Mountains: 4th Annual Polar Plunge

One of the iconic winter sporting events that might be on a bucket list or two is the polar plunge. If you find the prospect of immersing your already cold body into cold water intriguing, check out this weekend’s 4th Annual Polar Plunge Benefit-t-t-t-ing Kids in the Creek and Youth Education at Lake Junaluska benefitting Kids in the Creek and Environmental Education.

Participants get a free t-shirt to boast of their bracing bravado for all of eternity. Plungers will have two options: a spotlight solo plunge off the dock, or to be part of a group run into the beach. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for best costume as well as for top fundraisers. Indoor changing and eating facilities will be available, as well as a bonfire!

Vital stats: 4th Annual Polar Plunge, Saturday, Feb. 6, 11:30 a.m., Lake Junaluska Aquatic Center, Lake Junaluska. $25, $10 ages 18 and under. More info: 828.476.4667, info@haywoodwaterways.org or go here.

Saturday forecast: High of 44 degrees and mostly sunny. Event happens rain or shine.

Looking Ahead: Valentine 5K and Kids Fun Run on Feb. 13. in Black Mountain. More info here.

Piedmont: Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Annual Meeting

Somehow, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail remains one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets. Surprising, considering the trail runs more than 1,000 miles, linking Clingman’s dome on the Tennessee line with Jockey’s Ridge at the coast.

A good way to acquaint yourself with the MST is at this Saturday’s annual meeting of the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Learn about the trail first hand, from keynote speaker Sharon “Mama Goose” Smith, who thru-hiked the trail in 2014. There also will be workshops on how to hike the trail, the trail’s marketing plan and trail work, and a panel discussion on how the trail can be used for education. Lunch included with reservation fee.

Vital stats: Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Annual Meeting, Saturday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Elon Univeristy, Elon. $25 for members, $15 for students, $50 for non members (includes discounted membership). More info: 919.518.1713 or go here.

Saturday forecast: A guaranteed 70 degrees and well-lit (since it’s indoors)

Looking ahead: Umstead Trail Marathon, March 5, Umstead State Park, Raleigh. More info here.

Coast: Carolina Chocolate Festival (and 5K)

We run 5Ks for various reasons. For some, it’s a carrot justifying the drudgery of daily training runs. Others are drawn by the pageantry of the event and, in most cases, the opportunity to help out a good cause.

And this Saturday, there is perhaps the best reason of all to race: a finish line dipped in chocolate. Chocolate cakes, tortes, bars, ice cream, pudding  — everything chocolate, at the Cocoa 5K/Fun Run, part of the Carolina Chocolate Festival, two days of chocolate-coated fun at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. Check the web site below for a complete rundown of events.

Vital stats: Cocoa 5K/Fun Run, Saturday, 7 a.m., Carteret County Community College, Morehead City. $25, $45 for a family of four. More info: 252.393.2011, or go here.

Saturday forecast: Mostly sunny, high of 38 at race time.

Looking ahead: Bird Hike, Feb. 8, Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach. More info here.

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