ST. LOUIS – Hundreds of runners gathered at Ballpark Village on Saturday afternoon to brave the cold in their… well… bare necessities.

Cupid’s Undie Run, a unique and lighthearted event, pushes the boundaries for charity as participants strip down in solidarity and run in their underwear, just as Cupid himself might. Costumes are also encouraged, adding to the fun and festive atmosphere.

Colin Keller is a race director for Cupid’s Undie Run and said, “It is a great run. It’s less than a mile. It’s fun. We have a great time.”

The annual run isn’t just about laughs; it’s about making a difference.

Proceeds from the event support the Children’s Tumor Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding research and finding a cure for neurofibromatosis.

“One of the reasons we do this in our underwear is because for those who have NF, sometimes it can be very painful, very formative, and as such they are not always comfortable in their own skin. So it’s a welcoming thing to say, ‘Come be a little uncomfortable.’”

While the idea may seem unconventional, the St. Louis group has made a significant impact, raising more than $60,000 at this year’s event alone. After the race, attendees enjoyed drinks and dancing at PBR, and some even braved the mechanical bull. Over the years, the group has hosted more than a dozen runs in the city, proving that a little fun in the cold can go a long way in helping those in need.

The St. Louis Event Director, Todd Garten, commented, “This is our chance to grow. Coming back from the pandemic, there’s still a lot of people that haven’t heard of us, and there’s a lot of people; this is their first time here. We hope to grow and do this even more in St. Louis.”