2 running and walking events in Okemos, Michigan

Race postponed - New date Sunday, February 22nd

2026 Polar Splash & Dash

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Event Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm

Location: Central Park

Bundle up and join Meridian Township Parks & Recreation for a fun and frosty day of racing, family activities, and an invigorating Polar Plunge! This event also serves as a fundraiser for the Meridian Cares program, helping provide emergency assistance to community members facing urgent financial needs. Your participation directly supports neighbors in need throughout the Township.

Event Day Schedule

10:30am – Event Opens / Check-in inside Administration Building

12:00pm – Polar 5K Race Begins

12:15pm – Family Dash Begins

1:45pm-2:15pm - 5k Race Awards Announced

2:30pm – Polar Plunge

Race Day Check-In Information

5k Racers can check-in on race day starting at 10:30 am. There will not be an early check-in at Playmakers as previously posted. All family dash runners and plungers must check in the Township Administration Building.

Race participants will receive their bib, safety pins, and route map at check-in.

Polar Plunge participants will receive a plunge wristband and safety instructions.

Race Details

Polar 5K – 12:00pm

Timed race on a marked 5K course.

Water and first-aid available at the finish line.

Awards and results will be posted in the Township Administration Building where check-ins occurred.

Family Dash – 12:15pm

Non-timed, family-friendly run/walk.

Strollers and young children welcome.

Route is fully marked and monitored by staff and volunteers.

Polar Plunge Details – 2:30pm

Plungers will be called in small groups and/or by family.

Proper rescue personnel will be on site at all times.

Warming stations and hot coco will be available immediately after exiting the water.

Participants must wear footwear that secures to their feet (no flip-flops)

This 5k race is timed by the Michigan Running Foundation.

.For more information about the event, visit bit.ly/2026PolarSplashDash.

Join us on Global Running Day for an adventure run/walk through the trails of the 100-acre Harris Nature Center and Eastgate Park!! This 2.25-mile loop is a great opportunity to see nature just outside your backdoor. After crossing the finish line, join us at the Center's pavilion for some refreshments. Kids are welcome - 10 and under are free!

Location: The start/finish of the event will be at the trailhead just outside the Harris Nature Center building, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos, MI 48864.

The Harris Nature Center Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that provides a source of funding for special projects to enhance the facilities and programs of the Harris Nature Center in Meridian Township, Michigan.

Cost: Early event registration is $25 per participant through May 14th, then $30 after. Note that RunSignUp charges additional processing fees. Kids aged 10 and younger are free but must be registered to participate. Thanks to our generous sponsors, all of your registration costs will go to the Harris Nature Center Foundation's goal to improve the Nature Exploration Area with a new Hawk's Nest feature.

About Harris Nature Center

Situated along the Red Cedar River and within Meridian Riverfront Park, Harris Nature Center's focus is on protecting, promoting and interpreting the Red Cedar River through educational opportunities. The Nature Building offers educational displays and live animal exhibits, surrounded by six miles of trails, forest, meadows, wetlands and the banks of the Red Cedar River. Harris Nature Center is the only nature center in Mid-Michigan dedicated to the preservation of the Red Cedar River.

Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather (i.e. there is an active weather warning or the heat index over 100), the event will be cancelled. Because this event is a fundraiser for the Harris Nature Center Foundation, all fees and costs are non-refundable.