Boxers or briefs? New Yorkers to bare almost all at Panasonic’s Underwear Run

This Friday, 500 New Yorkers will strip down to their underwear and undergo a 1.7 mile race to the finish line in Central Park. Since 2006, Panasonic has hosted an annual Underwear Run to kick-off the New York City Triathlon; this year’s triathlon is on Sunday.

Prizes are awarded not only to the first-male and first-female finishers, but also the “best-undressed” runner.

Registration for the event is now closed; the event typically sells out within a few hours on a first come, first served basis. However, curious New Yorkers can catch the race at 7:30 p.m. beginning at Cherry Hill by Bethesda Terrace in the heart of the park.

Last year, runners donned all kinds of costumes and underwear styles. Runners were even graced by an appearance from New York’s most famous underwear show-off, the Naked Cowboy, who also served as the Race’s Grand Marshall.

Jaded New Yorkers witnessing the event were less than impressed by the spectacle, reported Gothamist. Luckily, Panasonic assured that no public complaints have been made against the event.