Monday, February 17, 2014

On the Run: Cupid's Undie Run 2014


This past Saturday I participated in my first Cupid's Undie Run, a 1-mile charity run on Valentine's Day weekend that raised money for The Children's Tumor Foundation. I hadn't been planning on doing the event but was gifted a free entry about 3 weeks ago (thanks to RUNdetroit) and couldn't turn it down!  I went to work promoting the event on my Facebook page and was able to raise $600.  Dan Gilbert of Quicken Loans promised to match donations over $500 so that's actually $1200 towards the cause - wahoo!  (In fact, Detroit raised over $200,000)  Everyone who ran got a tee shirt and bag.  For fundraising I also got undies and a big plush robe.  



The run was at 2pm with a party in the Fillmore from 12-4.  When I walked in I felt a little bit like I was stepping into Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge. It was quite a scene! I was a little nervous because I didn't go with anyone.  Thankfully RUNdetroit was one of the sponsors so after I checked in I found my way over to their table to hang out. Before long I ended up seeing another friend from the Saturday group runs who also was there on her own.  We were both so happy to find each other!

Although the temperature only reached 20 degrees by run time, the sun was shining and the streets were dry.  It definitely could have been worse!  The crowd was really pumped up and adrenaline was high so that helped, too.  We had to wait outside for about 5 minutes and then we were off!  It was a nice route down Woodward, around Grand Circus Park, up Broadway, past Comerica Park, and then back to Woodward. It was nice and quick and definitely the most fun mile I'd ever run!  I think I laughed the whole time. I must admit, it felt pretty exhilarating to be running through Detroit in your underwear on a cold February day!  But don't worry - I won't make it a habit.  (haha)

Check out this short video to get a taste of what the Undie Run was all about.

Afterwards I went straight back into the warmth of the Fillmore to collect my clothes. The party continued until 4pm but I didn't stick around much longer.  As much fun as it was to run in my skivvies, a hot shower and cozy pjs were calling!

Would I do Cupid's Undie Run again?  Most definitely!  It's a fantastic cause and so much fun!  

Have you done or would you do the Undie Run?

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