Spirited turnout for Jockey Undie Run kicks off Flannel Fest Saturday

SOMERS — More than 400 enthusiastic runners and walkers participated in the first-ever Jockey Undie Run Saturday morning to benefit the company’s Jockey Being Family Foundation.

The 3K run/walk took place before the Petrifying Springs Biergarten and Kenosha County Parks’ Flannel Fest at scenic Petrifying Springs Park, 5555 Seventh St.

Participants each received a pair of special edition white Jockey boxers to wear over their leggings or shorts during the run. 

The Jockey Undie Run and Flannel Fest highlighted the company’s early history and benefited the Jockey Being Family Foundation, which provides post-adoption support to families both locally and nationwide. 

Funds raised at the event will help fund a room makeover for a newly adopted child in Kenosha. The recipient will be named in November, which is National Adoption Month.

“We had more than 420 people just for the run alone, and we’re expecting a ton more people to come to the Flannel Festival, too,” said Jake McGhee, vice president and chief philanthropy officer at Jockey after the run. “We’re really happy with the turnout. It’s a good event for a good cause. It exceeded all of our expectations.”

McGhee said he’s grateful for all the Jockey employees who woke up bright and early to help set-up the event and ensure things ran smoothly. He also thanked county officials and parks department workers for helping make the event a success. 

“We have always taken pride in giving back,” he said. 

Local adoptive and foster families were able to join the festivities at no cost. 

Justin Corrigan, 22, finished in first place in 14 minutes, 33 seconds. 

“It feels pretty good. It’s my first race in five months,” he said. “I’m trying to get back in shape.”

Corrigan, a graduate assistant for strategic communications at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, said he’s thankful Jockey is one of the university’s “proud sponsors.”

It was important for one Racine couple to drive down for the event. Participants Liam and Lenisa Doherty adopted Finn, 1, in July. 

“That’s why we really wanted to do this. Jockey is a huge supporter of adoption. It’s really important to us to keep supporting their foundation,” she said.  

Lenisa Doherty said Finn even received a Jockey Being Family stuffed bear. 

“We’re so happy, so thrilled. We’re really happy we made it through the final milestone,” she said. 

The Flannel Fest also featured the Timberworks Lumberjack Show and all-day activities and entertainment including a DJ, food trucks, and several kids’ events including face painting, a balloon artist and more.

Jockey was originally founded by the Rev. Samuel T. Cooper in 1876 to help lumberjacks who were suffering from poor quality socks.