Manhattan's streets were a little less clothed than usual in February during the Cupid's Undie Run, a quirky charity run where participants race in their underwear for a mile through the city. The event, which supports the Children's Tumor Foundation, aims to fund research on neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissues and affect one in 2,000 births. The scene included roughly 100 near-naked runners, embarking on their scantily clad journey from The DL nightclub at 95 Delancey St., as reported by Gothamist.
The concept behind the daring dash isn't merely for attention, according to one participant, Adam Slackman, a Cobble Hill resident with NF who, has been involved since 2014. "When you're an adult and your family is confronted with something like this, they're supportive and they're there for you but finding other people that deal with the disorder is huge," Slackman told Gothamist. Cupid's Undie Run began in 2010 in Washington D.C., and the tradition hopped over to NYC two years later, raising more than $23.7 million for the cause.
As per amNewYork, the charity run isn't just an opportunity to bare it all for a good laugh but also represents solidarity with those who can't always hide their battle with NF. "A lot of people that have this disease, it's hard for them to put on their pants and have a normal life," stated Jason Yarbrough, an enthusiastic return participant. This sentiment was echoed in the joyful faces of the runners, traversing the mile(ish) route to the Williamsburg Bridge and back in less-than-typical February weather.
The heartfelt stories of those impacted by NF lend a poignant undercurrent to the event. Stephanie McLennan, co-director of the NYC run, highlighted that approximately 200 people registered, collectively raising nearly $50,000. "It means more money for research for NF. It's a rare disease but it can be a particularly devastating disease, so it deserves just as much attention and research and money as other illnesses and ailments," McLennan explained to amNewYork. Meanwhile, Michael Morris Mason, a decade-long "undie runner" and 2024's top fundraiser with over $6,400 raised, advocated for more people to join the initiative. "The cause is for the Children's Tumor Foundation, which actually provides funding to do the research to help hopefully find a cure for this disease," he expressed.
While fun and frivolity marked the occasion, the significance and hope for progress against NF were evident. Couples like Heather and Patrick Kelly ran in bold outfits for their daughter's future, and others, like Chloe McConnell, a 25-year-old diagnosed with NF, stress the importance of finding a cure. "Right now, there is no cure for NF. There are treatments you could possibly take, which is good, but finding a cure is pretty important," McConnell mentioned, according to her statement to amNewYork. The Cupid's Undie Run serves as a reminder of the strength within community action and the power of philanthropy, even if that means taking to the streets in your underwear.
