Yantai’s first nude run: hot guys and girls dash in the buff.
On March 9, Yantai held its first nude run. The quirky costumes and makeup not only caught participants off guard but also had many locals in stitches. The event was initiated by New Power Sports Hub, with the goals of health, fashion, environmentalism, sexiness, and mischief.
At 8:30 a.m., nearly 70 participants gathered at the New World Department Store Plaza in Laishan District. Despite the chilly weather, their enthusiasm was undeterred as they shed their outerwear to prepare their outfits and makeup. Tigers, leopards, Minions, and Big Big Wolf… Alongside a variety of colorful body paint designs, some runners boldly displayed large messages on their bodies: “I want to make headlines,” “I love China,” “Ditch the wine glass and run,” “Seeking marriage”… Stripped to the waist, their humorous getups drew crowds of onlookers and photographers.
Around 70 people took part, about 20% of whom were women—roughly a dozen. Female participants were more reserved in their outfits and makeup, with most only exposing their arms. Four children also joined in, including 8-year-old Wang Yanwei, who stole the show in a Superman costume. “My parents bought me this Superman suit just for the ‘nude run,’” said Wang, who has been running outdoors with his dad since childhood, his voice brimming with joy.
At 10 a.m., after warming up and chanting slogans, the group set off from New World Department Store Plaza, passing through Huanghai City Garden, Xincheng North Street, Laishan District Government, and Fisherman’s Wharf, before finally reaching the intersection of Yingbin Road and Guanhai Road.
Around 10:20 a.m., 25-year-old Wang Yingdong was the first to cross the finish line. “Joining the ‘nude run’ was mainly about challenging myself, giving myself a chance to relax, and letting go of physical and mental stress to keep pushing forward,” Wang said. Signing up for the run was a way to challenge himself and break free from the monotony of everyday life.
To prepare for any emergencies, four support vehicles were on standby, equipped with first aid kits, drinking water, and spare clothes. Throughout the event, no participant—including the four children—got into the vehicles, and everyone completed the course. By around 10:40 a.m., the last runner crossed the finish line.
Female runners start shyly, mostly showing just their arms
Among the female participants in this “nude run,” aside from being fewer in number, they were also quite modest in their attire, with most only painting their arms and faces.
“If you’re not running in just your underwear, the event kind of loses its point.” Most male participants were highly enthusiastic about the run, believing its spirit lay in challenging oneself—but this didn’t necessarily reflect the views of female participants. “Mainly it’s for health reasons—the weather’s too cold, and I’m worried about catching a cold,” many female participants told reporters. Some also said, “My family didn’t approve.”
Walking and running—they all stuck it out
On the morning of the 9th, five participants from the “I Am the Weight Loss King” event also arrived early at the nude run, and compared to others, they seemed to be dressed a bit more.
“Looks pretty good—we can stick it out,” said Yu Xiaobo. Among the five overweight participants, Liang Bin ran the fastest, while Xu Ming and Chai Yaying were urged along by their coach Yang Zhenjia, who used a mix of scolding and coaxing to get them walking and running until they finally reached the finish line.
After the “nude run,” the overweight participants felt even more motivated to get fit and lose weight. “I really couldn’t run anymore,” said Xu Ming and Chai Yaying, who lagged far behind the group. They expressed a sincere hope to one day have the strong physiques of the other participants.
Originating in the U.S., promoting health awareness
The “Nude Festival,” which started at American ski resorts, gradually evolved into the “nude run,” requiring participants to run 3.5 kilometers in their underwear. The goal is to connect with nature and embrace a healthy lifestyle—and Yantai is no exception.
“We hope to encourage more citizens to join in and embrace health,” said organizer Qiao Pengfei. As a new form of exercise, it takes time for the public to accept it, and this “nude run” is meant to raise awareness and gradually draw more people in.
Reactions to the “nude run” vary among citizens
Yang Jingjing (32 years old)
Q: How did you feel about the event?
A: It was pretty cool.
Q: Did you find it exciting?
A: It was full of energy. I support it—young people should do stuff like this. I think it’s a great, positive activity, and there should be more of them.
Ms. Wang (25 years old)
Q: How did you feel about the event?
A: I’ve heard of it. I ran a marathon in Tianjin before, and now this kind of event has finally come to Yantai. Yantai is getting trendy too. I’d be happy to join similar events in the future.
Qiu Bingjing (65 years old)
Q: How did you feel about the event?
Answer: It's okay.
Question: Did you find it exciting in the middle of winter?
Answer: I was only wearing shorts. It’s fine—young people should have some energy. It’s nothing.
Anonymous citizen (68 years old)
Question: What did you think of this event?
Answer: What kind of event is this? I’ve never seen anything like it at my age.
Question: The “Naked Pig Run” means running in your underwear to relieve stress...
Answer: Who came up with this idea? I don’t approve of such things. I’m over 70 and it’s the first time I’ve seen it—I’m not interested either. I’m not in the mood for this at my age.