By Dan FletcherThe Daily Northwestern

Phil De Guzman wasn’t the fastest runner at Sunday’s Dare to Bare race. But he finished the barest and bravest, albeit unintentionally.

While he ran the last lap of the 5-kilometer race around the Lakefill in his boxers, De Guzman said he felt an unpleasant sensation “down there.”

“I was running and I looked down and I saw my privates were hanging out,” the Communication freshman said. “I thought that that probably wasn’t a good idea, so I tucked it back in and kept running.”

Despite a temperature measuring 1 below zero with wind chill and blowing snow, De Guzman was one of 16 runners who braved the weather, running around the Lakefill and shedding as much or as little clothing as they wanted on each lap.

For his efforts and for shedding more clothing than any other runner, De Guzman received a blanket from the Northwestern Class Alliance, the event’s sponsor.

Helen Wood, director of the Center for Student Involvement, said the unique nature of the event requires advance planning.

“We actually talked with the police beforehand, and they agreed not to come out here and bother anyone,” she said. “However, if someone (in the area) decides they’ve seen too much and files a complaint, the police do have to investigate.”

Runners had to sign a waiver before the race, releasing NCA from any medical responsibility and warning they could be arrested if there was a complaint.

Weinberg freshman Jeff Rixe won the race with a time of 18 minutes and 17 seconds. He called the run “refreshing,” and crossed the finish line shirtless after shedding a hat, a wristband, a sweatshirt and two shirts along the way.

“Running is even better in the cold,” he said.

Race coordinator Brad Schnedl, a Weinberg freshman, said about 40 people signed up for the race, but the cold probably kept many away.

Special Olympics, with 10 runners, won the prize for best group participation and received $85.

NCA President Mike Kane said the race, which has been run for at least the last five years, was still a success.

“We would have liked the weather to be better, but we have no control over that,” the Communication senior said.

De Guzman said the weather made a lasting impression, for this week at least.

“It wasn’t that cold with all my clothes on, but once the clothes came off, it was cold,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure my privates are frostbitten,” he said.

Reach Dan Fletcher at [email protected].