10 Things You Need To Know About Cupid’s Undie Run

Cupid’s Undie Run draws a crowd because who doesn’t love joining sans-pants do-gooders as they parade around a city while powered entirely on Moscow Mules?

But sometimes in the hype and hoopla people don’t get to see the ‘real Cupid’s,’ even though they’re seeing a whole lot of us (talk about being pantless).

So here are 10 things you need to know about Cupid’s Undie Run to figure out if it’s right for you.

1. THERE ARE NO FASHION POLICE

And no one will make you take your shirt off. Really though. Yes, we’re Cupid’s Undie Run, but if you’ve ever seen some of our photos you know that our people dance to their own tune, especially when it comes to fashion…and costumes are a huge part of the allure. (Hear that, cosplayers?)

Whether it’s a onesie or undies, costumes or tutu, unicorn hat or sumo suit, we want you to come to Cupid’s and wear whatever you’re comfortable in. But still no pasties or thongs (it’s for the kids). 

2. IT’S NOT A “REAL RUN”

Jogging, walking, dancing, or vogue-ing your way to the finish line is totally cool.  We like to say that Cupid’s is a “mile-ish” run because the courses vary in length from city to city. There’s no timer, no starting gun, no race tags and we don’t declare a winner. It’s much more like the 50-yard dash at Field Day… just in your underwear. Think of our run as a way to showcase your spirit in the streets as opposed to a full-on sprint.

That said, we do attract a lot of runners who want to add this to their portfolio, just keep in mind that the only medals we give are for the top fundraisers – because ultimately we’re doing this to cure NF!

3. WE AREN’T FITNESS MODELS!

Everybody, every body, and all fitness levels are welcome at Cupid’s Undie Run. The reality of Cupid’s is that folks of all shapes and sizes are welcome at our events. Whether you workout 5 times a week or not, there is a space for you. The same goes for age. Whether you’re freshly 21, or recently retired, there is a space for you. 

We also sometimes meet people of different abilities who don’t want to come to the “run” but are stoked when we tell them they can join the party and participate in as little or as much as they want. You help make Cupid’s, well, Cupid’s — no matter your ability the way you look.

4. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE “IN SHAPE”

The goal of Cupid’s is to raise money to cure NF and have fun in the process. Want to be in shape for Cupid’s? Simply take your pants off, and you’re officially in Cupid’s Undie Run shape! Whether a mile is your warmup, or your stretch goal before sipping cocktails – we want you to come to Cupid’s and have one helluva good time.

Like we wrote above in items 1 – 3, Cupid’s is a come-as-you-are event. You’re not timed on the run; people sometimes walk, or if it’s too cold, stay inside the whole time.

5. WE HAVE SKIN IN THE GAME

Literally. Cupid’s Undie Run is made up of a small team and countless volunteers across the country.

Our team and volunteers help put on this event every year because they’re committed to finding a cure for neurofibromatosis. While running sans pants is all fun and games, our team is dedicated to fundraising for NF research.

We are deeply committed to doing everything we can to make our events successful and bring in vital research dollars so that we can #EndNF.

6. WE LOVE OUR SCIENCE

We are serious about science. As an official program of the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF), the proceeds raised from Cupid’s Undie Run are donated for research.

Since we started in 2010, we’ve raised over 23.7M dollars for NF research! That fundraising money allowed CTF to generate 116 preclinical studies which have led to 16 clinical trials. In 2020, the FDA approved the first-ever drug for pediatric neurofibromatosis type 1! Cupid’s is making waves in the NF world, and we couldn’t be happier.

We treat Cupid’s like a giant family, and it means the world to us when we see a clinical trial or new drug reducing the size of a tumor in a young child, for the first time in his or her life. That’s why we’re doing this. That kid and their family believe in what we’re doing – and we’re grateful for their trust.

7. IT’S BETTER WITH FRIENDS

Rally the squad, quaran-team, or your best friend’s neighbor’s college roommate. While new friends are sure to be made at the event, Cupid’s is always better with your squad by your side, especially when there’s an open bar at stake.

8. WE KNOW IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

Cupid’s has survived Polar Vortex, El Niño, Snowmaggedon, COVID-19, and everything in between. We know it’s cold in some cities (really cold) and we know it’s 80º and sunny in some cities (we see you, Florida).

At every event, we monitor the weather and wind chill – to make the call if it’s dangerous for our crew to do the run. If you know it’s freezing, refer to item #1 and wear a onesie, tutu, bathrobe, cape, millennial skinny jeans, or whatever floats your boat.

9. D-BAGS GET THE CURB!

We take this very seriously. You get rowdy, black-out drunk, puke-drunk, or wanna grab any body part that doesn’t belong to you – you’re out, no questions asked, and that includes consensual activity. Keep your hands to yourself —Point blank period.

Cupid’s first and foremost is a charitable party and everyone deserves to be respected. Anyone encroaching on someone else’s ability to have fun is dunzo.

10. WHY Children’s Tumor Foundation?

There are a lot of NF-focused charities out there that have well-respected missions. Some focus on patient care. For instance, when someone is diagnosed they will be the first voice to say, “It’s okay, we can walk with you through this.”

The Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) focuses primarily on research – finding a cure. 

CTF has been a four-star rated charity from Charity Navigator for so long, that it essentially puts them in the top 2% of most effective charities in the country.

We are deeply dedicated to ending NF, and CTF is the best chance we have to find a cure.

SO WHADDYA SAY? THINK YOU MIGHT BE READY FOR CUPID’S UNDIE RUN?

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