The Undy 5000 5K Run/Walk to fight colon cancer comes to Emerald Downs on June 30.

Participants are encouraged to run in their underwear as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the area affected by colon cancer.

The race starts at 9 a.m.

“Last year, we had several hundred participants run, which included over 10 colon cancer survivors,” said Todd Setter, National Undy 5000 event director. “We know this year will be better than last, and we hope we have tons more survivors, since that’s what this event is all about, after all – early detection and surviving.”

The Seattle-Tacoma Undy 5000 features the Colon Cancer Alliance’s (CCA) Inflatable Colon, which is a giant, walk-through colon that shows the various stages of colon cancer, including descriptions about Crohn’s disease and Colitis.

The Undy 5000 is held in 16 cities throughout the country this year to educate the public about colon cancer, promote screenings and encourage people to talk about the disease.

Instead of race day T-shirts, all registered participants receive a commemorative pair of Undy 5000 boxers.

It is a family-friendly event open to all ages.

In addition to the 5K, there is a one-mile fun run.

The CCA, the nation’s largest and oldest patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colon cancer, hosts the event.

Registration fees are $30 advance, $40 race day for 5K Adult (14 and older) and $25 advance, $35 race day for 5K Youth (6-13). The one-mile fun run (all ages, Children 5 and younger are free) costs $20 in advance, $30 on race day.

More information or to register, visit www.undy5000.org.