For some students, the first day of school after spring break means the end of public nudity.
But six University students prolonged the debauchery for one more day by running naked through Northrop Mall at approximately 12:15 p.m. Monday.
The male students ran through campus wearing nothing more than wigs, hats, shoes and sunglasses. The event, known as the Jack Mytton Run, is in its fourth year.
Erica Barlow, a University junior, said she’s seen the event every year since she’s been in school. She said it always takes place the first day after spring break, but usually only one or two people run.
After the students were dropped off on Washington Avenue, they ran through the mall area and into the circle drive next to the auditorium, where they were picked up. Besides the regular students walking near the mall, approximately 30 people gathered to watch in front of Northrop Auditorium.
“I don’t know how they came up with it, but it’s a tradition now,” said Jim Diehl, a first-year graduate student in computer engineering who watched the run.
The real Jack Mytton was born in Halston, England, in 1796. He was a notorious prankster famous for his intelligence, courage and wit. One of the participants said the run is adapted from a similar event at the University of Michigan.
Moments before the naked students ran through the mall, police sirens could be heard on the Northrop Auditorium steps. Someone in the crowed said, “Here they come,” and was answered with nervous laughter.
Renee Powell, a math major who happened to be in the mall when the naked men passed her, said she was surprised.
“I thought it was funny, but I don’t know why they would run across campus naked. I don’t know if they’re in a frat or something; I can only guess,” she said.
No police arrived on the scene. Police dispatcher Karen Guinn said they did not get any calls regarding the occurrence. She said if people see anything like this in the future they should call so the police can respond.
“If we don’t get any calls we can’t do anything,” she said.
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