The proposed University City “Undie Run” has been changed to a “bathing suit run” with a new route after Drexel University and City of Philadelphia officials declined to support the original concept, event organizers said.
The fact that runners would strip down to their undergarments was of concern to city and University officials, Andrew Gould, USGA Greek Life Representative, said.
The University raised concerns over the possibility of students stripping naked and possible sexual harassment, he added.
University officials also expressed security and legal concerns, according to Gould.
“I was told that it wouldn’t be a good idea for Drexel to promote/approve this event because there was too much liability on Drexel’s side,” Gould wrote in an e-mail.
Gould met with Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services James Tucker and briefly discussed the run, but did not offer a formal proposal.
“I have not seen, nor have I heard of, a written proposal for this event with all that it would entail to properly and safely organize it,” James Katsaounis, executive director of communications for the Division of Student Life and Administrative Services, said.
Daniel Vignola, one of the event’s organizers and a sophomore majoring in civil engineering, confirmed that a formal proposal was never submitted to Drexel officials.
The run also conflicted with the Nick Pipino University City 5K run.
The Undie Run is not unique to Drexel, with the tradition starting at a host of California schools.
Over 8,000 students participate in the run at UCLA, according to Nancy Greenstein, director of police community services for the University of California Police Department.
Greenstein said the event is not endorsed by UCLA and administrators preferred it not take place but still provided security.
“Sometimes students get a little too exuberant,” Greenstein said, citing minor property damage.
By changing the attire to bathing suits, organizers do not need city approval, Vignola wrote in a Facebook message.