Nudist Day attended the second annual naked race that took place December 3, 2006 at Yatan Rumi, a naturist reserve in Argentina. Despite the fact that they were about half the number of participants as compared to last year’s event, organizer Miguel Suarez proclaimed it a success. One might suspect that the frigid temperature and rain that greeted the start of the day dissuaded many from attending (it turned out to be a beautiful day just after the marathon ended).The real purpose of the sporting event is to publicize both naturism and the club, and that goal was apparently achieved.
The winner of the 6000 meter version was Ivan, the same amateur runner from nearby Cordoba who also won the previous edition. Alexandra interviewed the lad and he told us he wasn’t really a nudist: He just takes part in any and all footraces he can, naked or dressed! Curiously, all his competitors took the wrong turn and didn’t actually run the full length of the race. This didn’t matter to the judges, who awarded medals anyway, including one special award for the lone child runner. Only two women ran the course, compared to eight last year.
Nudism is still in its infancy in this part of the world, but each day it sees more adepts joining its ranks. Perhaps the biggest limitation is the small number of nudist venues in this large country: Only one clothing optional beach and a handful of clubs, all of which except Yatan Rumi are located near Buenos Aires. Perhaps well publicized events such as this marathon will further help build public awareness.

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Destinations: Argentina and Uruguay