Boxers, tighty whities and push-up bras all are appropriate for the “brief” Cupid’s Undie Run arriving in downtown San Jose this week to raise money for children fighting neurofibromatosis.

The run on Feb. 7 starts at noon at Britannia Arms downtown and encourages participants to strip to their skivvies to help raise money for NF, a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors on the nervous system that grow at an uncontrollable rate. There is not yet a cure for the disorder and the proceeds collected go to the Children’s Tumor Foundation for researching better treatments.

This year’s goal for the run, which takes place in 38 cities, including another Valentine’s Day run in San Francisco, is $3 million for NF research. The races have raised money at a substantially increasing rate, growing form $10,000 in 2010 to $2.3 million in 2014.

Debbie Parsons, Silicon Valley race director, set a personal goal of $10,000 goal this year and is about 40 percent completed with $3,677 raised. More than $27,000 was raised from total Silicon Valley participants at the time of publication.

Parsons says the organization tugged on her heartstrings in 2012 when she first participated in the race and learned about the disorder.

She said after participating in San Francisco, she was inspired to bring the fundraiser to San Jose. In its first year, the 2014 Silicon Valley Undie Run had 300 participants.

“I don’t have NF or a family member with NF, but I reached out to the Children’s Tumor Foundation and heard from the mommies and kids, and this cause is totally legit,” Parsons says. She noted that this year there are only 200 registrants thus far, but she is anticipating many last minute signups.

“It’s the most fun run because it’s such a big party for a great cause,” she says. “You’ll hear people saying,  ‘I’m running in my undies for the children.’ It’s fun but not in a creepy way.”

In addition to the underwear shenanigans, Bare Wax lounge will be on site with services including hair removal for men who want to show their love and machismo with a strategically placed heart.

“We’re going to have a bunch of guys with tears in their eyes,” Parsons said.

The run is about a mile through downtown San Jose, starting and ending at Britannia Arms at San Pedro Square with dancing and drinking.

Participants are encouraged to start teams with matching panties but solo runners and couples are also invited. Common themes include super hero outfits or patriotic undies. Some participants use a photo of their personal NF hero.

The Silicon Valley NF hero is Sophie, an 11-year-old girl from Chester, Calif. (near Quincy), who was diagnosed at age nine. Sophie and her family regularly travel five hours to the Bay Area for her numerous surgeries and treatments. For the Undie Run, she will be leading the pack of half naked participants in a custom car.

“It will be really cool to have her leading the race in the car,” Parsons said.  “I’m excited for Sophie because it makes it real for participants. This is the person you’re helping.”

Cupid’s Undie Run arrives at noon on Feb. 7. More info.

Photos from the 2014 Cupid’s Undie Run via MetroActive.com: