Semi-naked invited to run for a worthy cause Saturday

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Ho! Ho! Whoa!!!

Nearly naked folks dashing through the city-

Yep. Saturday, as the Santa Speedo Run gets under way.

The event, benefitting the Chicago Diabetes Project, starts at Shenanigans, 16 W. Division, where a $40 cover gets each participant access to a three-hour open bar and snacks, a Flip Cup tourney, costume contest and "North Pole" dancing.

About 150 participated in the 2009 inaugural and raised $5,500. About 200 are expected Saturday.

At 1 p.m., they'll strip down and sprint one mile down Rush Street and back up Michigan Avenue.

Organizers encourage wearing Speedos, but participants aren't limited to strutting around in the 30-degree weather in teeny swimwear. Festive sweat shirts, snowsuits and parkas won't be out of place.

Similar runs, off-shoots of a 10-year-old Boston event, take place in several U.S. cities.