Right Around the River Blog

2nd Annual Boxer Brief Battle at Rocketts Landing a Success

Post Date: 06-12-2014

Blue men. Purple hair. Underwear over pants. If you took just once glance at Rocketts Landing last weekend, it looked like a comic strip convention landed on our community! In reality, we were hosting the 2nd annual Boxer Brief Battle 5k walk/run, which brought out the fun in everyone who participated — and we enjoyed every minute.


Hundreds of people line up to race for the Boxer Brief Battle at Rocketts Landing.

Organized by local nonprofit Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (HCB2), the Boxer Brief Battle is a fundraiser that helps support the organization's mission of "raising awareness and funds for local efforts in cancer prevention." They have a specific focus on "below the belt" diseases such as colon cancer. This year, the event attracted over 330 participants, 60 course marshal volunteers and 20 event volunteers. Everyone was in good spirits and brought strong camaraderie to the race, making the day quite a blast for all involved.

Fun and fitness brings teams out for a great cause.

Costumes are quickly becoming a must-have for the Boxer Brief Battle — which creates one lively, comical event! "Neil's Team" won Best Team Costume with over 21 team members racing, many of whom were dressed as blue men. And Kelly Andrews won Best Individual Costume for her purple hair and boxer-underwear ensemble.

Participant Kelly Andrews (middle) won for Best Individual Costume.

As a fundraiser, the event was a huge success. HCB2 successfully raised over $40,000 for early detection programs, research and educational campaigns. And while the funds are essential, other important takeaways occurred that day: Due to the day's event, a 52-year-old avid runner who had not had his routine colonoscopy realized the importance of screening and is now scheduling his appointment.

All ages come out to race for a cause -- in costume!

"That is our intention, to raise the level of awareness so more people understand the importance of screening, knowing their family history and knowing the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer," explains Founder Mindy Colkin. "HCB2 intends to keep talking about prevention and encouraging the Richmond community to become more proactive against this disease."

The Massey on the River tribute board honors loved ones lost to cancer.

Another wonderful takeaway was the number of people who participated in honor of a loved one lost or impacted by colorectal cancer. Event attendees were able to write a message on the Massey Cancer Center's dedication wall, as well as walk through the Strolling Colon exhibit, a large replica of a human colon to learn more about its function within the body — and overall importance to our health.

The Strolling Colon exhibit offers a first-hand look into the different stages of colon cancer.

We always enjoy when the Boxer Brief Battle descends upon Rocketts Landing to support their mission. Thanks to all who came out to make the day such a success! We look forward to next year.