Nude Running Champs to be Crowned in Land O' Lakes

The national champions of nude running will reveal themselves soon in Land O’ Lakes.

The Caliente Bare Dare 5K is in its third year, but this is the first year the race will determine the male and female national champions.

So far, runners from 12 states are registered to compete in the Sept. 30 event, which features a course that takes athletes from the Caliente clubhouse parking lot through the 125-acre resort and back.

“Though running nude is not a requirement for the race, the national champions will be the first nude male and nude female finishers and will receive special awards for their accomplishments,” a press release stated.

“This has become a destination event attracting runners from all over the country,” race director Pete Williams said. “Though we welcome runners of all levels, it makes sense to recognize the top finishers in what has become a very competitive field.”

In the event’s first two years, 38 percent of participants were female, and 61 percent were 45 or younger, according to Williams.

“We’re seeing a lot of girlfriends and mother-daughter combinations daring each other to do the race and enjoy what’s really an empowering experience,” Williams said. “Plus, we’re drawing a lot of younger athletes who enjoy running, triathlon, and obstacle racing.”

And for many, it’s just one of those things they have to try. According to a press release, Competitor magazine recently listed “running a 5K nude” among its “runner’s bucket list” items.

Caliente and Pasco County are sponsoring the race, along with Boston Bill Sunglasses, Grin & Bare it Charters, and Perfectly Bare Laser Therapy, a laser hair removal center in Westchase.

Is racing in the buff on your bucket list? Registration is $30 online at www.baredare5k.com through Sept. 27 and $35 the day of the race.

The race entry fee also grants runners admission to Caliente for the day, along with post-race refreshments poolside and soft-fitted T-shirts, according to event organizers.