It might sound like something straight out of an embarrassing dream: running down the streets of Washington, DC in your underwear. But make the underwear bright red and Valentine’s Day-themed and it all sounds a lot more fun.
We’re talking about running down the streets of the nation’s capital at the 2020 Cupid’s Undie Run with thousands of other partially clothed friends in honor of neurofibromatosis (NF).
Ten years ago, Cupid’s Charity became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and began its mission to raise funds for NF, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on the nerves throughout the body. One of the founders of the nonprofit, Chad Leathers, saw his brother get diagnosed with the disease at age 16, only to later watch him become paralyzed from the neck down due to the tumors attached to his spine.
Leathers and two friends decided to create a fun run and dance party to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The thought behind no pants? Those with NF can’t hide their tumors from others, so runners strip down in their honor, showing off as much as they’re comfortable with (as long as it’s within legal limitations).
The fun runs are now held across the United States and have gathered over 107,000 runners, and raised over $18,900,000 for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
The 2020 Cupid’s Undie Run in Washington, DC will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8 from noon to 4 p.m. Join the undie-wearing crew for a mile-ish run, and celebrate afterward with a fundraising bash featuring food, drinks and lots of no-pants dancing. // Penn Social: 801 E St. NW, Washington, DC; $45
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