Runners Take to the Streets in Undies to Fight Colon Cancer

DALLAS, Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk to fight colon cancer is returning to Dallas for the fourth consecutive year. This year's event will take place on Saturday, October 29 at 8:30 a.m. at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake. The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA), a national patient advocacy organization, will host the event to help bring greater awareness to colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

"Last year, we had more than 650 people participate in the Dallas Undy 5000, including 14 fantastic colon cancer survivors," said Todd Setter, national Undy 5000 event director. "We hope this year to have twice as many participants and survivors – that's what this event is all about, after all – early detection and surviving!"

To kick off the race and celebrate the creativity and dedication of participants, the CCA is proud to launch the first-ever "Parade of Undies" fashion show in Dallas, sponsored by the makers of Dulcolax® products. Unlike other 5K races, the Undy 5000 is unique. Rather than wear race day t-shirts, participants wear specially designed boxer-style shorts, providing a fun way to bring attention to a serious disease. Additionally, Miss Texas Vivian Ta, originally crowned Miss Dallas United America 2011, will serve as host for the Dallas "Parade of Undies" fashion show. Vivian's platform is Early Detection of Colon Cancer in honor of her father who is a rectal cancer survivor.

The Undy 5000 – a family-oriented event open to all ages – is held in cities nationwide to educate the public about colon cancer, promote screenings and encourage people to talk about the disease. The event raises much needed funds to support and build the CCA's national and local patient support and public awareness programs. In addition, a portion of the funds raised from the Dallas Undy 5000 will be distributed locally to fund services for those diagnosed with colon cancer. In addition to the 5K, there will be a 1-mile family fun run.

The Undy 5000, created by the CCA, stresses the importance of timely colon cancer screening and also provides valuable information for those already affected by the disease. The CCA and Dulcolax are very excited to have local CVS pharmacy stores partnering to raise awareness of colon cancer. Undy 5000 sign-up information can be found in local Dallas CVS stores.

The makers of Dulcolax®* are the proud presenting sponsor of the 2011 Undy 5000 races. A portion of the proceeds from Dulcolax product purchases supports Colon Cancer Alliance community screening programs. As the #1 doctor recommended laxative brand**, Dulcolax reminds everyone over the age of 50 or with a family history of colon cancer, that a colonoscopy can save lives.

"We love coming to Dallas," said Andrew Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance.  "This is our fourth race here, and I fully expect this year's Dallas Undy to shatter participation and fundraising records!"

More information about the Undy 5000 is available online at www.undy5000.org.

Created by the CCA in 2008, the Undy 5000 stresses the importance of timely colon cancer screenings, early detection, and provides valuable information for those already affected by the disease. Event proceeds help fund the CCA's patient support and public awareness programs. Part of the proceeds will also be left behind to help fund colon cancer support services at Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation (Ridgefield, CT) and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies. The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 42,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to act socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim's endeavors.

For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/boehringerus.

The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase screening and survivorship rates, the CCA provides education and patient support, furthers research efforts, and conducts advocacy work across the country.

*Dulcolax® products are marketed and distributed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

**Among stimulant laxatives

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Colon Cancer Alliance