Lack of funding spells disaster for Underwearness Run

The HIV/AIDS Underwearness Run, which was scheduled for Feb. 8, has been postponed indefinitely due to an unfortunate lack of funding.

The course would have been a challenging one: A two-mile circuit that would have begun at Heartland Park, 7530 SW Topeka Blvd. Two miles may not seem very challenging to some, but run in this cold weather wearing only underwear would be quite a struggle.

The original Underwearness Run was set for Feb. 5, but was moved to Feb. 8 as a result of the snow-related closings. The amusingly dubbed “fun run” is not in the cards for Topeka at this time.

Though the run was cancelled, the cause for the run lives on. Positive Connections, the organization responsible for the arrangement of the Underwearness event, was founded by a group of volunteers as the Topeka AIDS project in 1985.

Their mission statement as stated on the Positive Connections official web page reads, “Positive Connections is a community-based organization that provides comprehensive services to individuals who are impacted by HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and viral hepatitis, specifically Hepatitis C.”

The Topeka HIV/AIDS Underwearness Run was intended to raise awareness and money for the cause.

“We will push for sometime in October, so keep your eyes open in the future,” said Beth McKay, AmeriCorps VISTA of Positive Connections.

The campaign for the resurrection of the Underwearness Run is scheduled for March 7 at 5:30 p.m. as a part of the Topeka Kansas First Friday Artwalk.

To help the Topeka HIV/AIDS Underwearness Run get back on its feet, feel free to drop by Warehouse 414 SE 2nd St. and donate.