48th Annual Polar Bear Run Releases 2027 Sweatshirt Design
BOLIVAR, Mo. — A familiar winter tradition is getting a new look for 2027.
The 48th Annual Polar Bear Run has released this year's official sweatshirt design, featuring the event's popular polar bear mascot along with the bold blue, red and white artwork created for the 2027 race.
For runners who look forward to collecting the Polar Bear sweatshirt each year, there is another reason to register early: the sweatshirt is included with registration, and the entry fees remain affordable.
Pre-registration for the 5K is $35, while the 10K is $45. Race-day registration increases to $45 for the 5K and $55 for the 10K.
At $35, the 5K offers runners the opportunity to take part in a 48-year Bolivar tradition and receive this year's sweatshirt without a high entry fee.
Three Races, One Busy Week in the Ozarks
Fall race season is officially here, and if this past week is any indication, things are about to get REALLY busy around here.
Over the past few days, the ActNow Racing crew has been on the road for three very different events — the Steve Waggoner Invitational, Harvest Hustle 5K and the Seymour Apple Festival 5K.
Three races. Three communities. Three completely different kinds of race days.
And that's honestly one of our favorite things about what we do.
Run Local. Give Local. Why These Fall Races Matter to Our Communities
There’s just something special about a local race.
Maybe it’s seeing the same runners you’ve seen at a dozen other starting lines. Maybe it’s spotting a friend at the finish line, watching kids
run their first 5K, or cheering for someone you know as they come down the final stretch. Around here, races are about more than the miles. They’re about the people, the communities and the reasons we keep showing up.
September and October are some of our favorite months to run in the Ozarks. The weather starts to cool down, football is back, festivals are happening, and communities across the area are coming together for races that support schools, nonprofits, scholarships and local causes. When you choose to run one of these races, you're doing more than getting a Saturday morning workout—you’re helping support something right here at home.
Here are a few local starting lines worth checking out this fall.
Cross Country Takes Center Stage with Three Meets in Two Days
The 2026 cross country season is beginning to pick up speed.
Over the course of just two days, runners from across the region lined up at three different meets — the Bob Frank Run with the Elk, Versailles Warm Up, and Hot Dawg Cross Country Invitational — producing plenty of fast times and standout performances.
From Peck Ranch to Versailles and Aurora, the courses offered different challenges, but the goal was the same: race hard, test early-season fitness and continue building toward the championship meets later this fall.
Harvest Hustle 5K Brings Running, Family Fun and an Obstacle Course to Ozark
Lace Up, Cross the Finish Line and Let the Kids Play!
Looking for a fun way to kick off your Saturday morning? The Harvest Hustle 5K and 1 Mile is coming to the Ozark
Community Center (The OC) on Saturday, September 12 at 8:00 a.m.
Whether you're chasing a personal record, enjoying a relaxed walk with friends, or bringing the entire family along for a fun morning, the Harvest Hustle has something for everyone.
Participants can choose between the 5K or 1-mile event, making it a great opportunity for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to join in the fun.
And when you cross the finish line, you'll have something special waiting for you!
Marshfield Invitational Delivers Strong Early-Season Performances at Patriot Park
MARSHFIELD, MO — Cross country athletes from across southwest Missouri gathered at Patriot Park on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for the Marshfield Invitational, producing impressive performances in varsity and junior varsity competition.
The early-season meet featured runners from Lebanon, Strafford, Fordland, Mountain Grove, Logan-Rogersville, Plato, Marshfield, Norwood and Parkview, with athletes competing for individual honors while teams battled for valuable points in the team standings.
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