Saturday’s Run/Walk to Raise Awareness, Funds to Fight Colon Cancer

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LONG BRANCH –The Colon Cancer Alliance’s fourth annual Jersey Shore Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk will be held 8 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at Pier Village.
Runners and walkers are expected to be wearing their family-friendly, underwear-themed outfits during the event. Though it may look a bit unusual, the event not only raises eyebrows, but also raises awareness and funds to fight colon cancer.
The Undy 5000 isn’t your typical 5K. Instead of a race day T-shirt, participants receive a pair of Undy 5000 boxer shorts to bring attention to the area of the body affected by colon cancer. If that’s not unique enough, attendees have the rare opportunity to walk through the Colon Cancer Alliance’s larger-than-life inflatable colon exhibit, which helps create a dramatic visual by displaying the various stages of the disease.
The Undy 5000 provides a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing hundreds of people who have been affected by colon cancer to come together as a community. The event honors survivors in attendance and also takes a moment to remember those who have lost their battle.
Whether you are an avid runner, a survivor or are supporting someone affected by this disease, the Undy 5000 provides a morning of inspiration and encouragement while making colon cancer a topic that is OK to talk about.
But the Colon Cancer Alliance isn’t all talk; it takes it one step further through local partnerships. Funds raised through the Jersey Shore Undy 5000 not only support the uninsured and underinsured of Monmouth County through the Monmouth Medical Center, but also help fund critical national prevention, research and patient support initiatives.
“Last year’s event raised funds that helped provide education and screening options to more than 7,000 residents who otherwise might not have had access to this potentially life-saving service,” said Todd Setter, National Director of the Undy 5000 series. “That’s what the Undy 5000 is all about – drawing attention, increasing screening rates and, ultimately, saving lives. Through the success of this year’s event, we’ll be able to serve even more New Jersey locals than last year, and helping these people is part of what makes this event so significant.”
A fun twist to a serious topic, the Undy 5000 is sparking much-needed conversations. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. People may not want to talk about “that” part of the body, but talking about it just might save a life.
Those who want to register for the race/walk may do so beginning at 7 a.m. on race day. For more information or to register, visit www.undy 5000.org and click on Jersey Shore.