Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, February 6, 2027
The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison)
8 – 9:45 a.m. check in
10 a.m. start

The event that raises funds for our lakes

Join Clean Lakes Alliance for our Frozen Assets 5K and run, walk, skate, ski, or snowshoe ENTIRELY on a frozen lake!

Take a break from the hilly pavement and bring your stride to the ice. In this 5K, participants will run, walk, or move across the ice on iconic Lake Mendota with beautiful views of downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus. The course will start and end at The Edgewater, right in the heart of the Frozen Assets Festival!

Your registration in this event raises important funds for lake improvement projects, water quality monitoring, and education!

REGISTER – 2027 FROZEN ASSETS 5K – RUN/WALK/SKATE/SKI/SNOWSHOE/SLED

Your registration to this event includes admission to the 5K, an event winter stocking hat, and post-race beer (21+) courtesy of Wisconsin Distributors! The registration pricing schedule is below:

• $45 for Walk/Untimed Participants (price increases on 2/5/27)
• $55 for Chip-Timed Participants (price increases on 2/5/27) 
• FREE for children 10 & under with purchase of adult registration – Discount applied automatically

Best of all, your registration supports work to protect and improve water quality in our lakes!

Packet Pick Up

Early Packet Pick Up #1: Thursday, February 4, 3-6 p.m. at The Edgewater, Level 6, just inside the autocourt entrance near the hotel lobby. (No need to park in the ramp. Just drive into the autocourt, and we will be right inside the lobby doors.)

Early Packet Pick Up #2: Friday, February 5, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Edgewater, Level 6, just inside the autocourt entrance near the hotel lobby. (No need to park in the ramp. Just drive into the autocourt, and we will be right inside the lobby doors.)

Day-Of Packet Pick Up: Saturday, February 6, 8-9:45 a.m. INSIDE The Edgewater in the Nolen Gallery on Level 5 (inside The Edgewater’s entrance from the parking garage on the ice rink level).

Winter Warmup

Join barre3 from 9:45 – 9:55 a.m. on frozen Lake Mendota for a winter warmup before the Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk. We’ll be rocking to some fun music, getting our heart rates up, and getting our bodies ready to run, walk, or move across the ice of Lake Mendota!

Ice Access

You may access the ice down The Edgewater outdoor stairs (near The Edgewater Spa) or indoors through The Edgewater. If you are parking farther away, you may also access the ice at the end of N. Carroll Street to the west, and from James Madison Park to the east.

Terms & Conditions of Entry

By registering for this event, you agree to the Terms & Conditions of Entry. All entrants must read and agree to this declaration.

Weather

Race organizers reserve the right to alter the event location due to factors including, but not limited to, ice conditions and weather. If conditions are deemed inadequate, the event will be moved to an alternate location on land. Participants will be notified of any changes ahead of the event.

Event Swag

Participants will receive a Frozen Assets winter stocking hat (while supplies last). This seasonal item can be enjoyed well beyond event day.

Free Post-Race Beverage

All participants 21+ will receive a ticket for a free beer compliments of Wisconsin Distributors. This complimentary beer will be available on the Boathouse Deck from 10:30 a.m – Noon.

The Market Café at the Edgewater

The Market Café on the 7th floor of The Edgewater will be open starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th for coffee and grab-n-go breakfast items before the event.

Sponsorships

If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email our Executive Director James Tye at james@cleanlakesalliance.org.

FAQs

Is there parking available? Participants may pay to park at The Edgewater parking ramp. Parking in the ramp fills up quickly, so arrive early. You may also find street parking or use City of Madison parking ramps.

When can I check-in or pick up my event packet? Participant check-in and registration the day of the event will begin at 8 a.m. on LEVEL 5 of  The Edgewater. The 5K will begin promptly at 10 a.m. on frozen Lake Mendota at The Edgewater.

What shoes should I wear? Participants are encouraged to choose their preferred footwear with weather, ice, and snow conditions in mind. Some years, the ice is very slippery, with little or no snow on top – ice traction cleats, spikes, and other gear to prevent slipping is highly recommended. Past runners and walkers have worn spikes, boots, snowshoes, and regular running/tennis shoes.

What is the course like? The 5K course begins off the end of The Edgewater’s pier. Runners and walkers will head out toward Picnic Point, past the Memorial Union, before looping back and finishing at The Edgewater.

