First, it's not so much as race as it is a "spectacle". From what I could tell, the object is not to cross the finish line, but instead the object is to bring as many smiles to faces around you as possible (and help raise lots of money for charity).
Everyone gathers at the bar, dresses down to their speedo, and waits for 1pm to come. As it grows towards 1pm, there is a silent pressure to move towards the door. Everyone gathers outside among the vast sea of cheering supports. There is time to snap a few pictures...
Then the group then takes off!!! For the first few blocks, the streets are lined with supports who know exactly what is going on. People are cheering and the runners are cheering louder (I think that is the spectacle part). As the group continues it starts to spread out. When it's 26 degrees out, a group closer together is warmer than a group spread out, so many people stop to do pushups to let other catch up.
Continuing down the course, I noticed a distinct transition in the people lining the streets. As we ran, the spectators smiling and cheering faces turned into faces of smiling confusion and laughter. We transitioned from people who knew that it was an organized Santa Speedo Run, into people minding their own business and happened to cross paths with a large mob of cheering half naked Santas. Very entertaining!
At the finish line everyone headed back into the bar where the heat was cranked up to enjoy beer and each other's company... in speedos.
Thanks to everyone for their support!
