Bouncing Buns 7K "Clothing Optional" Trail Race

The 3^rd annual Bouncing Buns 7K trail race was held at the “Clothing Optional” Sunny Rest Resort in Palmerton, PA on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The race continues to grow each year. There were 46 finishers in 2010, 105 in 2011, and 145 finishing this year. It supports the Cancer Society and is a great way to enjoy nature. The race is managed and timed by www.pretzelcitysports.com. It’s run on well marked and well groomed trails entirely within the resorts 190 acres. The course starts and finishes in front of the owner, Myra Mesher’s house. It does a short loop on the road, and then makes its way into the woods at the top of the only steep hill. It is approximately 75% shaded on single and double track trails. There are a few spots where the rhododendron bushes form long tunnels the runners pass through. The last mile winds its way around the camping area with plenty of spectators cheering on the runners as they bounce along.

With temperatures in the 90s, the mid-way water station was well appreciated and participants passed it in each direction. There was also a gentleman spraying runners with his hose cool us down prior to the last hill sprint to the finish. Approximately 80% of this years participants were partially or completely nude as were the spectators. Participants came from 9 states, as well as Canada and Brazil. Ages ranged from 19 to 68 years young with a ratio of 30% female/70% male.

 

            The resort offers motel rooms, tent, camper, and RV sites. There are a number of cabins available for seasonal stays for members as well as a few year-round homes on site. Race participants and their guests have full use of the facilities on race day. While the race was conducted on the hill, the awards were handed out beside the pool. While the resort is “clothing optional”, no swim wear is allowed in the pool or hot. Most participants stayed for the BBQ after the awards and listened to the live music.

             Resort amenities include nature trails, heated swimming pool, heated conversation pool, sand volleyball, bar and restaurant next to the pool, couples massage, fitness room, hot tub, night club, tennis courts, yoga classes, basketball, billiards, ping pong, children’s playground, and store. Sunny Rest Resort opened in 1945 and is a family-friendly resort. They have events every weekend from mid-May to mid-September. Events include such things as Murder Mystery and Dinner Show, volleyball (sand and water) and tennis tournaments, Beer Festival, dive-in movies at the pool, live and DJ music, poolside “Grillin’ and Chillin’ BBQ, karaoke and open mike nights, costume and theme nights in the night club, and much more. For more information on events, rates, and directions visit them at www.sunnyrest.com. Until next years race, take it off and go for a run.