Holiday Speedo Run
121507. 30+ friends and strangers came together, clad in speedo's and holiday garb, to serinade shoppers on the 3rd Street Promenade. It's a donation entry of a suggested $25.00 which goes to a wonderful program called Exceeding Expectations. We meet at Ye Olde Kings Head, and have a few snakebites (cider and beer), and head out singing carols at the top of our lungs as we jog along.
Here is Jen Kramer with the creator and Race Director of the Holiday Speedo Run, Santa Monica - Babak Azad.

Jen, Anna and Heather, our cute Christmas Elves:

Ian McQueen Gonzales and and, with his Yule Log.

Lawrence and Beth - this shot will be part of their wedding showcase I'm sure:

The fastest reindeer I know, Kathryn Donovan:

Hunk-o burning man -- Peter Brantley gearing up in his pink Thumbs Up speedo and Afro:

Lucas and Sylvia hold the fort down as we speed off to do our thang:

Annnnd, this is what it comes down to.... a mob of butts and legs and chests, making their way around the shoppers, spreading holiday cheer -- all for the kids!

Beautiful Butts >>

When we finally made it back to Ye Olde Kings Head, it was time for a round of beer shots for all.

Another successful Holiday Speedo Run, under our belts. Looking forward to 2008, and even more people, crazier holiday outfits...

Merry/Merry to all >> Holiday Ho Ho Ho.

Holiday Speedo Run, Santa Monica

The 4th Annual Holiday Speedo Run, organized by Babak Azad, went off on Saturday beautifully... It was about 55-60 degrees, and looked like it might rain at any-time, but it held off for the event. While the runners were worried it might be a little chilly, they came back all excited and sweaty from their 2-mile jog while singing through the crowded 3rd street promenade.

Here is a promo write up by Konrad Ribeiro with photos I took at the event -- below, a photo of the Group before they head out to frighten the holiday shoppers:

By Konrad Ribeiro:

The Boston Marathon.
The Olympic Mile.
The Marathon du Sable.
Badwater.
Western States 100.
There are many great running events in the world. Be a part of an event sure to join this exclusive pantheon, an event fit for the running gods. I'm talking, of course, about the 4th Annual Holiday Speedo Run.

(Above: the group runs into the Santa Monica promenade, below: Evan Hyde & I pose for the camera).

It is really quite simple:
* Show up at Ye Olde Kings Head Bar in Santa Monica
* Wear a Speedo
* Jog at a 14 minute mile pace up and down 3rd Street Promenade for 15 minutes while singing Christmas carols and Hannukah songs.
* Donate triathlon gear or money to the Exceeding Expectations charity.
* Drink a beer
Again. This is bigger than you or me. It is well beyond huge. For details go to HolidaySpeedoRun.com
Dozens will run, thousands will say they did. Don't force yourself to lie to your grandkids. Show up, sport the speedo, and enter tha annals of history. Hehehe. Annals.

(Above: Gary, Alma & Deb with Brendon looking over them, below: Stella & Cody)