Boxers or briefs?
You might find out at UNM's first annual Undie Rock 'N' Run, which starts at Johnson Field at 8:30 p.m. today.
Participants can assemble in the field wearing what they wish to donate to Joy Junction, a local homeless shelter. Everyone will then shed their clothes and start a one-mile jog through campus.
Jeremy Reynalds, CEO of Joy Junction, said the shelter is currently accepting all types of clothing. Also, students can donate sleeping bags and blankets.
The event is free but open only to UNM students. Participants can wear comfortable clothing under what they would like to donate if they do not wish to run through campus in their underwear.
This is UNM's first-ever 'undie run,' but the event has been a tradition at colleges across the country for quite some time, said Michael Curry, marketing student and co-sponsor of the run.
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"I actually participated in one at UCLA last month when I visited for spring break," Curry said. "UCLA does it with about 10,000 people, and they do it three times a year. It's just a big tradition that they start at midnight, and it's something that doesn't even have to be promoted because it's been done for so many years."
John Benavidez, American Marketing Association faculty advisor, said he was reluctant to support the event when the idea was first presented to him.
"Initially I said, 'No way,'" he said. "But, as they began to explain it a little bit more, I became more open to the idea. I know that a lot of the administrators at UNM had the same reaction.. But these guys are very organized, and they aren't trying to do anything out of the ordinary. It's just good, clean fun, and it benefits a charity."
Red glow-in-the-dark wrist bands will be issued to participants, Benavidez said.
UNM Police will also be out to ensure appropriate behavior, and volunteers with orange vests will guide participants in the right direction, he said.
The prearranged route will pass near the SUB, Duck Pond and Zimmerman Library.
If students are uncomfortable running in their underwear, co-sponsor Gabriel Kraus said there are other options.
"If you're comfortable coming in your underwear, great, but if not, wear some comfort clothes," he said. "Basically, wear some clothes that you want to donate and some clothes you're comfortable running in.. The idea is to get you to come out to the event, not into your underwear."
Curry said the event will attract as many participants as possible, so that it can become an annual tradition for UNM.
"We want to help create a good tradition at UNM where you can have fun, relax and let loose before buckling down for finals.." Curry said. "Its also about charity.. A lot of us are really fortunate to be able to go to college, and this is a great chance to give back to the community for that opportunity."
Students are encouraged to bring cameras and upload their photographs of the evening as soon as possible to the event's Facebook page or at unm.edu/~unmama.
UNM Undie Rock 'N' Run
Today, 8:30 p.m.
Johnson Field
For more info, visit unm.edu/~umama
