Looking for a feel good adrenaline rush? Be bold in the cold with a plunge into the Atlantic and/ or winter jaunt around the East End to support the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s work to reduce climate change pollution.

The bone-chilling 5K and dip will take place at Portland’s East End on Monday, Dec. 31, and dozens of Mainers – from age 10 to 79 – have already registered.

Julia Durgee of Portland, who has participated for four years and counting, said, “I do the Polar Bear Dip & Dash year-after-year to support NRCM and their important mission.

“I feel invigorated. I meet new people. I get to humble brag on social media. Best of all, I get to experience a pristine Maine moment with my friends, while it is still pristine.”

Emily O’Donnell, who has participated in the Polar Bear Dip & Dash five times said, “NRCM is working toward a more sustainable future, and this is a cause I want to be in the ring fighting for.

“We must protect, conserve and restore our home. It’s the only place we have to live. NRCM and the ‘crazies’ who plunge alongside me at the Polar Bear Dip & Dash inspire me.”

The 5K begins at 11 a.m. and the dip will be at noon – the warmest part of the day – at East End Beach. A shuttle will return participants to their cars at Back Cove after the plunge.

Many participants don polar bear costumes for the event. Hot coffee is provided by Coffee by Design.

To participate, preregister online at https://nrcm.salsalabs.org/dipdash/.

Day-of-event registration opens at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31 at the Back Cove parking area (across from Hannaford).

To pledge to help NRCM curb climate-disrupting pollution right here in Maine, visit https://nrcm.salsalabs.org/dipdash/

All participants receive a 100 percent organic US-made event tote, a free subscription to Green & Healthy Maine magazine, participants older than 21 will receive a complimentary drink at the Great Lost Bear after the event, plus, those who raise:

 $50 a cozy event towel;

 $100 earn a Skida Polar Bear headband;

 $250 earn a Skida Polar Bear neck warmer;

 $500 earn all that plus a handmade Dip & Dash mug;

 $750 a gallery-wrapped polar bear photo;

 $1,000 a weekend mountain bike trip with Back Country Excursions in Parsonsfield;

 and, the youngest and oldest participants and age category race winners receive Lamey Wellehan gift certificates, and more.

This year’s Dip & Dash is sponsored by: WCLZ, The SunriseGuide, Clynk, East Brown Cow Management, Inc., Lee Auto Malls, Emerald Builders, Maine Magazine, Cribstone Capital Management, ReVision Energy, Paris Autobarn, Spectrum Healthcare Partners, Delta Dental, Rising Tide Brewing Company, Renys, Salt Pump Climbing Co, GrandyOats, Great Lost Bear, Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution, Evergreen Home Performance, The Breathable Home, Back Country Excursions, Coffee By Design, Lamey Wellehan, and Yelp.

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