Bigger, Longer, More Santasmic! :: Santa Skivvies Run 6

While its first run back in 2009 drew a few dozen scantily clad participants, this year's sixth annual Santa Skivvies Run promises to be the biggest yet, with hundreds of participants running from UN Plaza up Market Street to the Castro district and host bar The Lookout. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation's festive fundraiser, inspired by other similar benefit runs held around the country, invades San Francisco on December 6 at 9 A.M.

The route begins at UN Plaza, follows Market Street for approximately 1.6 miles, and ends at Lookout. Cheer them on along the route with Cheer SF, AIDS/LifeCycle's Rest Stop 4 and Team Unpopular, and select drag performers.

Now in its third year, at the finish line, participants can enjoy Santa's Village on Noe Street between Market and Beaver Streets. Festivities include a photo opportunity with Santa, confections from Hot Cookie, a Santa-themed "Walk Off" competition, and a special performance by Stephen Brannan and Jacqui Arslan from the cast of Beach Blanket Babylon.

The event supports the foundation's free, local HIV prevention and care services that benefit thousands of clients annually, especially in hard-hit neighborhoods like the Castro and the Tenderloin.

"Each year, the level of enthusiasm for Santa Skivvies Run grows. This year, we're branching out from the Castro, and we're excited about giving folks a brand new course." said Neil Giuliano, SF AIDS Foundation CEO. "Santa Skivvies Run is a fun way to give back to the community. And our runners are passionate people. They're literally willing to run around in their underwear and raise funds for the cause."

Lookout bar owner Chris Hastings, who's sponsored the event since its beginning, answered a few questions about the Run's history.

Asked about the growth of the event over the past five years, Hastings said, "I think the event grew primarily because it is so much fun, and such a unique San Francisco event. The growth was very organic; each year we saw people who participated come back the next year with more friends. It's become a holiday tradition for a lot of people."

The growth in numbers of donations and participants is impressive. Said Hastings, "The first year (2009) we had about 30-40 participants; and things just took off from there. In both 2012 and 2013 we have had over 450 participants and raised over $50,000 each year."

Hastings mentioned that the Skivvies fundraising isn't directed to a specific service at SFAF; it goes towards all of their services. SFAF provides free services like drug and alcohol use counseling, HIV testing, needle exchange, and support for people with HIV.

The event's origins are said to go back to a Boston event in 2006 called the Santa Speedo Run. In freezing weather, men and women ran in Speedos and other Christmas-themed skimpy outfits for a local charity. Since then, multiple variations have emerged in Atlanta, Long Beach, Denver and many other cities.

"I don't know if Boston was the first, but I believe it was the largest," said Hastings. "We wanted a name that was a good fit for San Francisco, a little bit silly, and was as inclusive as possible." Thus the 'Skivvies' name.

While the unrelated Santacon takes place the same day, it raises funds for no causes (except bars). The Skivvies participants may face a dual Santa street invasion.

And with so many more participants, the new route seems longer, but is basically the same distance, just in a different direction. It should provide a great visual to even more people.

"In years past, Lookout was both the start and finish line with the route wandering through the Castro, but it is still only 1.6 miles," said Hastings. "The decision was made to move the event to a Saturday and have it come up Market St. with the intention to broaden our audience and allow the event to continue to grow for years to come."

So, how do participants strip down in one area and get dressed in another?

"There will be changing stations at Civic Center," said Hastings. "Participants can drop their belongings and 'non-skivvies' there and we will transport them to Santa's Village in time for participants to pick them up after the event."

Yes, there is an after-party, held after the run on Noe Street, right at Cafe Flore.

"We have a lot of fun things planned for the village," said Hastings, who mentioned photo booths, live performances by some outstanding local talent, a runway contest for participants, and awards to the high fundraising individuals and teams.

"The festivities will wrap up on the street by noon, at which point we will take the party back inside Lookout," said Hasting.

With beverage sponsors including Hendrick's Gin, Jack Daniels Honey, Matagrano, Milagro Tequlia, Southern Comfort and Stoli, hopefully, after all that running around in holiday undies, some hot toddies will be on the drink menu!

Registration is $50. Participants can register the day of the event, December 6, from 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. at UN Plaza, Market Street between 7th and 8th streets. Onlookers are welcome and encouraged to make a contribution to San Francisco AIDS Foundation at the event. The after-party takes place at Market Street at Noe, and at the Lookout, 3600 16th St. To register or learn about volunteering opportunities, visit www.santaskivviesrun.org