On Sun., Jan. 19, thousands individuals will participate in the 2012 Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City.

Shown are athletes competing in last year’s 5K, which takes place on Sea Isle’s oceanfront Promenade.

Following the 2012 Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism in Sea Isle City on Jan. 19, the event’s runners, walkers and volunteers will enjoy an After Party and Award Ceremony at LaCosta Complex.

Shown in 2011 with the 5K’s first place winner, John Ausel, 17, of Solanco, PA (second from right) is 5K Organizer Mike Monichetti, 5K Official Mike Givens and Polar Bear Plunge Organizer Jim Bennett.

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SEA ISLE CITY – On Sun., Feb. 19, Sea Isle City’s 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Weekend will culminate with the festival’s 4th Annual Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism, sponsored by Mike’s Seafood Market, LaCosta Lounge and Sysco Foods of Philadelphia. Proceeds from the event will benefit Autism Speaks, Ocean Academy Special Services, Atlantic & Cape May FACES Autism Support Group and families with special needs children.

In 2011, the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism attracted over 670 runners and nearly 1200 walkers, who rose over $60,000 for Autism research, awareness and advocacy. Organizers hope that 2012’s Run/Walk will result in even greater support.

The 2012 Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism will begin at 12:15 p.m. along Sea Isle City’s oceanfront Promenade. Runners and walkers can pre-register for $20 each before Feb. 15 either online at www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com or in person at Mike’s Seafood Market, 4222 Park Road in Sea Isle City. All pre-registered runners and walkers will receive commemorative tee-shirts and will be entered to win the event’s door prizes, which include tickets to Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles home games and gift certificates to popular restaurants.

Registration for the 5K Run and the non-competitive 1.5-Mile Walk will also take place during Polar Bear Plunge Weekend under the tents at LaCosta Complex, JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue, on Sat. (10:45 to 11:55 a.m.) and Sun. (9:00 to 10:45 a.m.). The registration fee during Plunge Weekend is $25 per person.

Immediately following the 5K Run/Walk on Feb. 19, there will be an After-Race Party and Award Ceremony at LaCosta Complex for all of the event’s runners, walkers and volunteers. The party will feature food, music, magicians, face painters, the announcing of door-prize winners, and the distribution of prizes to the 5K’s top runners.

For additional information about the 2012 Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism, phone Jason at (609) 778-8418, email polarbearrunwalkforautism@comcast.net or visit www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com

Autism Facts:

*1 in 110 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

*Autism is four-times more likely to strike boys than girls and typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime.

*Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others.

*Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

*If you know one person who has autism, that’s a great reason to participate in the Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism on January 19.