Runners strip to undies along Woodward for cause
Detroit — Forgive the double takes Saturday near Comerica Park where more than 1,000 runners —some wearing little more than their goosebumps — participated in the 5th Annual Cupid's Undie Run to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation.
In 45 degree temperatures scampered down the .7 mile course from Grand Circus Park into the warm confines of The Fillmore on Woodward Avenue.
While red Valentines' attire was popular, there were runners dressed like Tarzan, Batman and Superman. Bearded, tattooed guys in tutus, including one romantic who shaved his exposed chest hair into the shape of a heart. And scantily-attired women who could have graced the pages of a Victoria's Secret catalog.
There was even a human-sized, T-Rex.
"The dinosaur was cute but not fair. You were supposed to run in your underwear," pouted women's professional wrestler Sienna, who lives in the Dearborn area.
Sienna — her stage name — was the top fundraiser with $10,306 in pledges from her friends and fans.
"It's a great cause," said Sienna ."I don't know anyone directly with this disease but too many people only care about something that directly affects them."
Similar runs were taking place in 37 U.S. cities and Australia. The target is a rare nervous disorder, neurofibromatosis or NF for short. Last year the runs across the nation raised $3.5 million, according to the organization's website
The Detroit run's rallying cry on the Fillmore marquee was "Fundraise Your Pants Off."
Chris Smith. a spokesperson for Quicken Loans, one of the sponsors, said while final numbers won't be totaled until Monday, it is expected it will be near the $233,000 Detroit runners raised last year.
Quicken Loans founder and chairman Dan Gilbert matches any individual or club donations between $500 and $1,000.
"It's a lot of fun," said Jill Breckenridge, of Lincoln Park, comparing her Dr. Seuss character underwear to the bright red tutu worn by a friend, Craig Veresh, of Troy.
The pair, who have run in past events, were part of the Between A Walk and a Hard Pace club that recruited 13 new runners this year.
"It was negative six degrees last year," said Veresh, who works in human resources when not running in his undewear. "Today's balmy in comparison."