ESTEVAN — The second edition of the Energy Dash and Splash – a polar bear swim preceded by an optional run/walk/bike/cross-country ski or snowshoe jaunt – is slated for March 11 at the Boundary Dam beach.
The fun and sporty community event will be a fundraiser for Fresh Air Fitness, an outdoor, free-of-charge gym located at Woodlawn Reginal Park.
Registration for the event is now open, and Peggy Rohatyn, who runs Fresh Air Fitness along with Debbie Knight, said they already started receiving applications.
"We are hoping it'll be bigger and better and we're hoping to have a good turnout," Rohatyn said.
The splash part – the polar dip – will be the main attraction. But anyone joining the event will also have the option to start the day with a two, four or five-kilometre dash on anything that gets you moving. Runners can also opt for any other distance to get warmed up and build up courage for the "dam cold dip". While some participants will be part of the "dash" part of the event, those who wanted to do the dip only will go into the water.
"We'll start the runners off, and then as they're out, we'll get anybody who wants to just do the dip and we'll send them off into the water to do the dip," Rohatyn said, adding that last year there were a few people who opted for the dip only.
Rohatyn noted the second edition of the Dash and Splash will be pretty similar to the original one they hosted in March 2022. About 50 people partook in the inaugural event, and Rohatyn said they hope to have closer to 100 this year. She pointed out that 100 is their limit, as they need to control the situation and keep an eye on participants to ensure safety. But the organizers are really looking forward to more people enjoying the unique setting Estevan has.
"There are very few places anywhere that have open water all year. So, to be able to do it is pretty good," Rohatyn said. "We're just lucky."
There will be hot dogs, hot chocolate and towels available. The organizers will start bonfires for participants to warm up, with Tyros Tree Service supplying wood. Terry Germain with Century 21 will provide a trailer for changing, and there will be bathrooms available at the location. Rohatyn also thanked Woodlawn Regional Park for their partnership.
To register you can go online at events.runningroom.com/hm/index.php, stop by Henders Drugs in Estevan, or get a hold of Rohatyn at 306-415-0040 or Knight at 306-461-4640. There is a simple form to be filled in, and the participation fee is $40.