Will there be winners? The top three men and women finishers in the chip-timed category will be recognized with first, second, and third place medals.

Where can I leave personal items during the event? We strongly encourage you to only bring items you will use while exercising. Any bags or gear left at The Edgewater or on Lake Mendota will not be locked or supervised. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

What should I do with my shoes or boots if I am skiing or snowshoeing? People may leave their items near the corral or under the dock, but it will not be locked or supervised by race coordinators. People may also wear a backpack while participating in the 5K to carry items. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Are dogs allowed at the event? Well-behaved dogs are allowed on leashes at the Frozen Assets Festival and 5K Run/Walk. We kindly ask that you please clean up after your dog so that we leave nothing behind on the lake.

What happens if ice conditions are inadequate? Clean Lakes Alliance will make every effort to hold this event, while keeping safety in mind for all competitors. If conditions are deemed inadequate, the event will be moved to an alternate location on land. Participants will be notified of any changes ahead of the event.

What is the refund policy? Registrations are transferrable but not refundable if you become unable to attend.

Frozen Assets Happy Hour Summit

Date: Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Edgewater (1001 Wisconsin Pl, Madison)
Suggested Attire: Guests are invited to embrace the season by wearing festive,
winter-inspired indoor attire

REGISTER – 2026 FROZEN ASSETS HAPPY HOUR SUMMIT

Warm up your winter at Frozen Assets

Warm up your winter by celebrating our community’s greatest asset — our lakes! Join us for a lively happy-hour reception and forum featuring local leaders, with remarks from Dane County Executive Melissa Agard and a panel discussion with area mayors, including Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Middleton’s Emily Kuhn, Stoughton’s Tim Swadley, Fitchburg’s Julia Arata-Fratta, and Sun Prairie’s Steve Stocker.

Mingle and connect with neighbors from throughout the watershed and learn how broader stewardship actions are being coordinated through the Renew the Blue Council, a cross-sector coalition convened by Clean Lakes Alliance to achieve swimmable lakes, resilient landscapes, and a thriving watershed community.

Frozen Assets Festival

Saturday, February 6, 2027, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Edgewater and frozen Lake Mendota
FREE, open to the public

(2027 Schedule coming in late 2026)

All Day Events: (Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• Kites on Mendota with Wisconsin Kiter’s Club, Lake Mendota
• Skydiving jumps over Lake Mendota with Seven Hills Skydivers, Lake Mendota
• Snow Snake Contest with members of Ho-Chunk Nation, Lake Mendota
• Free hot chocolate, Grand Plaza
• Free ice skating and free skate rental, The Edgewater Ice Rink and Skate Shop
• Try snowshoeing and lake hockey, Lake Mendota
• Explore how UW-Madison Center for Limnology monitors our lakes in the winter months, Lake Mendota
• Project IceCube demonstrates Space Dust & Neutrinos, Lake Mendota
• Aldo Leopold Nature Center demonstrates winter ecology, Lake Mendota
• Mary B. ice boat on display, courtesy of The Ice Boat Foundation
• Learn about ice fishing with D&S Bait, Tackle & Fly Shop, Lake Mendota
• Play Plinko (Lake-O), Nolen Gallery
• Spin the Price is Right Wheel, Nolen Gallery
• Winter craft stations, Grand Ballroom
• Winter Olympics Watch Station, Grand Ballroom
• More events to be announced!

Scheduled Activities (Saturday):

• 8 – 9:45 a.m. Check in for Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk, 5th Floor Registration Tables
• 9:45 a.m. Winter warmup with barre3, Lake Mendota off The Edgewater Pier
• 10 a.m. Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk begins, Lake Mendota off The Edgewater Pier
• 10 a.m. Central Midwest Ballet presents Elements in Motion: Water, Clouds, Ice & Fire, Grand Ballroom
• 10:30 a.m. Movie showing — “Disney Nature: Penguins,” Grand Ballroom
• 11 a.m. Mad Science: Wacky Winter, Grand Ballroom Stage
• 12 p.m. Figure skating demonstrations with Figure Skating Club of Madison, Grand Plaza Ice Rink
• 12:15 p.m. Central Midwest Ballet presents Elements in Motion: Water, Clouds, Ice & Fire, Grand Ballroom
• 1 p.m. Winter Rhythms with David Landau, Grand Ballroom
• 1:45 p.m. Learn to Skate class with Southern Wisconsin Skating School, Grand Plaza Ice Rink
• 2 p.m. Learn to Skate class with Southern Wisconsin Skating School, Grand Plaza Ice Rink
• 2 p.m. Movie showing — “Disney Nature: Oceans,” Grand Ballroom
• 2:15 p.m. Learn to Skate class with Southern Wisconsin Skating School, Grand Plaza Ice Rink
• More events to be announced!

