Tulsa Runners Turn Into Swimmers As They Plunge Into 2016

Lifetime Fitness hosted a different type of run that involved ice-cold plunges into a giant outdoor pool.

Hundreds of runners turned into swimmers as they took the Polar Bear Plunge Tuesday morning.

The event started with a mile-and-a-half run followed by three ice-cold dives into the giant outdoor pool at Lifetime Fitness.

Participant Jordan Masterson said, "A lot of training...hard work. We prepared for this all year. Me and my friend have been doing this the past couple years, it’s just fun to start your new year off just...’Awe man this sucks, but then everything gets better.’"

Everyone got a medal, but only if they retrieved it from the bottom of the pool.

The run also included an ice bath challenge, costume contest, and dozens of hot showers to warm back up.

Another 600 people literally ran into 2016 by taking part in the annual Race Into the New Year at River West Festival Park.

RunnersWorld Tulsa sponsored the race, which started at 11:45 Thursday night, so runners could be on the course at the stroke of midnight and run from one year to the next.

Along with music, runners also enjoyed champagne and blacked eyed peas.

Race director, Kathy Hoover said, "It's just people that love to run, come out and do something different than the normal going to the bar and partying, and so it's a big party out here."

This year's race benefits the Blue Whale in Catoosa.