Pocono News Section

Holiday Speedo Run Streaks Through Berwick

Holiday Speedo Run Streaks Through Berwick - Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 3:07PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Saturday, Dec 26, 2009 @ 03:07pm EST
BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY --It just may be a northeastern Pennsylvania first -- folks racing through the streets of Berwick in nothing but Speedos and Santa hats. The charity run raised both funds and eyebrows.

They took it off... “I have red and white santa claus-type underwear on..." Then took off. "yelling" Sixty runners streaking down Berwick's Front street in nothing but briefs and bows. "Are you wearing a Speedo behind that bow? I am indeed."

Josh Nespoli saw this holiday Speedo run done in Boston. He and his brothers Jon and Marc brought it home. "We'd never imagined we'd have so many people show up on the streets to cheer us on." An elf joined the mile race...so did Mrs. Claus. A gorilla...oh and here comes good ol’ Saint Nick showing off more than he could at the North Pole. "My mom helped me with it believe it or not," says Kevin Eckroth, who dressed like Santa. Some didn't get that support. Wendy Calarco says “I worry most about my mother who told me it wasn't lady-like this morning."

But racers tossed their inhibitions aside... "It's a good excuse to take your clothes off in public and not get arrested." --Remembering the real reason they're doing this --to raise money for a breast cancer organization.

Jarred Crispell's racing for his grandmother and neighbor who both died from the disease. Chirico asks "what would grandmother think?” Jarredd says “I don't know. I think she'd be proud."

But one runner says she's proud of the young men who helped pull this event together. Calarco says "it's so exciting to see the youth and all the innovative ideas they have for our community look at this. This has brought the community together." And sharing more than ever before.

The race raised $10,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The funds include Berwick Hospital's matching donation.