This race is part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Run six races on our calendar and get a Run the 502 Finisher Medal with charms of all the races finished. Click here for more details and to register for the Run the 502.
FIRST LEG OF THE POLAR BEAR GRAND PRIX
Four kilometer (2.4 miles) run and walk on the Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park. Click here for a course map. Great way to kick off the 2025 running/walking season just a little early.
ENTRY FEE INCLUDES:
Long sleeve lightweight cotton blend shirt
Free race photography and photos with Rudolph
Age Group Awards
Awards for Overall, Masters and Grand Masters
Costume contest
Team Challenge
Finisher medal
Each race in the Polar Bear Grand Prix has it’s own finisher medal and at the end, if you earn all three, they fit together to make a Polar Bear Grand Prix finisher medal. Shown below are the Reindeer Romp 4k and Frostbite 5k and how they fit together.
COURSE MAP
Exciting news! We were able to go back to the original, certified 4k course. No sharp turnarounds, just at the bottom of Baringer Hill leave the park to circle the Daniel Boone statue and back into the park. No more hairpin turn means faster times!
A COSTUME CONTEST: More fun at the Reindeer Romp!
Let's see your best Christmas fun - Contest categories include:
Most Christmasy
Ugliest Holiday Sweater
Best Holiday Hat
Best Couple Costume
Best Group Costume
Best Stroller Costume
Best Costume
Most Original Costume
Fastest Costumed Male & Female
AWARDS
Awards for the top three male and female, master and grandmaster. Top three in each age group, 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over.
PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP AND LATE REGISTRATION
Friday, December 5th at Ken Combs Running Store, 4137 Shelbyville Rd. from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Race day at the Stegner Pavilion at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park starting at 8:00 a.m.
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP AND LATE REGISTRATION
Race day at the Stegner Pavilion at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park starting at 8:00 a.m
PARKING IS VERY LIMITED SO GET THERE EARLY OR IF YOU CAN CARPOOL, HAVE SOMEONE DROP YOU OFF OR PARK FURTHER AROUND THE SCENIC LOOP AND WALK
There is a small lot and marked spots on the road at Hogan's Fountain and spots all around the Scenic Loop but it is limited so if you can, carpool, have someone drop you off or park further around the Scenic Loop, please do. Many folks will park around the Loop and run to the start/finish as their warmup.
Please do not park on the grass or you may get a ticket or towed by the Parks Department.
PLEASE NOTE: In the past we have had problems with participants who have parked on the Scenic Loop in front of and behind the start/finish line leaving before the race is over and driving through runners still finishing. This is VERY dangerous and inconsiderate. If you must leave before the race is over (everyone should be finished by 9:45-10:00 a.m.) you can park inside the red circle area and walk on the trails to Hogan's Fountain (the green dotted line or south of the start/finish line.
THE POLAR BEAR GRAND PRIX TEAM CHALLENGE
for all three races!
The Polar Bear Grand Prix Team Challenge is open to any 3 to 5 person teams in three divisions: Male, Female, or Coed. Fastest three on each team are scored, the Coed team must score one woman. Your team can choose to participate in any individual or all three Polar Bear Grand Prix races. There will be a Team Challenge Polar Bear Grand Prix Award for any team that wins all three races in their division. You will not only compete for team awards; each team member is also eligible for an individual time and awards! There is no additional fee to participate in the Polar Bear Grand Prix Team Challenge.
We've added a charity partner to the Reindeer Romp, The Olmstead Parks Conservancy! Louisville has the greatest parks system in the country and we all enjoy running and walking in them. Help maintain their beauty by donating and/or fundraising! It's easy and fun and if you raise $150 or more, your registration is FREE! More details on how to fundraise or the option to make a donation when you register.
VIRTUAL RUN
A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on a treadmill or track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace. Virtual runners not eligible for awards.