Well, YOW added the 'run on snow' category, so we'll find out this year, but as far as I know, only Yvonne is able to run consistently on/in snow, although I'm not sure how far she goes each time. I think Barefoot Bob is also able to in limited amounts, and maybe a few others, but consistently and for normal distances, I think it's pretty hard for most of us.So you're saying most people participating in the winter challenge don't run barefoot in the snow?
Maybe with enough time for adaptation:
You should definitely give it a try though. Maybe you're someone who can do it. Just take back-up footwear with you and put it on as soon as your toes are no longer red and flush with blood. I've run in slushy conditions above freezing for several miles, but my feet did get pretty numb--a deep numbness I could almost feel in my metatarsals. No pain afterwards though, and my feet remained rosy throughout. Just a matter of finding out what your tolerances are, and how much you resent having to run in shoes!
Oh, and watch out for salt or chemicals!