Cupid’s Undie Runs have been held in major cities across the US and Australia to raise money for the Children’s Tumour Foundation.

And next year Bathurst will become the first regional NSW centre to join the likes of New York, Los Angeles, Sydney and Melbourne to host the event on Sunday, February 19.

Bathurst Regional Council has approved the Undie Run circuit around the perimeter of Machattie Park and organisers are hoping for strong support from daring locals.

CTF national events and fundraising manager Katrina Stuve said the Undie Runs started in the US before Sydney hosted the first Australian event in 2015.

This year Undie Runs were also held in Melbourne and the Gold Coast while 12 cities will host fun runs in 2017.

Ms Stuve said CTF board member and Bernardi’s IGA store manager Geoff Bottom had been behind the push to bring the Undie Run to Bathurst and they expected families from Dubbo, Parkes and Orange to also join in.

“Bathurst is perfect for us because we have some families there and want to get out to support them.” she said.

“Bathurst is also a good spot for us because it means families in other cities won’t have to travel all the way to Sydney to take part.”

CTF is the key organisation in Australia raising funds for research into neurofibromatosis (NF) and support for adults, children, and families affected by the condition.

NF is a common genetic condition characterised by  the growth of benign tumours called neurofibromas.

These tumours can grow anywhere in the body where there are nerve cells.

This includes nerves just under the surface of the skin, as well as nerves deeper within the body, spinal cord, and/or brain.

The tumours can be clearly visible and can cause a degree of self-consciousness, particularly among younger people.

Ms Stuve said the philosophy behind the Undie Run was encouraging participants to feel some of the discomfort that people with NF might experience on a daily basis.

“The idea is to get a little uncomfortable in our undies and go for a 1.5-2km run,” she said.

“Bonds have come on board as a major sponsor and when you register we send you a singlet and undies but we also encourage fancy dress because we want people to have fun with it.”

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