Looking for a fun way to spend the weekend with the family? This Sunday marks the 22nd Annual Bare Buns Run (West) at Tiger Mountain in Issaquah. And while this might not be the most conventional of options, it’s sure to be one to remember.
Sponsored by the Fraternity Snoqualmie Nudist Park, the 5K (3.1 mile) Trail Run/Walk will be held at 11 a.m., starting and ending at FS. The challenging course runs over unpaved road, with a short section of cross country, uphill to the turn-around and back downhill.
“A lot of serious runners run it just to say they did it,” says Dawnzella Gearhart about the difficulty of the course.
Gearhart, who serves as PR chairperson for Fraternity Snoqualmie, has been a member of the organization for 19 years.
Started by the Kaniksu Ranch in Spokane in 1984, the Bare Buns Run was brought to the western side of the state by Gearhart’s husband in 1991. Other Bare Buns Run take place in Vancouver, British Columbia; at Wreck Beach on the southwestern coast of Vancouver (July 21); and Mountaindale Sun Resort, 30 miles Northwest of Portland, Ore. (Aug. 4).
As is tradition, this year’s race is clothing optional. Gearhart says less than 10 percent of participants generally wear clothes.
“[The race] reminds people that you can be happy in your own skin and run around,” Gearhart says.
A new addition to this year’s race will be the Chaotic Noise Marching Band Corps. that will perform throughout the race.
Gearhart says her favorite part about the race is cheering on all the runners – and seeing her long time friends at Fraternity Snoqualmie reach their personal goals.
As part of the Fun Run festivities, the Fraternity will host a variety of other activities, including a wine and cheese night on Friday followed by an attempt on Saturday to join with similar organizations to set a Guinness world record for the largest number of people simultaneously in the water without swimsuits.
Registration for the race is $30; children under age 18 are free, but must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Those registered by July 1 are guaranteed a free T-shirt. Those coming to the park on race day must catch a shuttle at the Tibbett’s Valley Park-and-Ride at 965 12th Ave. NW, Issaquah, from 8-10:30 a.m. Carpools of three or more may get a voucher at the Park-and-Ride to drive directly to the park.
For more information go to www.fraternitysnoqualmie.com.
