Mark Jessett ran his socks off to win a naked 5k charity event in Kent.
*Pictured above - Mark Jessett - who won a most unusual naked 5k race.
Mark Jessett ran his socks off to win a naked 5k charity trail race in Kent...
Report by Don Hale.
www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk
Welsh athlete Mark Jessett took part in a most unusual race last Sunday where he almost literally ran his socks off – in addition to all his other clothing – as it was all part of a unique and very naked 5k fundraising event for the Naturist Foundation at Brocken Hurst, near Orpington, in Kent.
Mark, who is a member of North Wales Road Runners, and is also one of the regular run directors at Conwy parkrun, was the first male runner home out of 130-completely naked entrants, winning the race in style in a fast time of 18 minutes and 50 seconds, despite the very hot weather with temperatures hovering around 27 degrees.
After his run, Mark said: “A rather rare running appearance for me these days. The event was organised by the Naturist Foundation, and it was basically a trail course through the trees with a short section on the road.”
Many of the competitors were said to have never visited a naturist site before, prior to this race, but the opportunity proved to be extremely popular, and perhaps the very warm conditions may have helped to boost the number of entrants.
Whatever the reasons, the runners were said to have quickly and enthusiastically adapted to this exceptional fun event, and as they were all completely naked, and in stark contrast to normal races where a number is pinned to their vests, they had to have their race numbers scrawled across their bare chests and arms with bright lipstick to help identify them at the finish.
Runners were only allowed to wear socks and shoes, if necessary, due to some rough parts of the course, and were lined-up in accordance with their age and estimated abilities, with the faster runners at the front, followed by slower runners, social joggers, and even walkers.
The event, along with other unusual supporting fundraising activities, was watched by plenty of other equally naked spectators, and was expected to both raise the profile of the Naturist foundation, and raise thousands of pounds for the Brocken Hurst organisation, and for other charities.
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