The Nearly Naked Mile is back for its fifth year in a row. Students and community members will strip down to their underwear to run around campus for charity Friday at 7 p.m.
Registration will start around 6 p.m. in the Shepherd Union ballrooms. Admission consists of gently used articles of clothing or at least two cans of food.
Last year only clothing was donated so this year WSU wanted to include Weber Cares, the on-campus food pantry, and have participants bring canned goods in addition to the clothing they will be taking off.
The food will be donated to Weber Cares, and the clothing to the St. Anne’s Center homeless shelter.
“It’s a fun way to get students involved and active, out running a mile,” said Kami May, health professions senator and vice chair of the WSUSA Senate.
Last year about 300 people ran and 200 articles of clothing were donated. There will be three stations along the course where students can take off their clothing, or they can take clothing off at registration.
There will be different prizes for people in different costumes and groups.
The course will start between Elizabeth Hall and the Shepherd Union at Waterfall Plaza and will come down campus to the Social Science Building ending back at the Shepherd Union.
“You’re actually contributing to the community and WSU. It’s healthy–it’s a run,” said Jeffrey Henry, WSUSA Senate president. “We will have prizes for best male and female time and slowest male and female time, so everybody feels included.”
WSU has invited other universities to get involved as well.
“I have attended the Nearly Naked Mile for the last two years, so this will be my third year running,” said Joe Favero, student body president. “Really what I have appreciated the last few years is seeing all the different students coming together for a great cause and fun.”
Favero added he thinks it is a great opportunity to get out and have fun, but also to donate clothing you are hypothetically not wearing.
Each year the event has grown, and the WSUSA Senate hopes to have even more students this year.
“My favorite aspect of the race is the cause, to end hunger and keep people warm,” President Chuck Wight. “But I think the premise of the Nearly Naked Mile and throwing off your clothes during the race to donate to charity is really eye-catching.”