Participants in the Cupid’s Undie Run yesterday took off more than their clothes — they also stripped down their wallets for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

The third annual Undie Run attracted 800 people over age 21 to run a 1.5 mile route along Capitol Hill in Valentine’s Day underwear. This year’s run raised over $250,000.

The Undie Run started after one of the founder’s friend’s younger brother developed tumors all over his body. The boy suffered from a rare form of neurofibromatosis, commonly called NF. NF results in the growth of non-cancerous tumors on nerve tissue, which can cause skin and bone abnormalities.

When the event started in 2010, it was only expected to have 60 runners, event coordinator Bobby Gill said.

“When 650 people showed up, we were shocked,” Gill said. “Since 2010, the amount of people has grown to 800 this year, and the money we have raised has gone from $8,000 to over $250,000 this year.”

Parent Steve Lorberbaum participated in the run this year for his daughter Eliza, who has NF in the form of a brain tumor. He has participated in other running events like triathlons for NF but said this run was especially important to him.

“It is really about raising money and awareness about NF and getting people involved,” Lorberbaum said. “I got to meet other parents whose kids have NF and a lot of people I did not know that were there to support a cause very important to me and my family.”

Others who supported the cause like Lorberbaum came out, braving the below freezing temperatures in revealing red and pink underwear to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Some even ran in groups, dressed in bright orange wigs and red boxer briefs, and carried a large boombox blasting LMFAO and Kanye West to pump up the runners.

Lorberbaum appreciated the support of those who participated in the cause.

“There are plenty of 5Ks for charity but only one Undie Run,” Lorberbaum said. “Just having people come out to support a cause that does not affect them is awesome.”

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