Freeze for Food 5K/10K

Lace up for a Madison tradition with the 45th Annual Freeze for Food 10K on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Madison, WI. This popular event starts and finishes at the Vilas Park Shelter at 1602 Vilas Park Drive, offering runners a scenic and competitive route. The 10K course winds around the picturesque Lake Wingra and extends through the beautiful UW–Madison Arboretum, providing a refreshing winter run through natural landscapes and urban parkways.

The Freeze for Food is renowned for its steadfast commitment, upholding its "rain, snow, or shine" reputation, ensuring the race never cancels due to weather. Runners can expect typical race day conditions in early March to include highs around 39°F and lows around 22°F, with a 10% chance of precipitation, making for invigorating, crisp running weather. Beyond the physical challenge, this race is a significant community event, organized by the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison and benefiting Open Doors for Refugees, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping refugee families resettle and thrive. Participants are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for a race day food drive, directly supporting the Goodman Community Center Fritz Food Pantry. Your strides contribute to building a more inclusive community, making every step count for a powerful charitable cause.