Taking It Off for Charity at Cupid’s Undie Run (photos)

Runners once again stripped down for charity at D.C.’s eighth annual Cupid’s Undie Run, held Saturday, Feb. 11, on 14th Street NW, adjacent to Franklin Square. The event, which started in the District in 2010 and takes place around Valentine’s Day, has expanded to more than 40 cities across the country and around the world. Proceeds support the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s fight against neurofibromatosis (NF), a rough cancer that affects the nervous system of small children. The genetic disease can cause blindness, deafness, learning disabilities and severe chronic pain.

Brendan Hanrahan, Bobby Gill and Chad Leathers came up with the idea for the run, which was first held on Capitol Hill. Leathers’s brother Drew was affected by NF, and the founders wanted to do something to raise money for research on the disorder. They expected about 100 racers that first year, but over 600 showed up, raising $10,000. Last year’s Undie Run raised $3.5 million worldwide. According to the organizers, this year’s “sold out” D.C. event attracted 2,000 participants, up from 1,600 a year ago. Hanrahan and Chad Bartlett were on hand to direct.

Runners warmed up and partied before and after the race at the Park at 14th nightclub and restaurant. Fortunately for the participants, it was a unseasonably mild winter day, in contrast to the bitter cold weather and snow characteristic of previous years.

Those interested in learning more about and donating to the Children’s Tumor Foundation should click [here](http://cupidsundierun.org/).

*View Jeff Malet’s photos from the 2017 Cupid’s Undie Run in D.C. by clicking on the photo icons below.*