A “chilling” New Year’s tradition, the Ice Man Dip & Dash returns Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 at Franco’s, starting at 10 a.m.
The Ice Man Dip & Dash is not for the faint-hearted, combining a challenging two-mile run to the bridge, a brisk 110-yard ‘ice’ swim across the chilly Tchefuncte River, and a two-mile run back to Franco’s.
Thirty-five years ago, Mandeville’s Dr. Fred Miller, Dr. Shannon Allison and Ron Franco met at Franco’s Health Club & Spa for the run of the year. But their path was impeded on the way back when a mechanical malfunction of the Madisonville Bridge prevented them from returning to Franco’s on foot. Instead of becoming stranded on the west side of the Tchefuncte River, the group decided to take “the plunge” into the chilly Tchefuncte waters and then resumed their run back to the club.
The Ice Man Dip & Dash has been repeated annually on New Year’s Day every year since.
The cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-members until Dec. 31, 2024. Registration the day of is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. All proceeds benefit Team Gleason, and the Gleason Initiative Foundation. A Dip & Dash T-Shirt is included in the registration fee.
Members can register via their Franco’s Account or by contacting the Front Desk at (985) 792-0200. Non-members can register today by calling (985) 792-0200.
