Everyone has their own way of ushering in the arrival of a new year. For some, it means late night reveling on New Year’s Eve. For others, it is getting in a bite or two of black-eyed peas and cabbage to help ensure good luck in the coming year.
However, for 20 years, many people across the Midstate have greeted the new year by participating in the annual Sumner County YMCA Frostbite Races and Polar Plunge. The family-friendly Frostbite event consists of competitive 5K and 10K races and a short kids fun run, each starting and finishing in front of the YMCA. The Frostbite races are part of the annual Hendersonville Race Series, which also includes the Memorial Day Classic, the Hendersonville Half-Marathon and the Indian Lake Loop.
“This year’s Frostbite had over 400 participants, making it our largest event yet,” says Sumner County YMCA Executive Director Kathy Raglin. “It was great to see all of the runners and spectators who came out to support the Y and its programs.”
Following the races, 10 brave souls took part in the final Frostbite event – the polar plunge. During the plunge, participants dove into the cold water of Y’s outdoor pool to get in a chilly New Year’s Eve swim.
