Albany

Dressed in Speedos, Santa hats and little else, people braved the chilly weather in their skivvies for the 12th annual Santa Speedo Sprint on Saturday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus, decked out in red and white, took time off from wrapping presents at the North Pole to run. A team of sharks and one T Rex made an appearance. A nutcracker and a gingerbread man dashed across the finish line.

Others wore skirts, dresses, pajamas, tights, colorful socks and suspenders as a light snow fell on Lark Street. Another Santa Claus, presumably an impostor, played the saxophone on the sidelines.

"I'm just trying not to freeze and run in this outfit," said Ben Valentine, a Rotterdam resident wearing an orange Tyrannosaurus Rex costume. "That's the real goal."

The 800-meter run is organized by the Albany Society for the Advancement of Philanthropy and the Albany All-Star Roller Derby. People pay $25 to participate, and proceeds from the race benefit the Albany Damien Center and Albany Medical Center's HIV/AIDS program.

Wearing a glittering silver top, a red skirt and a matching Santa hat, Marie Anderson cheered runners on from the sidelines.

"I'm an athletic supporter," the Albany resident said. "I come because it's a great cause and the outfits are fantastic!"

About 13 years ago, race directors Steve Kervin and Jim Larson were watching television and saw the annual Santa Speedo Run happening in Boston. Kervin and Larson, both ASAP members, decided the Capital Region needed its own version.

"If Boston can do it, Albany can do it better," Larson said.

In its first year, the Santa Speedo Sprint drew roughly 35 people and raised about $30,000. In the 11 years since, the annual event has raised more than $200,000 and more people brave chilly temperatures in their underwear every year, Larson said.

The funds have helped the Damien Center provide more housing and services for people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS, said director of development Jonathan Richardson. Last year, the organization served more than 400 people.

"This event is so beneficial for us," he said. "It helps us provide food, housing, services - all of it. We're so grateful."

Larson and Kervin start thinking about the race after Christmas, but the actual planning begins in August. Both participate every year but have different approaches to the race. Larson "meanders with purpose," intending to come in last place (in his own words), while Kervin always jogs or sprints to the finish line.

The event helps raise awareness of the Damien Center and Albany Medical Center's HIV/AIDS program and highlights the medical advances that have changed the way HIV and AIDS are treated, Larson said.

The race is also affordable and enjoyable. People don't need to rent a gown or tuxedo and spend gobs of money to give back, Larson said.

"We're here to have fun and support a good cause," he said. "We're here to celebrate."

miszler@timesunion.com • 518-454-5018 • @madisoniszler