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1,300+ Cancer Survivors and Supporters, Runners, and Sports Fans Participated in the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation’s 8th Annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium
– 100% of funds raised in the only charitable run/walk held inside the iconic Stadium will support innovative cancer research –
(Bronx, N.Y.) –On Sunday, August 21, 2016, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation held the 8th Annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium – and 100% of funds raised will directly support innovative cancer research by brilliant early career scientists. WNBC TV Anchor and Sports Reporter John Chandler delivered opening remarks at the event.
More than 1,300 people – baseball fans, runners, walkers, and cancer survivors and their friends and family members – from across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and 16 other states – took part in the event, the only one of its kind at Yankee Stadium.
Since 2009, the Runyon 5K has raised more than $4 million for cancer research; 100% of donations raised by participants directly support the nation’s most brilliant young scientists, pursuing cures for all forms of cancer. To date, Sunday’s event raised almost $400,000, though contributions can be made until September 16.
The course wound through the ballpark’s concourses and ramps, and up stairs between levels. Participants had the opportunity to take two laps around the warning track that circles the field, appear on the centerfield video board, and meet scientists funded by Damon Runyon.
The 2016 Runyon 5K is presented by MetLife Foundation, with additional support from Poland Spring, Cabot Creamery, Good Leaf Smoothies, SkinnyPop, Utz, Aromaflage, 24 Hour Fitness, New York City Football Club, WNBC TV (NBC 4 New York), New York Post, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and the New York Yankees.
The Runyon 5K marked the latest chapter in the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation’s long history with the Yankees. After the Foundation’s establishment in 1946, Joe DiMaggio was on its Board of Directors and Mickey Mantle was an active fundraiser. Damon Runyon, who died from throat cancer in 1946, was a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist. He revolutionized how the game was covered and often reported on Yankees games. To still support any participants and learn more, visit www.runyon5k.org.
