Freeze Your Fanny registration opens

Pledge to partake by February 1 and you’ll take home a commemorative t-shirt to prove you braved the chilliest race of the year. Freeze Your Fanny is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 13 and registration is now open.

“The route will stay the same as previous years,” says Ann Marie Mickle, who is organizing the four-mile fun run along with co-organizer, Sundance High School student council sponsor and fellow cross country coach Jen Jungwirth.

“Start on Cleveland in front of the courthouse to west on Highway 14, turn around near the Conoco, east on 14 to the outer road, east on the outer road to Highway 585, north on 585 to Cleveland, west on Cleveland to the finish in front of the courthouse.”

Registration can be completed ahead of time via freezeyourfannysundance.redpodium.com/freeze-your-fanny-2022 to qualify for the commemorative shirt (which can also be upgraded to a hoody for an additional fee).

However, if you are unable to register until the day of the event, head to the courthouse basement at 7 a.m. to sign up.

The event begins at 8 a.m. if you are walking or do not wish to compete. Competitive runners will set off at 9 a.m. and awards will be given for overall male and female, age divisions and best costume.

“The SHS cross country team and student council appreciate the support of the Sundance and surrounding communities each year,” says Jungwirth “Freeze Your Fanny is a fun way to connect, get outside and be active during the winter months.” 

Not sure if your toes can take the cold? You can still take part in the fun.

“Breakfast will be served in the courthouse basement. It is pancakes and sausage as in the past,” says Mickle. “Non-walkers and non-runners may purchase breakfast for $5 in advance online or on the day of the event.”

Mickle does suggest pre-ordering your breakfast to enable enough food to be purchased to fill every hungry belly.

All competitors will be eligible to win a selection of door prizes. So far, these include a range of desirables from gift certificates to the Longhorn Saloon and Grill or Wild West Espresso, prepaid $25 Visa cards from Sundance State Bank, a Bruce Speidel print and 2022 art calendar, art glass created by Tobi Miller, an elk salt and pepper shaker set from Sundance Hardware, a gift basket from Serendipity Flowers and a punch card for the Hot Room in Spearfish, with more prizes expected to arrive as donations from local businesses.

It has also become tradition for top-placing runners to receive handmade custom ceramic rugs by former Sundance resident Katie Anderson. Mickle and Jungwirth say they are excited to unveil this year’s design.

Mickle encourages everyone to consider starting out their Super Bowl Sunday with a bracing run through town, whether or not you have taken part in the past.

“Earn your super bowl snacks with a four-mile fun run!” she says.

Freeze Your Fanny is co-sponsored as a joint fundraiser for the Sundance High School cross country team and student council.