Over 5,000 people sprinted into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan Sunday for the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, raising over a million dollars for Special Olympics programs. The participants,…
Costumed participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Participants play pickle ball while taking a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach.
The Shannon Rovers lead the procession as participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Participants charge down the beach to take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Costumed participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Spectators watch as participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Mayor Brandon Johnson and his son Owen take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Participants dressed as bananas take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Costumed participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. Over 5,000 people sprinted Sunday into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan for the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, raising more than a million dollars for Special Olympics programs. The participants, many of whom donned cheeky costumes and matching ensembles, were graced with sunny 60-degree weather as they splashed into the lake. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Chicago athletes, funding transportation for competitions, uniforms and equipment. Last year, the plunge raised $2.1 million. The event went on for hours as participants took turns running across the beach. Some waded up to their waists, while others dove in head first to cheers from the crowd. Groups posed for photos before rushing out of the frigid water. After plunging, Kathryn Trnka, 45, danced across the sand to a Bruce Springsteen song blaring from the speakers. She wore a flowy white gown and a blonde wig. “I like to think of myself as a modern-day Marilyn Monroe,” Trnka said. “I thought, ‘You know what? Go big or go home.’” It’s her first time partaking in the plunge, which she joined through her employer, ComEd. The unseasonably warm weather eased the feel of the cold water, she said.The Shannon Rovers lead the procession as participants take a dip in Lake Michigan on a warm morning during the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at North Avenue Beach. It was 75-year-old Mariana Zoretic’s fifth year plunging. She shivered as she wrapped a towel over her shoulders. But the avid athlete, a 10-time marathoner, wasn’t deterred by the cold. “It was fun,” said Zoretic, originally from Croatia. “It was slippery, though. You slip and you slide.”The beach, lined with white tents, was packed with spectators. A line of hopeful participants, wearing bright swimsuits and athletic wear, snaked along the shore. Even Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was among those taking part, the city said Wednesday. “This event embodies our city’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community support,” Johnson said in a statement. Kate Kreissl, 43, representing the Chicago Athletic Club, waited in line with her two sons. Her group wore sparkly pink Barbie T-shirts. “We just thought, ‘What’s been uplifting and inspirational this year?’ And it’s Barbie,” Kreissl said. Kreissl added that the sunny skies alleviated her nerves. Her 8-year-old son, Bennett, stood expressionless beside her.Joe Vanis stood in line further back, wearing only a white apron emblazoned with the name of his employer, Progressive. It was his third time plunging — this year, his six-person team raised $1,500.He recalled how, during the 2019 plunge, volunteers had to break the ice along the surface of the lake.Photos: Strongest blizzard of the year dumps 24-42 inches of snow in the Sierra Nevada
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Polar Vortex Disruption' Will Send U.S. Temps Plummeting—Here's WhenDigital destination for sophisticated men & women. Live your best life with expert tips and news on health, food, sex, relationships, fashion and lifestyle.
Read more »
Chicago school closings - CBS ChicagoLatest school closings in the Chicago area.
Read more »
February warm spell continues in Chicago area with sunny skies SundayIt’s been a very mild start to the month of February in the Chicago area, and that trend shows little sign of slowing down in the coming days.
Read more »
Polar bears unlikely to adapt to longer summersMore time stranded on land means greater risk of starvation for polar bears, a new study indicates. During three summer weeks, 20 polar bears closely observed by scientists tried different strategies to maintain energy reserves, including resting, scavenging and foraging.
Read more »
Computational Biology - Chicago, Illinois job with University of Illinois Chicago - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsDescription The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, at the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC), is soliciting applications for an open rank tenure track faculty position in Computational Biology.
Read more »
Week in Review: Chicago bakery has nationwide success • tornadoes hit Chicago suburbs • squatters take overThese are the top stories on Fox 32's Week in Review.
Read more »