So apparently there is a tradition at the annual Durban July Race in South Africa — A nude race. At the Durban July meeting, the attendees strip and race for the final two furlongs.
The Durban July is South Africa’s equivalent of Britain’s Royal Ascot with superb horse racing, high fashion, elegance, fine cuisine and champagne. It is the one meeting of the year where knowledge of horse racing is not a requirement to have a fantastic day out.
First held in July 1897, the Durban July – for much of its history known as the Rothman’s July – is one of the most talked about and attended social gatherings amongst South African racing fans and the premier race for thoroughbreds. With over R1.5 million at the stake, the race – run at the Greyville Racecourse – is the Blue Riband of the South African turf, and is the one race everyone has a flutter on!
I heard about the nude race at the end of the durban because I saw a headline about Zimbabwe-born Chelsy (prince Harry’s girlfriend) being there to witness the event this year. This too is in fact a spectator sport, as there were 100,000 people watching the runners. I imagine this could (and would) be quite painful for the 100 men involved.
Why is it that other countries are so comfortable with nudity? I found a clip on You Tube as well:
