Santa Speedo Run 5.0
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When: Saturday, December 17
Where: The Big Easy, 1 Boylston Place *Registration and pre-race activities at noon *Race begins at 2 p.m. *To register, visit santaspeedorun.com *A look at the course *Charity: Children's AIDS Program |
Q&A: The spandex, the myth, the legend
By Chris Rattey, Boston.com Staff When Seth Frye teamed up with four friends to combine the forces of holiday cheer, charity, and the Speedo, something magical was bound to happen. "Santa Speedo Run" was born.The festive competition enters its fourth year of existence this Saturday at Daisy Buchanan's, with pre-race festivities launching at high noon. Scarcely dressed participants take to the pavement at approximately 2 p.m.
The Lighter Side had the opportunity to chat with Seth on the race's origin, its course, and the legend that is the Speedo.
Boston.com: If you could describe the Speedo in one word, what would it be?
Seth Frye: Incredible.
BC: How did this event originate?
SF: The first year there were only five of us. Myself, Ryan Birkenhead, Jonathan Ianelli, Dave Swanson, and Nathan Blew. We just wanted to do something fun and crazy for the holiday season.
We got dropped off in a car at the bottom of Newbury Street and just started running. There happened to be a protest at Nike Town and the Gap that day, so there was a ton of people on the street. The crowd went nuts and there were only five of us.
So the next year we got a little more organized. We made up some t-shirts, got some donations, and chose a charity. From there it has taken off. Last year we had approximately 60 runners. This year we are hoping to have around a hundred.
BC: Was there any other attire suggested for the event?
SF: Nope. It's always been the Speedo, although women are participating this year. We have added the bikini or a one-piece Speedo.
BC: No half-shirts, mesh material of any kind … Daisy Dukes perhaps?
SF: One guy last year wore suspenders. Some guys don't want to go out and spend $30 on a Speedo, so they buy butt-huggers - you might call them tighty-whiteys - and spray paint them the official colors, which are red, green, and white. People are encouraged to get as creative as possible … just try and keep the Christmas theme.
BC: I bet beer tastes better in a Speedo … especially before you’re about to run around Boston in nothing else but that.
SF: It's the weirdest thing standing in a bar with nothing on but a Speedo and a Santa Hat. You have to have some kind of buzz to do it. I myself do a couple of shots in the two-hour window before the race begins. The spectators in the bar can't contain themselves. It's a free for all.
BC: How long is the race? Describe the course please.
SF: The run is about a mile, maybe a little less. We leave Daisy's heading West on Newbury, turn left on Mass Ave., and a left on to Boylston. We run the whole length of Boylston until we get to Arlington. At Arlington, take a left. Then left back on to Newbury for the home stretch.
BC: Have there been any weather-related nightmares?
SF: The cold is always a factor and last year it rained. That was actually nice. You’re jogging though. People usually have a pretty good glow on. I don't think anyone has ever even noticed the weather. You’re in a Speedo in public.
BC: Any participant-related nightmares?
SF: You get the occasional college kid who breaks out of the gate way ahead of the pack screaming his head off. We usually have a couple of pace people. Some guys cheat and cut down one of the streets and meet us as we come back up Newbury. We sing Christmas carols and do push ups and jumping jacks at every other block. The more I think of it … this thing is insane.
BC: Do you get any women for the event?
SF: This year we have eight women signed up online. That should be interesting. This will be the first year.
BC: Do you think Mayor Menino wears a Speedo?
SF: That's a good question. If he does it's probably leopard print or something sexy.
BC: So what’s this whole event for?
SF: Every year we sit down and choose a charity. This year we chose the Children's AIDS Program (CAP) at Boston Medical Center. We wanted to do something locally this year. You can access their information from our website. Go to the charity page.
Chris Rattey is a content producer for boston.com. Questions or comments can be directed to crattey@boston.com
