For a few minutes, the atmosphere in Main Stacks became a little less serious thanks to about 200 naked people. As they stripped in the stairwell and ran through the floors of Moffitt and Main Stacks, the sounds of pages turning were drowned out by people screaming and chanting, “Take off your clothes!”  The Daily Clog was able to talk to both senior Willie Nicklas and a spectator to get a look into the spring 2014 Naked Run.

Daily Clog: How would you describe the Naked Run event?

Nicklas: It’s exhilarating and liberating and a great bonding experience. Some people cover their faces, but most don’t.

DC: Are most people sober or intoxicated?

N: Almost everyone I knew there was stone sober. We’re not drunk; we’re having a great time though.

DC: Did you find the Naked Run stress-relieving?

N: Yes! We can go home and study and just be relaxed. The vibes are good.

DC: What do you think about the run getting filmed?

N: We’re not here to hurt you, so please stop filming us — when will you ever use this video?

DC: How do the people studying react?

N: Honestly, for all of the silly people taking pictures of us, it’s the spectators who are more worth taking pictures of — the looks on people’s faces are kind of flawless, like (they) half smile and gawk. And then there’s the 1 percent who look horrified — those are the best.

Of course, we had to interview a student who probably made exactly the kind of facial expression Nicklas spoke of while watching the event.

Daily Clog: How would you describe Naked Run?

Student: Ass, ass, ass … When they came running in, it literally felt like an earthquake. The event itself put a smile on those miserable faces. The event was simply naked people running around focused people in the library. The tradition lives on, and the storm has passed.

DC: Were you distracted?

S: It distracted me in the beginning when a hoard of naked kids were running in one direction. Thank god I chose a cubicle today — I was sheltered.

DC: Did you record the Naked Run?

S: No, I was personally traumatized seeing it live. It was definitely an experience we should all just appreciate for the moment and move on. No social media needed.

The semesterly Naked Run has become tradition at UC Berkeley and continues to put students participating and students watching a little at ease during dead week — even if it’s just for a couple of minutes. The Clog encourages you to relax a little for the last few days of dead week — even if you have to run naked in your apartment.

Contact Martha Morrissey at mmorrissey@dailycal.org.