About the Festival

2026 Frozen Assets Festival Daily Events

(2027 Schedule coming in late 2026)

The Edgewater & Lake Mendota

Wednesday, February 4 — Frozen Assets Happy Hour Summit, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

• Join us for a lively happy-hour reception and forum at The Edgewater featuring local leaders, with remarks from Dane County Executive Melissa Agard and a panel discussion with area mayors, including Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Middleton’s Emily Kuhn, Stoughton’s Tim Swadley, Fitchburg’s Julia Arata-Fratta, and Sun Prairie’s Steve Stocker. Mingle and connect with neighbors from around the watershed.

REGISTER – 2026 FROZEN ASSETS HAPPY HOUR SUMMIT

Thursday, February 5

• Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk Early Packet Pickup from 3 – 6 p.m. at The Edgewater, Level 6, just inside the autocourt entrance near the hotel lobby. (No need to park in the ramp. Just drive into the autocourt, and we will be right inside the lobby doors.)

Friday, February 6

• Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk Early Packet Pickup from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Edgewater, Level 6, just inside the autocourt entrance near the hotel lobby. (No need to park in the ramp. Just drive into the autocourt, and we will be right inside the lobby doors.)

Saturday, February 7 — Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk & Frozen Assets Festival (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk Packet Pickup, 8 – 9:45 a.m.
  Pick up your packet on 5^th floor of The Edgewater (immediately off entrance from parking garage).
• Frozen Assets 5K winter warmup with barre3, 9:45 – 9:55 a.m.
  Join barre3 from 9:45 – 9:55 a.m. on frozen Lake Mendota for a winter warmup before the Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk. We’ll be rocking to some fun music, getting our heart rates up, and getting our bodies ready to run, walk, or move across the ice of Lake Mendota!
• Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk, 10 a.m.
  Join us on Saturday, February 7 at The Edgewater to pick up your event winter stocking hat (while supplies last), receive your free beer, and participate in the only 5K in North America entirely on a frozen lake – your registration supports work to protect and improve water quality in our lakes.

REGISTER – 2026 FROZEN ASSETS 5K RUN/WALK

• Frozen Assets Festival, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Enjoy family-friendly activities on frozen Lake Mendota and The Edgewater’s Grand Plaza. Festival attendees can see skydiving, figure skating, dance, science, large show kite demonstrations, and the legendary Mary B ice boat. Guests can also participate in an Indigenous Snow Snake Contest, try pond hockey and snowshoeing, and enjoy free ice skating and hot chocolate, among other activities.
• Kites on Mendota, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  See large show kites fly high over frozen Lake Mendota off The Edgewater’s Pier.
• Skydiving jumps over Lake Mendota, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  See Seven Hills Skydivers jump from high over Lake Mendota to the frozen lake.

Sunday, February 8 — Kites on Mendota (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

See large show kites fly high over frozen Lake Mendota off The Edgewater’s Pier.

Volunteer at the Frozen Assets Fundraiser & Festival!

Every year, we depend on more than 100 volunteers to help make this free, family-friendly event possible and open to the public. Please reach out to Caitlin McAleavey to sign up as an outdoor activities helper, event assistant, greeter, and more. Help community members connect with our lakes!

Volunteer Details

Dates: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: The Edgewater
Volunteer activities may include: activity attendants, greeters, event set up, event registration, and more!

VOLUNTEER – SIGNUP COMING LATE 2026

Group Volunteering

Is your company or organization interested in volunteering at the Frozen Assets Festival? Contact Watershed Programs Associate Director, Caitlin McAleavey, to learn about group volunteer opportunities at caitlin@cleanlakesalliance.org.

Become a sponsor

Help support this community event benefiting our lakes! Sponsorships include marketing exposure throughout the weekend to 6,000+ attendees and tickets to the Happy Hour Summit.

If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email our Executive Director, James Tye, at james@cleanlakesalliance.org.

Thank you, 2026 sponsors!