Polar Pals 5K
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Event details
Polar Pals takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 550 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA. It is a free event that is part of the Stafford Schools Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair. The event includes multiple running distances:
- 5K
- 1 Mile (open to ages 2 - 12)
- 1/2 Mile (open to ages 12 and under)
The event aims to provide an outdoor activity during the colder months and is followed by hot chocolate and indoor activities and resources provided by school division departments and community partners.
Course and awards
All races begin and end at the front of the school. The 1/2 mile course is one lap around the school and the 1 mile course is two laps. The 5K route runs through the Colonial Forge neighborhood and behind the high school athletic fields; maps are available upon request.
All 1/2 mile and 1 mile participants receive a swag bag of goodies. The school with the most overall runners receives a photo shoot at the school and a giant Polar Pal stuffed bear to display for the year. For the 5K, prizes are awarded to the fastest male and female overall and to top finishers in age groups: under 10, 11-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and over. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.