Interview 7

The Alumnus

I'm here with a fellow who says he has seen these runs before. How many have you seen?

Many. Probably the last five years.

And how did you hear about it to begin with?

I went to school here -- the University of Michigan.

So were you still a student when you saw it the first time?

That's how I learned about it. And it was such a wonderful tradition of freedom, I just had to come back. And I came back for many.

Do you usually hang out in this area, near the beginning of the race?

No, this is the first time [here]. A friend indicated that this is the place where they begin. So I decided to check that out. Usually I'm around the Diag [a diagonal path through part of the main campus]. It's more spaced out there [fewer spectators]. There's a lot of light, good viewing, and a lot of fun.

So how are the police going to stop it this year?

I really don't think they are. They said they were going to stop it for the past three years, but they haven't yet.

Well, that's true. The police changed the policies here on [directing] the traffic [in order to discourage runners], so I guess [having a run] depends on whether anybody shows up.

I think a lot of people are going to show up because of the great crowd, and I see a lot of people with backpacks. I presume that they're going to put their clothes in the backpacks, and run.

Have you ever run it naked?

Never.

Any of your friends?

Many.

What do they think about it?

They love it. It's a great experience.

And what do they say is great about it?

That they love reclaiming their bodies, and just being very free, and shedding the inhibitions.