2019.07.12 Refinery29
Sunday, July 14, is National Nude Day, one of those odd holidays that appear on the internet as if out of nowhere. Its origins are said to lie in 1970s-era New Zealand, but beyond that, little is known. Luckily, we don't need a thorough history lesson to understand what National Nude Day is all about.
For those of you who find sending nude photos or adopting a nudist lifestyle a little too on-the-nose, you can still pay homage to this venerable holiday by participating in a naked run this summer.
We've yet to encounter a 5K that was founded explicitly in honor of National Nude Day, but we think it's safe to say that doing anything in the nude on or around July 14 counts as a sufficient celebration. And fortunately, there are enough nude runs out there to keep you celebrating into August.
Oh, and if you're worried that these runs are for serious sprinters only, think again. Most of them are open to anyone's who's willing to lace up their sneakers and drop trou. We just recommend that you apply sun screen liberally and follow the venue's safety and privacy guidelines (a common rule at nudist clubs is not to take any photos whatsoever). Ahead, check out six runs you can tackle in the buff this summer.
Bare Buns Fun Run (West)
Where: Tiger Mountain Family Nudist Park, Issaquah, WA
When: July 14
This hill-laden path, which takes you up the side of Tiger Mountain itself, kicks off the Buns Across The Border three-part run series. If you find cross-country running daunting, this run can easily change into a scenic walk. Another bonus: A skinny-dip in the park's heated pool awaits you at the end.
Bare Buns Run
Where: Wreck Beach, Vancouver, BC
When: July 27
Vancouver's clothing-optional Wreck Beach is the site of the second leg of the Buns Across The Border series. All of the proceeds from the race will go to the Wreck Preservation Society, so that you can count on many more years of the Buns Run.
The "Original" Bare Buns Fun Run
Where: Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park, Loon Lake, WA
When: July 28
This clothing-optional race has been an annual tradition at the Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Resort since 1984 (and is now the third and final leg of the Buns Across The Border races). Run or walk down the wooded path that takes you through the surrounding forests, and don't forget to check out the volleyball courts afterwards.
Bare Butts 5K
Where: Sunshower Country Club, Centerville, Indiana
When: August 3
Registrants are welcome to camp on this nudist club's grounds the night before or after the rain-or-shine race.
2019 5K Nude Colour Fun Run
Where: Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park, Ontario, Canada
When: July 21 (Register by July 14)
This one is for the extra adventurous. At various points in the course, you'll be showered with colorful corn starch, Color Run style.
