Damon Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium

Registration Now Open for Damon Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium, a Run/Walk to Help Strike Out Cancer

NEW YORK, May 6, 2010 – The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation opened registration today for the second annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium, a unique charitable run/walk that uses the Stadium as its course. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, August 15, 2010, and will raise funds to support early career scientists conducting innovative research for all types of cancer.

Participants will explore the Stadium’s concourses and ramps, climb stairs between levels, and follow in the footsteps of the World Champions by taking their own victory laps around the famous Yankees field. Last year’s event, the first of its kind in Yankee Stadium, drew a capacity crowd of 2,500 participants, ranging in age from 5 to 72 years, and raised more than $295,000 for cancer research.

“The goal of the race is to support top young scientists around the country, because we think they’re the ones that are going to hit the home runs against cancer,” said Lorraine W. Egan, Executive Director of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. “This is a chance for New Yorkers and Yankees fans to see the Stadium from a player's point of view, and for every participant to make a real impact on cancer."

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has a long history with the Yankees: Joe DiMaggio was on its Board, and Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle were supporters. Damon Runyon himself was a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist, revolutionizing how the game was reported and often covering Yankees games. Click to see a video and photos of the Runyon 5K 2009.

How to Register

Registration opened to the public today—Thursday, May 6. Entry is limited to the first 4,000 registrants. Registration will close on August 6 or when capacity has been reached. The registration fee is $35 for students and children and $50 for adults. Starting July 16, fees will increase to $40 and $60, respectively. All participants are encouraged to raise funds and will have access to a customized fundraising page on the Runyon 5K website. 100% of all funds raised by participants will go directly to scientists funded by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. For more information and to sign up for the event, please visit: www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium.

Event Details

The Runyon 5K will take place from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm inside Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Sunday, August 15, 2010. Staggered start times will be assigned to participants, with runners starting first according to pace. Local scientists funded by the Foundation will be on hand to answer questions about their cancer research and the work of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. More details can be found at www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium.

Participants

The event is open to both individuals and teams, with corporate and university teams encouraged to compete. The event organizers extend a special invitation to cancer survivors and those running in memory of lost loved ones or in honor of those affected by cancer. Families and supporters are also welcome. Spectators will have the opportunity to view the event from the Delta SKY360° Suite.