Hundreds run into Lake Tahoe for annual Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge

Individuals and teams from Carson City, Northern Nevada and Northern California took an icy cold dip into Lake Tahoe Saturday for the annual Special Olympics Polar Plunge, raising around $150,000 for the program's many functions.

The event at Zephyr Cove Resort featured more than 400 water warriors, many who dressed up in costumes for the event. Participants either ran, walked or swam in the 38-degree lake, which has experienced a rapid rise in its shoreline due to heavy snowfall this winter.

Law enforcement agencies from around the region made up many of the teams, including Corrections officers from Northern Nevada Correctional Center, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff's Office and the Carson City Sheriff's Office.

Early totals say between $130,000 to $150,000 in donations was generated for this plunge. Donations are still being accepted. See www.ipolarplungenv.com or go to the Special Olympics Nevada homepage here.

This year's Polar Plunge participants received a t-shirt and hot buffet lunch, with an awards event naming the top fundraiser and team fundraisers.

For more on Northern Nevada news, visit www.CarsonNow.org.