Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Photos: New Yorkers Shed Clothes For Central Park Underwear Run
By
Ben Yakas
Published Aug 2, 2014
Modified Aug 2, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 42
By
Ben Yakas
Published Aug 2, 2014
Modified Aug 2, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Normally, New Yorkers have to wait until the No Pants Subway Ride or the World Naked Bike Ride to see fellow NYers in their skivvies—it's not like we live in a city where one can just walk outside and be greeted by people in underoos, doncha know. But twas so Friday evening in Central Park, as hundreds of New Yorkers stripped to their pantaloons for the annual Underwear Run.
The Naked Cowboy, Robert Burck, was the enthusiastic grand marshal as around 500 triathletes participated in the 1.7-mile run, which kicked off New York City Triathlon weekend. More than 4,000 runners are expected to take part in the real Triathalon, which takes place this Sunday.
Whether or not they wear their superhero-emblazoned underwear is up to them—but they certainly came out in droves yesterday, as you can see in the photos above. Photographer Sai Mokhtari said the short race was a reminder of everything good about NYC: "I kept finding myself thinking, I LOVE THIS FUCKING CITY!!! The fun, the irreverence, acceptance, confidence and diversity of the crowd..! NO other city gives it to you like this."
Tagged
central park
triathalon
underwear
underwear run
original
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
An excellent and diverse month of concerts are in store for October.
By
Hank Shteamer
Published Oct 2, 2026 at 11:15 a.m. ET
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
October is spooky season at the movies in New York City
By
Emma Stefansky
At the Museum at FIT, an argument for dolls as the ultimate fashion influencers
By
Quinn Moreland
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .