Sopelana Nude Race

On the topic of nude races — recently the 9th annual “Sopelana Nudist Race,” a 5 km (3.1 mile) run on Barinatxe Beach near Bilbao took place in northern Spain. 136 men, women and children took part in this year’s race.

Prizes for the race on the beach also known as La Salvaje include trophies for the categories of men, women, “veterans” (i.e., 40+ men) and children as well as week-long stays at nudist colonies in Gran Canaria and Almería. 

 

The race was started in 1999 by naturalist and sportsman Paxti Ros, who wanted to combine his two favourite pastimes into one public event. The Basque Country Naturist Club (ENE) took over the race in 2003 and renamed it the “Patxi Ros Trophy.” According to the group’s website, the purpose of the race is “to promote the Naturist way of life and to develop a healthy life style along with Naturism and sports.” 

Durban July’s Nude Race

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!

The race takes place over 2.2km and is the main event on a packed card, the last four races of which are run under floodlights.

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: