Students try to ‘Save Undie Run’ with Facebook push

LOS ANGELES — Boxers or briefs? Bikinis or thongs? Bras or negligees?

So many choices — and that’s just for the men.

Three times a year, UCLA’s unofficial Undie Run brings out thousands of skivvy-clad students looking to unwind — and then some — from finals week by meeting at midnight to run from the corner of Gayley Avenue and Strathmore Place to the school’s intramural field. It’s all in good, clean fun, students say, growing into a tradition after 13 students decided to strip off most of their clothing and trot through the streets of Westwood seven years ago.

But last week, UCLA administrators informed student leaders that the thrice-annual gathering would no longer be allowed on campus. They cited reports of injuries, fights and property damage.

“It’s reached a point where it’s just a matter of time where something really serious happens,” said Lawrence Lokman, associate vice chancellor for university communications.

Each run costs the university thousands of dollars in cleanup and emergency services, Lokman said.

Although most students won’t return to campus until September, the news traveled fast, and a “Save Undie Run” Facebook page quickly attracted dozens of members.

Jason Tengco, a 21-year-old political science major and elected student representative, said the run was inherent to Bruin culture and served as a relief for those who had devoted long hours to the books.

“There’s something liberating about being able to run free with a bunch of friends half-naked at the end of a long 10 weeks of studying,” he said.

Despite the university’s edict, some UCLA students said they would continue the midnight ritual next fall. Others mourned the apparent end of a tradition, one that some never got to enjoy.

“It was something I wanted to experience at least once,” said soon-to-be senior Christina Brown, 21, who vowed to participate in December.

For Brad Greenberg, one of the original 13 runners, the end came with a touch of nostalgia. “I always thought it was kind of dumb, but at the same time it was something we had created,” he said.