After the Nearly Naked Mile, students wait in line for complimentary food and drinks on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Khaleigh Reed/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado Boulder held its 17th annual Nearly Naked Mile on Oct. 3. For years, the run has supported the local community while remaining a fun and memorable night for many CU Boulder students and community members.
The race benefited the charities A Precious Child and Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence. Each runner was encouraged to donate five articles of clothing that would be given to the organizations after the race and, if they chose to donate, they were given a free cowboy hat in return.
Both charities are located in the greater Boulder area and are dedicated to empowering and supporting disadvantaged children. Specifically, A Precious Child is committed to aiding impoverished children with future careers through initiatives such as Child and Family Advocacy, Family Stability, Academic Success and others. SPAN offers various modes of support to those impacted by domestic violence, such as counseling, housing, and crisis lines.
The event’s registration opened at 6:30 p.m. at the Koenig Alumni Center and runners quickly filled the area. The atmosphere at the center was buzzing, with students laughing amongst themselves and showing off their chosen outfits for the night.
One runner, Gavin DePue, noted that he had just completed Boulder’s half marathon, the Boulderthon.
“It was nice to do something a little more relaxed,” he said added. “It’s for charity, which is cool, so I brought some clothes. It’s just nice to bring everyone together.”
The race kicked off at 7 p.m., and the runners headed to Farrand Field before looping around to the University Memorial Center and finally finishing back at the Koenig Alumni Center.
“I thought it was really fun,” said freshman Cassidy Thompson after the race. “Everybody was hanging out and drawing on each other and it’s just funny because it’s a bunch of naked college students.”
At the end of the mile, the runners celebrated their efforts with a glow-in-the-dark party, live DJ and free food until 9 p.m.
Runner Brooke Stolt noted that she appreciated the vibrant atmosphere.
“The energy was good,” she said. “Everyone was enjoying the food, music and supporting a good cause with the clothing donations.”
The event concluded with 1,300 articles of clothing collected.
Years after the first-ever Nearly Naked Mile, the event continues to maintain its fun spirit and charitable roots.
“I think it’s both a fun tradition and promotes a good cause,” Stolt added, “so what’s not to celebrate?”
Contact CU Independent Guest Writer Ella Marrufo at ella.marrufo@colorado.edu
