WASHINGTON, May 28, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk Series is doing something a little different – consider it a test drive of monumental proportions! In partnership with the Pocono Raceway and its owners, the Mattoli and Igdalsky families, and with the help of Victory Junction and our sponsors, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Genentech and Lewis Strategic, the first Undy 5000 Track Walk benefitting the Colon Cancer Alliance will be held Saturday, June 8 at 4 p.m. after the ARCA race.
Seven-time NASCAR Champion Richard "The King" Petty, will lead the Track Walk around the 2.5 mile "Tricky Triangle" giving fans the unique experience to not just walk the track – but to walk it in their underwear! The Undy 5000 may raise eyebrows, but will also raise life-saving awareness and funds to prevent colon cancer.
"We want everyone to come out to the track to support the Colon Cancer Alliance. Unfortunately, colon cancer is the #2 cancer killer in this country. It's important that our race fans take their health seriously. With appropriate screening this cancer is largely preventable," said Petty.
A fun twist to a serious situation, this family-friendly event gives participants a pair of boxer shorts to help bring attention to the part of the body affected by this disease. The Undy 5000 also features the Colon Cancer Alliance's Inflatable Colon,-a giant, walk-through colon that shows the various stages of colon cancer, including descriptions about Crohn's disease and colitis.
"This is a great opportunity to reach a brand new audience. Folks don't like to talk about colon cancer – there is a stigma attached to it. But if we can make it relatable – if we can make it comfortable to talk about with your friends and most importantly, your family – then we are really getting somewhere," said Andrea Clay, CCA Director of Special Projects.
To participate, register on-site or online at www.undy5000.org. The Colon Cancer Alliance will have a tent open for registration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8. Registration is $20. The first 50 people to sign up will get a ticket for free admittance to the Pocono Raceway on Saturday, June 8.
For more information, please visit www.undy5000.org or call 202-628-0123.