Press Releases

July 3, 2012

Run In Your Undies: 5K Run To Fight Colon Cancer

Winston Salem, NC (July 3, 2012) – The Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk to fight colon cancer is coming to the Piedmont Triad area for the first time ever. The event will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 22 in Old Salem. Participants are encouraged to run in their underwear as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the area affected by colon cancer.

“We know the Piedmont Triad area is going to be a great first-year area for the Undy 5000,” said Todd Setter, National Undy 5000 Event Director. “We really wanted to bring the race to a part of the country we had not yet reached, and we hope we can spread the word about preventing and treating colon cancer here in North Carolina!”

The Piedmont Triad 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. 

Local sponsors include the Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center, Salem Gastroenterology Associates, Piedmont Gastroenterology Specialists, and Retail System Services.

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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