Amid a stampede of colored bras, Speedos and painted faces, hundreds of Ohio University students sprinted down Court Street on Saturday afternoon for the fourth annual “Bare on the Bricks.”
Student Alumni Board and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity co-hosted the event to collect clothing donations for local community programs and schools, said Allie McRitchie, vice president of philanthropy for SAB and a junior studying math and sociology.
“I thought the event went very well. It was the biggest turnout yet,” she said.
At about 1 p.m., more than 300 participants began to gather in front of Baker University Center. Some of the runners waved giant flags and cheered, and a member of the Student Alumni Board was hoisted onto another student’s shoulders and began the countdown. When she finished, the runners sped down the street.
The run started at Baker Center and ended at the intersection of Court Street and State Street. After the run, participants were invited to an after-party at The Pigskin for free food and prizes.
Stephen Ambrosio, philanthropy chair for Phi Kappa Psi and a junior studying economics and entrepreneurship, said the event went very well.
“I’m thankful for everyone who participated in this event,” Ambrosio said.
Various students who participated or watched the run said the overall event was a positive experience, adding that it was all for a good cause.
“It was funny,” said Samantha O’Loughlin, a Fall 2012 alumna who studied athletic training and was a spectator of the event. “I thought it was cool how everyone was wearing costumes. It was crazy.”
One of the runners, Joe Garman, vice president of Phi Kappa Psi and a junior studying organizational communication. Last year, Garman helped organize the event but couldn’t run. He said participating this year gave him a different perspective.
“I was actually afraid of getting trampled; I’m not that fast,” Garman said. “It felt really good to finally experience the run and being with my guys … with people you consider family.”
After the event, Ambrosio said about 1,000 pounds of clothing — much of it stripped from the backs of the students running—was donated for the cause.
McRitchie said 75 bags of clothes were donated, and a total of $2,500 was raised. Students who pre-registered for the event paid $10 to participate, and those who signed up the day of paid $12, according to a university news release.
“All proceeds are donated to Good Works,” McRitchie said.
Jeff Rogers, president of Phi Kappa Psi and a junior studying mechanical engineering, said he enjoyed having students come together for the event.
“It was really fun,” Rogers said. “This was a great way of spending time together and helping others.”
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