About 35 scantily-clad runners raised more than $10,000 for AIDS Service Association Pinellas at the inaugural Santa Speedo Run on Saturday, Dec. 18.
“The very first Speedo run was in Boston several years ago and only attracted five runners,” said Jay Aller, one of the event organizers. “So we are very pleased with the level of participation in this first year.”
Money raised benefits ASAP’s Brighter Seasons for Children program. The long-running program assists people who have children infected with HIV/AIDS or parents battling the disease. Money raised assists in funding a special holiday for these families, including purchasing gifts, food and more.
“As always, the city of Gulfport was extraordinary,” said Anthony Barros, who works with Suncoast Hospice and organizes the AIDS Walk St. Petersburg each year.
The city sponsored the event, along with Bright House Networks, the Merchants Association, Chamber of Commerce and O’Maddy’s restaurant and bar.
The one-mile run started in Clymer Park at the corner of Gulfport Blvd. and Beach Blvd. and traveled through Gulfport’s historic district to O’Maddy’s on Shore Blvd.
ASAP plans to bring back the Santa Speedo Run in 2011 and has other events planned throughout the year. For more information, visit ASAPServices.org.
