02/21/2026
Dear Polar Bear 5k Runner:
Thank you for entering the 29th Annual Polar Bear 5k. The Olcott Volunteer Fire Department will benefit from all of this race’s proceeds.
For more information on the OVFCO and its programs visit http://olcottfirecompany.com/
Weather:
The Polar Bear 5k attracts many of Western New York’s heartiest runners because of the weather. Please be prepared and remember that the weather along the shores of the mighty Lake Ontario might be different from the weather forecasts on television or the radio. Here is the link to a localized forecast. Keep in mind that the temperature may vary because of wind direction.
https://weather.com/weather/today/l/USNY1058:1:US
Dress in layers
No exposed skin
Hydrate
Consider hand-warmers
Get a good warm up in
Adjust your effort
Directions:
The Olcott Volunteer Fire Company is located at 1961 Lockport-Olcott Road, Burt, New York 14028.
From the Buffalo area take route 78 north through the City of Lockport, Wright’s Corners and Newfane. The fire hall will be located on your right.
From the Rochester area follow route 18 west to Olcott (route 78S) and then turn left. The fire hall will be on your left.
From the Niagara Falls area follow either route 104 east to route 78 north at Wright’s Corners, or take route 18 east to Olcott (route 78S) and turn right.
Parking:
All parking for this event is located in the rear of the fire hall. PLEASE DO NOT PARK NEXT TO THE FIRE HALL. Those spots are reserved exclusively for the volunteer fire department members in case there is an emergency. Also, DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF ANY OF THE FIRE TRUCK BAY DOORS. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Race Day Schedule:
8:00am Registration/Packet Pick Up begins in the truck bay.
8:00am Pancake Breakfast starts in the banquet hall.
9:45am 5k runners make their way to the start. It is a short jog north from the fire hall.
10:00am 5k Starts
11:15am Finish Line closes
11:30am Awards in the truck bay
12:00pm Breakfast ends
Race Day Entry Fees:
Polar Bear 5k: $30 (No Shirt for Race Day Entries)
Pancake Breakfast Fees:
Adults: $7
Seniors: $5
Kids 5-12: $5
Kids under 5: FREE
Checks may be made payable to: Olcott Volunteer Fire Company
Course:
The Polar Bear 5k is a flat and fast course.
The race starts about ¼ mile north of the fire hall on route 78. The finish line will be located in front of the fire hall.
The course IS NOT a closed course. You can expect some traffic on race day. Please make yourself aware of your surroundings. The course will be marshaled by members of the Olcott Volunteer Fire Department and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department. Please be considerate of these people and follow their instructions.
The organizers of the Polar Bear 5k STRONGLY DISCOURAGE the use of headphones during this event. We want you to hear all pre-race instructions. For your safety we want you to be better aware of your surroundings while the race is in progress. Thank you for your consideration in this request.
Timing:
Your race timers will be the good people from Score This!!! They will use Race Result timing technology. Your timing chip will be located on the back of your race number. Please make sure that your number is worn on the FRONT of your body and is visible at all times during the race. We don’t want you to look like a rookie.
Race Features:
Runners will receive their shirts after finishing the race. The shirts will either say, “I beat the bear!” or “I can’t believe the bear beat me!” There will be a “bear” on the course so run with caution.
The race features a pancake breakfast for all participants following the race. Please thank the cooks for such a great post-race meal.
Runners over 21 will receive two beer tickets.
Facilities:
The OVCO has ample restrooms located in the banquet hall. Runners will be able to leave bags in the truck bay.
Social Media:
Please give our race page https://www.facebook.com/OlcottPolarBear5k/ a ‘like’ and stay up to date on all of the latest race information. Please use the hashtag for all of your social media posts.
Volunteers:
Volunteers are important to all successful races. If you’re looking to give back to the WNY running community please consider volunteering for the Polar Bear 5k. You can email Jeff Tracy directly at [email protected] Thank you for the consideration.
Giving Back:
We will accept cans and jars of peanut butter and jelly for the annual Niagara County Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive.
Questions:
The phone number of the OVFC is (716) 778-9252. For any further questions you may email the race director at [email protected] DO NOT expect a reply on race morning due to race preparations.
Have a great run, thank you for running the Polar Bear 5k and supporting the Olcott Volunteer Fire Company and their mission. Watch out for that bear!
