You know the dream: You’re walking to school like you always do, you arrive in class, sit down, and realize you’re in your underwear; commence night sweats and panic attacks!
But how about this? You’re jogging around the UT campus, in your underwear (and possibly a supportive sports bra), all in efforts to support charity and donate clothing to the less fortunate. This is the basic premise of the Undie Run, an annual philanthropic event held at universities around the country that combines exercise, charity, and sexy skin – how does that get any better?
Started in 2006 by three guys in San Diego, the Undie Run is a college-oriented organization that aims to raise money and collect clothing for charities, such as LifeWorks and Trinity Center. As the 5th annual Austin Undie Run approaches May 4, the group aims to add to the 13,000 pounds of clothing donations it has received since the first event in 2008.
“The Undie Run’s main goal is to get local college students excited about helping out the Austin community through what we call ‘Sexy Philanthropy’,” said Anjelica Barrientos, president of the Austin Undie Run student chapter. “We literally donate the clothes off our backs to benefit these organizations.”
The run really is a national campaign to support philanthropy, Barrientos said. Fifteen cities, from Seattle to New York (and many in between), have universities that organize and participate in the event. The Austin group aims to host 1000 participants this May, which would be the biggest turnout ever in the city’s history.
Entertainment and prizes are also on the menu for this philanthropic event. 30-minute massages, a free semester of yogurt from Red Mango, and other goodies from local businesses will be given away to the most fit participants, the best themed or spirited group, and the individual with the most donations. Up-and-coming rapper Caleb Mak, who has collaborated with Kanye West, will also perform.
UT Austin sophomore and runner Kathryn Aydelotte participated in last year’s Undie Run. The advertising major tells HC Texas, “It’s a fun way to help a cause. It’s different than any other charity event I’ve been part of – it’s gratifying but also wild and crazy!”
Running around half-clothed to support charity – that’s wild and crazy? Well…yes! But it’s also part of what makes this event fun and memorable. So on May 4 this year, clean out those closets of clothing you no longer need, strap on your running shoes and skimpy garments of choice, and head over to the Co-Op parking lot on Guadalupe Street for an event you’ll never forget – or live down!
Sources:
http://www.lifeworksaustin.org/
http://www.trinitycenteraustin.org/