Sammamish residents welcome the new year with polar bear plunge | Video

Published 2:20 pm Monday, January 4, 2016

What better way to start 2016 than by running 3.5 miles and jumping into Pine Lake in Sammamish?

That’s exactly what a group of about 20 Sammamish residents did Friday to welcome in the new year. This is the third year residents have participated in the Pine Lake polar bear plunge and run, a community-organized event, starting around 11 a.m.

“It’s just for fun,” Sammamish resident John Candaux said.

Candaux, the videographer for this year’s plunge, said it was about 30 degrees outside. After the run, people, including Candaux’ son, jumped into the surely frigid lake.

“They just kind of jump in as their courage permits,” he said.