URI students to run nearly naked this month

Nov. 8 event to benefit homeless

Students gather at the starting line of the 2016 URI Student Alumni Association’s Nearly Naked Mile run. Photo courtesy of the URI Student Alumni Association.

KINGSTON, R.I. – November 1, 2017 – While the concept of running in the cold weather with little clothing seems unwise, University of Rhode Island students will do just that to make a statement and to help the poor and homeless. The Student Alumni Association, supported by the URI Alumni Association, will host the 6th annual Nearly Naked Mile Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m.

The Nearly Naked Mile puts a twist on a typical clothing drive, as students arrive on the Quadrangle dressed in outerwear and other clothing. As the race approaches, they will remove those articles to run in brief attire, including bathing suits, crop and tank tops, compression shorts, gym shorts, etc. Clothing removed by the students and other items brought by them will be donated to the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale, which serves local residents who struggle. Being nearly naked while running on a cold night helps participants understand the challenges faced by more than 4,000 homeless people across Rhode Island who do not have appropriate clothing for cold temperatures in the fall and winter seasons.

To join the run/walk, participants must register for the event by Nov. 6 which involves donating at least two items of clothing and signing a required waiver before participating. You can register for the event here.

If being chilly is a concern, runners will have the opportunity to warm up during a pre-mile dance warm-up or by playing lawn games on the Quad. Participants also have the option to attend the event in a costume surrounding the theme of Rhody Pride, if being nearly naked is not something with which they are comfortable.

“This event is unique and fun for students, but what I am most looking forward to is raising awareness for an important issue. A representative from The Jonnycake Center will be at the event and offer remarks about the services the agency provides,” said Gillian Male of Easton, Mass., the director of this year’s Nearly Naked Mile.
“To be able to help those in need while providing students with an opportunity to have fun while doing something so meaningful, is what I am most excited about.”

Race Day Schedule – URI Quadrangle, Kingston Campus
4:30 p.m. — Registration Opens
5 p.m. — Race Begins

Alexa Stewart, intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at URI and Public Relations and Communication Studies Major, wrote this press release.