The "Cupid’s Undie Run," a 1-mile run to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation and Neurofibromatosis, will take place this Saturday.
Participants will run and dance through the streets of New York in their Valentine’s Day-themed undergarments.
The New York City race will be one of more than 30 races nationwide to raise money for the foundation.
Neurofibromatosis a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue.
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Drew Leathers, who was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis as a teenager, inspired the charity run.
Leathers was an athlete before he was diagnosed with the disease, which attacked his physical strength.
Leather’s brother, Chad Leathers, the nonprofit's executive director, started the foundation with co-founders Brendan Hanrahan and Bobby Gill.
Chad Leathers was a former employee of the Children’s Tumor Foundation, which the nonprofit continues to donate funds to for research.
“Our goal for the event is to innovate ways to give our participants an exhilarating, life-affirming experience,” said Kevin Sterling, the national marketing director of the charity run.
Last year's event raised over $3.5 million from donors. Organizers seek to double that amount this year.
The stripped down runners have been braving the cold for the charity run since 2010, raising a total of almost $11.5 million as of last year.
The charity hopes to add more cities to their portfolio as opportunity allows.
You can register for the run here.
