Under a hazy fog darkened Saturday morning sky, about 900 eager runners, some in festive and cartoonish attire, braved low visibility and choppy Lake Michigan waters off Oak Street Beach to participate in the annual Polar Plunge.

       The Polar Plunge asks people to jump into frigid Lake Michigan to raise money to support Chicago families in need. The event, run by the Chicago Polar Bear Club, has happened annually for 22 years after founder Brian Marchal wanted to jump in the lake and recruited a small group to join him.

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       The first plunge on Jan. 1, 2002 had just three participants, according to the Chicago Polar Bear Club. The tradition has only grown since that day.