Press Releases

May 21, 2012

Underwear-Clad Runners Take To The Streets In The City Of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia, PA (May 21, 2012) – The Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk to fight colon cancer will return to Philadelphia for the fifth consecutive year. The event will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8 on Martin Luther King Drive. Participants are encouraged to run in their underwear as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the area affected by colon cancer.

“Last year, we had almost 600 participants run, which included 30 colon cancer survivors,” said Todd Setter, National Undy 5000 Event Director. “We hope this year has tons more survivors, since that’s what this event is all about, after all - early detection and surviving!”

The Philadelphia Undy 5000 will feature the Colon Cancer Alliance’s (CCA) Inflatable Colon, which is a giant, walk-through colon that shows the various stages of colon cancer, including descriptions about Crohn’s disease and Colitis. 

The Undy 5000 will be held in 16 cities across the country this year to educate the public about colon cancer, promote screenings and encourage people to talk about the disease. Instead of raceday T-shirts, all registered participants receive a commemorative pair of Undy 5000 boxers. It is a family-friendly event open to all ages, and in addition to the 5K, there is a 1-mile fun run. The CCA, the nation’s largest and oldest patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colon cancer, hosts the event.

Created by the CCA in 2008, the Undy 5000 stresses the importance of timely colon cancer screenings, early detection, and provides valuable information for those already affected by the disease. Event proceeds help fund the CCA’s patient support and public awareness programs.

Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of Dulcolax®*, is the proud presenting sponsor of the 2012 Undy 5000 races. As the #1 doctor-recommended stimulant for constipation relief, Dulcolax ® reminds everyone over the age of 50 or with a family history of colon cancer, that a colonoscopy can save lives.

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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a community that provides hope and support to patients and their families, while saving lives through screening, access, awareness, advocacy and research.

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