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Boston has already had its first snowfall and yet, on December 6, 2014, over 700 men and women will strip down to speedos, sports bras and Santa hats to run in the 15th annual Santa Speedo Run, better known as the SSRun. The run began in 2000, when five friends, bored with their weekly routine, decided that they wanted to do something spontaneous and ridiculous.
The group settled on “Newbury Street and Speedos.” They then set out to recruit runners, expecting about 20 participants. However, when they showed up on the set day, the five were mortified to realize that no one had showed up. They mustered up the courage to enter The Sevens bar and carry out their plan.
The five stripped down to their speedos, started blasting The Muppets Christmas Carols on a portable speaker, and began running. They were greeted with applause and overall enthusiasm, and they knew that they could leverage the positive response and turn the event into a good cause.
Over the past 14 years, SSRun has raised over $1.4 million dollars for various children’s charities in the Boston area. Since 2012, the SSRun has partnered with the Play Ball! Foundation, an organization that helps provide middle school students in Boston with the opportunity to play sports, build friendships and character and focus on the development of teamwork, communication and discipline.
The SSRun is essentially a one-mile bar crawl, so, all participants must be at least 21 years of age. Runners must wear a speedo-like bathing suit, preferably in holiday colors. Thongs are not permitted, but Santa hats and beards are highly encouraged.
The run is a loop that starts and ends at Lir Tavern and Whiskey’s at the corner of Gloucester Street and Boylston Street in Boston. The total length is about 1 mile.
Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. and the run will commence at 1 p.m. The run is followed by a post-run party, which starts at 1:30 pm. There is a $30 registration fee, in addition to the expectation that any registered individual will raise at least $400 in donations. Keep in mind that the run is limited to the first 700 registrants.
The SSRun is the ultimate event to get into the holiday spirit, and perfect for anyone who wants to get practically naked in December, get drunk and go for a run. Sign up before its too late!
Photo courtesy of SSRunners / Facebook
