

Runners will have the opportunity to pick up their numbers in advance of the race on Friday the 21st from 1-7 PM at Hopkins Vineyard. Representatives and service dogs from Guiding Eyes for the Blind will be on hand to share information about their program. TrailHeads will have performance running gear for sale and be hosting prize giveaways for runners who attend. Number pick-up will also be available on race day morning starting at 9:30 AM.

If you're not a runner, volunteers are always welcome to help make this event a success. Want to become a volunteer? Contact info@lakewaramaugpolarbearrun.com for details.

Register online at lakewaramaugpolarbearrun.com or at the race until 10:30 AM. Join TrailHeads for the 40th Annual Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run on February 23, 2025.

About TrailHeads

Since 2002, TrailHeads has been a leading online retailer of innovative running gear for all seasons and runners at all levels. The founders are runners too, and started the company to design the kind of high-performance gear they'd want for themselves. From headwear to gloves, mittens, headbands, neck warmers, visors, and more, they've made it a mission to provide quality outdoor gear suited to every kind of weather.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Name: Ed Raftery, Stephanie Raftery

Designation: Founders

Email: support@trailheads.com

Website: www.trailheads.com

Address: 17 Meadow Street, Kent, CT 06757