Special Olympics Polar Plunge – Road Closures & Traffic Impacts
February 20 & February 21, 2026
The Special Olympics Polar Plunge __(REGISTER HERE)__ event to benefit New Hanover County Special Olympics will take place in Kure Beach over two days this year, Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The event will bring increased pedestrian activity, road closures, and traffic impacts to the downtown and oceanfront area. Residents and visitors are encouraged to review the information below and plan travel accordingly.
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Friday, February 20, 2026 – Special Olympics Athlete Day
Friday’s event is a smaller, athlete-focused Polar Plunge designed specifically for Special Olympics participants, including the use of school buses so athletes can attend and feel fully included.
Event Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Road Closures & Access:
• Atlantic Avenue will close on Thursday night, February 19, or very early Friday morning, February 20 between K Ave & L Ave.
• Several school buses will be parked along Atlantic Avenue parallel to the boardwalk.
• All vehicles should be out of the event area.
• Please use caution when driving in the area.
Once Atlantic Avenue is closed, it will remain closed through Saturday’s event and reopen at approximately 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 21.
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Saturday, February 21, 2026 – Polar Plunge & Race Event
Saturday will feature the full public Polar Plunge event, including a 1-mile & 5K race.
Event Time: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Roads expected to reopen: Approximately 5:00 PM
Road Closures & Traffic Impacts:
• East K Ave and Atlantic Avenue between K Ave & L Ave will remain closed throughout the day.
• A 1-mile & 5K race are part of Saturday’s event, with runners traveling along Atlantic Avenue. The race begins at 1:00 PM.
• Expect intermittent traffic control and delays at L Ave, M Ave, and at the intersection of Fort Fisher Blvd & N Ave throughout the race. __CLICK FOR RACE ROUTE MAP.__
Optional Traffic Detour:
A vehicular detour will be available on February 21 for those traveling north and south through Kure Beach. While not mandatory, this detour is strongly encouraged to help motorists avoid intermittent traffic control and the 5K race route. See image below for detour route.
Detour Route Moving South:
-Turn Right on Alabama Ave
-Turn Left on Mackerel Lane
-Turn Right on Settlers Lane
-Follow Settlers Lane for approx. 1 mile
-Turn Left on K Ave
Detour Route Moving North:
-Turn Left on K Ave
-Turn Right on Settlers Lane
-Follow Settler Lane for approx. 1 mile
-Turn Left on Mackerel Lane
-Turn Right on Alabama Ave
The Town of Kure Beach appreciates the community’s cooperation and continued support of this important event. These efforts help provide a safe and welcoming environment for Special Olympics athletes, participants, and visitors.