Lose the Pants, Keep the Cause
Cupid’s Undie Run returns to Seattle to raise funds for neurofibromatosis research
By Sarah Stackhouse January 28, 2025
When was the last time you had that dream where you’re at work or school and suddenly realize you’re not wearing pants? Now imagine doing it in real life — but for a good cause.
Cupid’s Undie Run returns to Seattle on Feb. 8. This mile-long, pantsless party invites participants to strip down to their undies while raising money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF). The event supports research and raises awareness for neurofibromatosis (NF), a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerves and throughout the body.
The day kicks off at noon in Fremont at The Dock Sports Bar & Grill (1102 N 34th St.) with music, drinks, and mingling. At 2 p.m., runners hit the streets, followed by a dance party featuring prizes for top fundraisers and best costumes. That’s right, creativity is encouraged when it comes to your pantless attire.
So far, Seattle participants have raised $5,500 toward the city’s $20,000 goal. Teams like “Team Heimeken” have contributed more than $1,300. The cost to run is $40. Still on the fence? Registration is always open, even on the day of the race. Walk-ins are welcome and can pay the registration fee at the door.
NF affects 1 in 2,000 births worldwide — about 4 million people — and can lead to blindness, deafness, learning challenges, and even cancer. According to organizers, the goal of running in underwear is to show solidarity with those living with NF. “We run in our undies because those affected by NF can’t cover up their tumors. They can’t put on clothes to feel more comfortable, so why should we?”
Since its start in Washington, D.C., in 2010, Cupid’s Undie Run has grown nationally with events in 34 cities, including Boston, Los Angeles, and New York. Participants have raised more than $21.7 million, with 100% of net proceeds funding NF research. Cupid’s Undie Run first came to Seattle in 2013.
Oh, and the weather on the day of the run? Rain and snow showers are in the forecast, with a high of 43 degrees. It takes some serious dedication (and a good sense of humor) to brave those temps in your undies, but these runners are showing up for an incredible cause. Keep moving, and you’ve got this!
Follow Us
Thanks, Seattle
A note of gratitude to everyone who supports our work.
As we head into the holiday, we’re feeling grateful for everyone who makes Seattle magazine what it is. To our readers and subscribers, thank you for showing up for local stories, sharing them, and reminding us why this city is worth covering with care. To our advertisers, partners, and the many PR teams who help…
A Different Way To Cycle
Motoring madness.
It’s no secret that Pacific Northwesterners love to cycle. You can see them pedaling to and from work, along bike trails, and between neighborhoods almost any time of year. On November 28, Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is turning a lens on another form of cycling with its latest exhibition, Kickstands Up! 125…
The E-Bike That Saved Our Mornings
A simple shift in the school commute turned into the best part of the day.
Ah, the dreaded school morning, when getting your kids out the door is a Herculean effort. Sometimes it feels like getting them to eat breakfast, brush teeth, and get dressed is harder than moving a rock uphill. But never—not once—since we got an e-bike have our kids not wanted to hop on and zoom off…
Are Women More Trusting?
Not so much...
Who to trust is a daily decision, and those decision-making moments present themselves so often that we may not realize we’re making them. When someone speaks to me in a line waiting for a movie, I generally don’t think they are secretly planning to steal my purse. When someone gives me directions, I don’t think…