Fourth Annual Philadelphia Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk raises more than $100K

PHILADELPHIA — Despite flooding from severe weather in several parts of Pennsylvania earlier this month, nearly 600 people ran in their underwear in Philadelphia in support of those who have been affected by colon cancer.

Participants of the Fourth Annual Philadelphia Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk ran on MLK Drive, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and raised just over $110,000 to fight colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Alliance CEO Andrew Spiegel even joined in, stripping down to his Joe Boxer undies on stage. “I lost a bet with Todd Setter. I thought my team, the Rear Enders, would raise more money than the top team in San Diego this year, but I lost. And I’m true to my word,” Spiegel said.

“We had an awesome group of people here today,” said Setter, National Undy 5000 event director. “We had 28 colon cancer survivors who came out, and they all had such great attitudes. They were so inspiring, making a fun time out of a challenging situation.”

Event proceeds are used to support the Colon Cancer Alliance’s national and local patient support and public awareness programs. The Undy 5000 series, created by the CCA in 2008, is held in cities across the nation, and is designed to promote awareness and educate the public about colon cancer.

Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of Dulcolax, is the presenting sponsor of the 2011 Undy 5000 races.