Polar Plunge Fundraiser For Special Olympics Approaches

ALAMEDA, CA — Are you ready to take the plunge for a great cause? On March 1, Special Olympics Northern California is hosting the Bay Area Polar Plunge in Alameda for the first time.

The fun event involves a quick dip into the Bay to support Special Olympics athletes. If you're not a fan of the cold — organizers emphasize it's not a swim — just a celebratory splash.

If that's still a hard "no" for you, there's always the pre-splash 5K run. You can register as an individual, start a team, or join an existing team. The first 300 runners will receive a commemorative medal. Registration is $45.

No plunge or run? No problem — you can still donate to a registered team.

Online registration is here.

Ten teams have already raised more than $1,000, including the Alameda Police Department. The Alameda Fire Department crew needs a boost.

The top team so far, Christy's Frozen Chosen, had raised almost $10,000 by Friday afternoon.

Come out to cheer the runners and plungers. The 5K starts at 7:45 a.m. at Crown Memorial Beach.