Last Tuesday, runners bared it all at the University of Northern Iowa Alumni Association’s fifth annual Polar Bare Run, Walk or Roll as they stripped off layers of gently used clothing to donate to the Salvation Army.

Prior to the run, 235 pre-registered racers and 60-100 walk-up runners were expected. For each article of clothing the runners donated, they were entered into a raffle for the opportunity to win one of 27 prizes donated by businesses in the Cedar Valley.

“The race has gotten bigger every year because of the support from the community,” said Greg Kajewski, vice president of Connecting Alumni to Students, the Alumni Association’s student group. “And this year we’ve had many businesses help with the raffle, making it a big success.”

Sydney Wilkins, freshman technology management major, was running the race for the first time.

“My friends really wanted to do it and it sounded fun,” Wilkins said

“This is my second time running the race. I did it as a freshman and then again this year,” said David Parrot, senior biology major. “(The race) was great. It was wet, but worth it.”

At the end of the night, 34 boxes of clothing were donated to the Salvation Army, as well as a monetary donation from the entry fees for the race after expenses were paid.

“I was so excited so many people registered to run, as well as them having the chance to experience what it is like to be out in the cold without coats, hats and gloves,” said Connie Hansen, CATS adviser. “There are people here in the Cedar Valley without warm winter wear, and it’s a reminder of how fortunate we are.”

Sourcve: northern-iowan.org