Ormond Beach YMCA dives into its annual 5K

Only the bravest completed the race by jumping into the cold water.

By Jarleene Almenas
| 5:30 p.m. December 2, 2017

Jim and Asher Ravede won first and third place overall at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA Polar Plunge 5K on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Runners get ready to take off at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA Polar Plunge 5K on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Asher Ravede leads the pack at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA Polar Plunge 5K on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Runners take off at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA Polar Plunge 5K on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Debbie Omann and her dog Chico smile before joining the Ormond Beach Family YMCA Polar Plunge 5K on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

The medals presented to every person who completed the race were ceramic, that way they could be made into Christmas tree ornaments. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

The first runner to cross the finish line in each age group received a Christmas tree ornament. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Asher Ravede arrives at the finish line before anyone else at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA Polar Plunge 5K on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

YMCA Special Events Director Mica Lill crosses the finish line at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA Polar Plunge 5K on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

YMCA Volunteer Gina Kalis was the first person to jump into the water at the Ormond Beach Family YMCA Polar Plunge 5K on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

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The Ormond Beach Family YMCA decided to take a different approach to its annual 5K this year by adding a Polar Plunge opportunity after runners crossed the finish line.

“We used to do just the 5k and we decided to kind of spice it up a little bit," said Mica Lill, special events director for the Volusia Flagler YMCA Family.

The 5K run, in partnership with Halifax Health, began at the Granada Beach approach in Ormond Beach at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2. Runners and walkers alike made their way to the Andy Romano Beachfront Park and back to raise money for the Y Scholarship program, which benefits people of all ages, from small children to senior citizens.

Typically, Lill said YMCA raises about $4,000 at these kinds of races. This year, YMCA had just under 100 people participate.

Though only some braved the cold morning waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Lill said they thought it would be a good idea because the race took place in Florida. Aside from that, she said the 5K is a way to promote fitness. She added that some of their previous walkers in past races are now training for marathons.

“It’s basically to get people out and moving and involved in the community," Lill said.