'It keeps you young!' 78-year-old participates in Ridgway 'Almost Naked Run'

RIDGWAY, Pa. (WJAC) — In Elk County, a New Year's Day tradition went on as planned Friday despite the rough weather.

The Ridgway “Almost Naked Run” drew in about a dozen residents from across the area to participate in the short run.

Organizers say runners wore bathing suits and Christmas garbs as they ran through downtown Ridgway.

The run ended with participants jumping into the Clarion River.

One of Friday’s runners was 78-year-old Bev Yates.

She says she's participated in the run for the past two decades.

"Well because everybody does it,” Yates says. “You gotta be like all the other people! And it keeps you young! And it keeps you young! Yes! I am the oldest runner here!"

About half of the runners jumped into the river.

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