More than 300 University of Iowa students braved the weather this weekend and stripped down to bare essentials for charity.

Students and others participated Saturday in the fifth annual Nearly Naked Mile. The event is used as a clothing drive that benefits United Action for Youth, a program for young people.

Many wore undergarments for the mile run. Others dressed as superheroes and movie characters.

Some participants said the event was about giving back and having fun.

The event's clothing collection continues Monday and Tuesday at the UAY office. Items will be available Wednesday to area youth for free.