Over thirty participants and about twenty spectators turned out to witness or take part in what is quickly becoming a Tulsa Tradition. This event is put on by the TAT (Tulsa Area Triathletes) with support from TATUR. January 1, 2009 at 2pm
Crew House on West Side of Arkansas River North of 21stSt. Bridge
Over thirty participants and about twenty spectators turned out to witness or take part in what is quickly becoming a Tulsa Tradition. This event is put on by the TAT (Tulsa Area Triathletes) with support from TATUR.
This year a new twist was added. Before you submerge yourself in the icy cold Arkansas River, you had to run a 300 meter dash in the waist deep water, do a barrel roll then climb up onto the floating dock, then try to get rid of the stinging needle-like pain in your feet by warming up by a campfire.
This is a really fun event to watch or participate in. The mood is lively and there has even been a history of men dressing up in their wives bikinis. Food is usually served afterwards and this yera we were all treated to fresh homemade authentic tamales. Yummm!!! Scott and Kathy Ostrem are the coordinaters of this event and do a great job with it.
What is that in the water to the far right?
That's right!!! In 2009. TAT (Tulsa Area Triathletes) and TATUR proudly present the Third Annual Polar Bear Plunge. 2009 promises more crazy participants, (some of whom even may cross-dress). In 2008 a new event was added, The 300 Meter Arkansas River Scramble. Taturs Scott and Kathy Ostrem came up with this great idea to get Tulsa area athletes together in a setting conducive to laughing at each other and themselves. There is no fee for this event!!! It is becoming a Tulsa tradition to compete in the Race Into the New Years 5K on New Years Eve, then frolic in the Polar Bear Plunge the next day.
Last year we dozens of brave souls, including KJRH Channel 2's Chief Meteorologist and TATUR Dan Threlkeld, who showed up to brave the chilly weather and water to watch a hilarious spectacle as the participants frolicked in the knee deep water. Several TATUR members stole their wives bikinis, lingerie and showed off their goods. One TATUR even wore a Baby-New Year Diaper. Even if you are too SANE to participate, at least come down and cheer or even laugh at all the crazy's who brave the frigid waters.
We will have hot coffee, hot chocolate and even a $50 prize the best costume. Other awards will be presented for coldest polar bear, fastest polar bear, oldest/youngest polar bear,whiniest polar bear, most enthusiastic polar bear, plus a few other categories. Bring the kids dogs and friends and come enjoy the fun.
The “plunge”is a full body dunk in the river. The “river scramble”is running race in the river (no deeper than chest level), approximately 300 meters in length. Life jackets are recommended for the river scramble. Click here for a PDF more information on this great event. If you have questions or would like to become a sponsor of this event: Call Scott or Kathy Ostrem, 918-582-6525 (home) or email brian@tatur.org
There truly is no better way to ring in the New Year. Also, don't forget to sign up for the
Race Into the New Year 5K which starts at 11:45 pm on New Years Eve at 41st & Riverside. Click here for race application.
Click here to look at the PDF Flyer of this great event.
Here is the article that was featured in the Tulsa World about the event
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| Daring participants splash into the icy waters of the Arkansas River for the second-annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day. |