I Ran the Santa Speedo Run

Published Dec 15 2008, 11:51 AM by Sara Faith Alterman

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On Saturday, I did one of the dumbest things I've ever done in my life: knocked back a shot of whiskey, stripped down to a two-piece, and ran 1.25 miles in the frigid cold, screaming, swearing, and singing Christmas carols all the way.

Fortunately, I was joined by approximately 500 other people, who'd gathered to show off their bods, have a casual jog in 30 degree weather, and raise money for charity, all part of the 8th annual Santa Speedo Run.

The near-naked fundraising event - a quick dash down Boylston, over to Newbury, and back up again - began with five bored dudes in December, 2000, who wanted to spice up their regular workout routines and choke a few laughs out of the uptight Back Bay holiday shopping crowd. Over the years, the number of do-gooding exhibitionists grew exponentially, and the run has since raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various Boston charities. Costume creativity has grown as well; runners don everything from strategically-placed tinsel to full throttle Kris Kringle outfits. One woman wore a candy cane bikini that was so itsy-bitsy, I feared for her dignity. I myself wore a blue Speedo, silver running shoes, tinsel, and a Santa hat, to pay homage to my half-Jew, half-gentile roots.

Before and after the run, (which was, essentially, a race back to the bar) runners crammed into Lir for some PBR and excited chatter. (The level of some men's excitement to be around a bevy of hot ladies was most unfortunately apparent.)

This year alone, the runners and their festive pickle pouches raised over $175,000 for Cradles to Crayons, an organization that provides clothes, toys, and other everyday essentials to low-income and homeless childen. Not sure if those essentials include bathing suits...