Hot Undies Run

 

Hot Undies Run

June 08, 2024

If you like saving the world and you have a need for speed, then you can do the closest thing to becoming Superman. Join the Hot Undies Run and dress up sexier than the man of steel while raising money for two charities: the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Undies for Everyone.

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) website, “MDA is the world’s leading nonprofit health organization sponsoring research seeking the causes of and effective treatments for neuromuscular diseases.” Neuromuscular diseases damage the brain and muscles. Various forms of the diseases affect more than one million people in the United States today.

MDA is partnering with Undies for Everyone, a non-profit organization that donates new underwear and socks to underprivileged children.

Bring unopened packages of new children’s underwear or socks to the run in exchange for one raffle ticket per pack. And to help advance neuromuscular research, throw on a pair of panties and run. But make sure you throw on your most creative couture—you might just win the costume contest!

If you can’t become Superman, you can at least try for Captain Underpants. And the two beers given to each runner is the perfect fuel to save the day!

Muscular Dystrophy Association Fundraising Coordinator Katy Manning tells how the run began and what to expect at the third annual Hot Undies Run.

How did the run begin?

Dave Lee founded FFP Running Clubs (and Brian O’Neill’s or BON Running Club) to combat a statistic he saw in a men’s magazine labeling Houston one of the fattest cities in the US. The run became an offshoot event for the running club to help raise funds for charities important to the runners.

How many runners do you expect?

More than 700

How many years has this run happened?

2013 is year three!

How has the run changed and developed over the years?

Starting in 2024 the run made the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) the main beneficiary. One of the committee members’ father passed away from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), so they chose to designate the event for the MDA ALS division. In addition, each year we get crazier costumes, more people attending and more raffle prizes. It’s always a party, culminating with the costume contest. Last year we had a tie, resulting in a “dance off”. Who knows what will happen this year.

What should participants most look forward to this year?

Participants can look forward to awesome raffle items including an iPad, and gift certificates from Torchy’s, Local Foods, Trader Joe’s, and more! Also the Hot Undies Run is arguably the BEST people watching in town without feeling like a creep!
They can also look forward to having a great time and knowing that proceeds go toward helping a great cause.

For somebody that does not know what neuromuscular disease is, how would you describe it?

There are a variety of neuromuscular diseases. MDA supports families living with more than 43 different kinds. What most of the diseases we cover have in common is the lack of various proteins, resulting in the deterioration of muscles. Neuromuscular diseases vary widely in severity, with some resulting in difficulty walking or issues with running and taking the stairs, and others progress until a patient needs to use a wheelchair, and some are fatal. We’re experiencing a very exciting time right now, as patients are living longer, walking longer and having better quality of life thanks to progressing research.

What is the connection between Undies for Everyone and MDA and how did they decide to team up?

MDA was invited to join the event because of a personal tie. One of the committee members’ father passed away from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), so they chose to designate the event proceeds to the MDA ALS division. Her name is Kristen DeCaires and she works in grants. Due to the nature of her job, she sees that ALS doesn’t receive nearly as much funding as other diseases, despite the fact that hundreds of  families are affected by ALS. That’s why she wanted Hot Undies to help.

Undies for Everyone contacted Dave Lee because the event seemed like such a natural partnership. Participants are encouraged to bring packaged underwear to the event. The raffle proceeds also benefit Undies for Everyone.

How have participants dressed up in the past?  What are some of the most creative or memorable costumes you recall?

Last year’s costume contest winner was Team Magic Mike – definitely memorable! It was a group of guys and one woman who they “danced” for. We’ve also seen runaway brides, cross dressers, clothed “prudes” in shirts labeled “prude 1, prude 2,  prude 3” that referenced Dr. Seuss’s “Thing 1” and “Thing 2”. Last year two girls also ran in black tube tops that said “censored” to mimic censor bars like on TV. There are always super heroes too. Last year’s second place winner consisted of an active member of BON Running Club named Elmer in a hunting hat and shorts chasing his “bunnies”, a group of ladies in pink wigs and lingerie as a play on Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny. Instead of a rifle he opted for a super soaker. The list goes on and on.

             

 

Are volunteers needed?

Yes, we will need about 30 volunteers (some in the morning and some in the afternoon). Volunteers can also participate in the run. Interested people can contact me directly at kmanning@mdausa.org. 

Are there any other runs that your team sponsors?

There are quite a few! They can all be found herehttp://www.pubrunevents.com/
Annual BON Running Club events include the Hot Undies Run, the Green Dress Run, the Cupid Crawl and Shamrock Shuffle. The next one is the Green Dress Run in September.
FFP Running Clubs have the following upcoming events: Mistletoe Pub Run July 15 at Porch Swing Pub, Monster Dash Pub Run Oct 5 at Blue Moose
Are there other events that raise money for Undies for Everyone or MDA?

MDA’s fundraising events consist of our Passport to a Cure Gala in January, Muscle Walk in April, Firefighters’ Fill the Boot throughout the year, Lock-Ups, the Labor Day SHOW of STRENGTH, online auction, our All in for ALS Poker Tournament, and more.

Will there be food, entertainment or music at the run?

Participants can order food from Brian O’Neill’s. The registration includes two beers. DJ Seduction will provide tunes. After and during the costume contest we all dance and have a blast.

Is there anything else runners should know about the run?

Yes – register online now to save time at the event and get a better price! Registration is $35 online through end of business June 7th, $40 day-of. They can register at https://raceassist.webconnex.com/hotundies2013

Our only rules are: You must be 21 or older to participate (bring you ID). No thongs allowed! It is a blast every year. People who wear traditional “clothes” the first year they come always come back in full-blown undies, because it doesn’t matter who you are and what you look like, we want everyone to come out and have fun wearing whatever they’re comfortable in.

Sponsorships and booths are available and anyone can contact Katy Manning via email if interested.

The Hot Undies Run Facebook page is http://facebook.com/hurhouston and MDA’s is http://facebook.com/mdahouston

 

Venue: Brian O’Neill’s

Address: 5555 Morningside, Houston, TX 77005

Phone:713-522-1426

Times: Registration at 10 a.m. Run begins at noon. Party at 1 p.m.

Area of Town: West University/Rice Village

Free Admission: No

Adult Admission: $35 thru June 7, $40 day-of

713-522-1426 or kmanning@mdausa.org.

 

- Laura Coburn