Monday, July 19, 2010

"Put Some Clothes On!"

On Friday night, Eric and I watched a bunch of people run around Central Park in their underwear.

Sometimes I like to just say these things out loud and listen to how ridiculous they sound.

The NYC Triathlon was this weekend, and each year triathlon weekend kicks off with the 1.7-mile Jamaica Underwear Run in Central Park, led by - who else? - the Naked Cowboy. We actually checked out this event last year, too, but I don't think I ever blogged about it.

Achilles and the Naked Cowboy at last year's Underwear Run

We had talked about actually participating this year, but didn't realize that registration had already filled up before we even heard about it again. So, we were spectators this year, too. It's really just a goofy event - there are no timing chips or anything like that, just people running in very few clothes. They hold a contest for the best "Jamaica costume," so people get creative. You also see a lot of superhero costumes and other crazy attire. Young people run, old people run. Even kids, babies and dogs participate. It's quite a scene.

Underwear runners heading off through Central Park

A dog getting in on the Underwear Fun

That baby is totally sporting a denim diaper! Have you seen those commercials?

A nice family activity?

It's Batman!

Achilles watching this year's Underwear Run

My favorite part this year was actually a man hanging out in Sheep Meadow as the crowds of runners dashed by at the start of the race. He just sat there yelling, "What's going on? What are you people doing? Where are your clothes?! Put some clothes on!" I do wonder what people think is happening if they don't know about the race, and they're just out for a stroll through Central Park when hundreds of people run by in their underwear. You just never know what you may see around here.

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