By Glenn Rolfe

BETHANY BEACH — While above-normal warmth is in the weather forecast, there will be chills and thrills for New Year’s revelers in Bethany Beach.

A New Year’s Day tradition returns with the 36th annual Hair of the Dog Run and the Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos Plunge, sponsored by Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation and the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the plunge was canceled but the run was hosted virtually in 2021.

As of Monday, these events were still a go, as the nation and world navigates through a surge in COVID-19 driven by the omicron variant.

Proceeds benefit local nonprofits by providing grants and scholarships. The Delaware Center for Inland Bays was the 2020 grant beneficiary.

The day kicks off with the 5K run at 10 a.m., followed by the 1 Mile Walk at 10:05 a.m. Awards for the 5k are at 11 a.m.

Plungers will take to the ocean in the Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos Plunge at noon. The Exercise Like the Eskimos bears the name of longtime chamber member Leo Brady who brought the event from the Kiwanis Club, when it outgrew the Kiwanis and they could no longer handle it.

This year, both events will celebrate their post party at the Bethany Boathouse, which will have a special opening for the holiday weekend. There will be music, food, drinks and an all-you-can-eat nacho bar for patrons.

Registration fees are $35 for the 5k, $25 for the 1 Mile Walk, $25 for the virtual 5k/1 Mile Walk and $20 for the Exercise Like the Eskimos plunge. Portions of the registration fees may be tax-deductible.

Registration is at thequietresorts.com. On-site registration and packet pick up will take place Friday, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Bethany Boathouse 39187 Hickman Plaza Road.

Volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, visit here.