Macomb County Hosts Polar Plunge and Frozen 5K to Raise Money for Special Olympics

The Macomb County Polar Plunge will take place on Feb. 21 at Macray Harbor in Harrison Township, as per C & G Newspapers. Check-in starts at 10 a.m. Plunges kick off at 11 a.m.

A Frozen 5K walk happens that same morning. Walkers check in at 8 a.m, as shared by C & G Newspapers.

Kayla Kubik coordinates the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. She explained that walkers get picked up at Macray at 8:30 a.m. and head over to Freedom Trail for an untimed 5K. Most finish and return to the harbor by 10 a.m. The walk starts and wraps up at 16 Mile Road, which is the Crocker Boulevard entrance to Freedom Trail. These facts come from a C & G Newspapers story.

Both activities begin at Macray Harbor, located at 30675 North River Road in Harrison Township. Anyone who raises $100 gets a sweatshirt and lunch after taking the plunge.

Last year, the event pulled in $74,400, as reported by C & G Newspapers. This money helps pay for transportation, meals, uniforms, and other needs for Special Olympics athletes. In 2025, participants raised $70,700. In 2024, they brought in $88,000. The event first started in 2019.

"It's a great community event, it brings everyone together, it creates awareness for Special Olympics, and we love to become a household name," Kubik said to C & G Newspapers. "Yeah, we love to get the community together."

Costumes aren't required, but they're encouraged. An award goes to whoever has the best costume at the plunge.

"It's fun to see people get creative," Kubik said, as shared by C & G Newspapers.

Michigan State Police Dive team members will be in the water. They help plungers get in and out without getting hurt.

Kubik tells first-time plungers it's just one minute of cold for a huge impact on athletes. "Dress up, bring your friends with you," Kubik said, according to C & G Newspapers. "It becomes a fun tradition to do year after year."

Harrison Township Supervisor Kenneth Verkest sent an email saying Special Olympics is a great organization. "I have volunteered in the past as a judge. I admire those who are willing to participate, as well as the rescue divers who keep everyone safe. I would be willing to do a 'Solar' Plunge in July, but not the Polar Plunge!" His comment was added to the C & G Newspaper article. 

Preregistration for both events is open at plungemi.org.