Supporting Guiding Eyes: 41st Annual Polar Bear Run
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, runners and walkers gathered at Lake Waramaug for the 41st Annual Polar Bear Run, and what a day it was. We are incredibly grateful to our devoted corporate partner, TrailHeads, for once again naming Guiding Eyes for the Blind as the event’s charitable beneficiary.
This year’s race welcomed more than 750 registrants and raised $12,000 in support of our mission. Since 2018, the Polar Bear Run has raised an extraordinary $46,000 in support of Guiding Eyes. TrailHeads continues to run toward an inspiring milestone of surpassing $100,000 in total donations, and we are honored to be part of this journey together.
The 7.8-mile course once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most scenic in Connecticut, looping around beautiful Lake Waramaug. With the start and finish line at Hopkins Vineyard in Warren, CT, participants experienced breathtaking winter views and a true sense of community.
As if TrailHeads doesn’t already do enough, this year’s event was made even more special with the presence of Polar, a pup in our Puppy Raising program who is proudly sponsored and specially named by the TrailHeads team. Polar reflects the heart of this partnership and the shared commitment to creating life-changing guide dog connections. Raised in our Adirondack region, Polar made the trip to join the festivities, bundled up for the winter weather and ready to greet participants. Seeing Polar at the run was a meaningful reminder that the Polar Bear Run isn’t just a race — it’s part of a larger journey that helps make future guide dog partnerships possible.
Whether participants ran the full 7.8 miles, walked along the course, volunteered their time, or came out to cheer in the crisp winter air, every step taken helped move our mission forward. We are deeply thankful to TrailHeads and to everyone who braved the cold to support Guiding Eyes.
We look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together next year.
🎥 Upcoming Lake Waramaug run will benefit nonprofit that trains guide dogs
For extensive photo coverage of the event, follow this link to TrailHeads’ Lake Waramaug Polar Bear Run Photo Gallery! (2026 pics coming soon!)
Guiding Eyes is excited to share that our devoted corporate partner, Trailheads, is once again supporting Guiding Eyes with the 41st Annual Polar Bear Run at Lake Waramaug on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Guiding Eyes has been the Run’s charitable beneficiary for the past 8 years during which time the race has raised over $45,000. This year, Trailheads is running towards their next milestone of surpassing $100,000 in total donations.
The race attracts runners from all over the Northeast to participate in what’s considered the most scenic course in all of Connecticut. The 7.8 mile Run loops around beautiful, glacial Lake Waramaug. The start/finish line for the Run is at Hopkins Vineyard, located in Warren, CT.
The event kicks off at 11:00 AM for runners, with walkers welcome to start at 10:15 AM.
This year’s run is extra special because Polar, a pup currently in our Puppy Raising program and specially named by the TrailHeads team, will be joining us! Polar is being raised in our Adirondack region and will be making the trip to take part in the festivities.
Whether you choose to participate in the run or simply attend to cheer on the runners in a beautiful winter setting, your presence will make a difference.
Check out more on the race here, including some great photos from the last few years!
