Over $350,000 Raised at 9th Annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium

BRONX, N.Y., July 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, July 15, 2017, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation held the 9th Annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium. The event raised more than $350,000 with 100% of the funds raised by participants directly supporting innovative cancer research by brilliant, early career scientists.

Nearly 1,200 people participated in the event, the only one of its kind at Yankee Stadium. Participants included those fighting cancer and their loved ones, people walking and running in memory of loved ones, cancer researchers and baseball fans.

"We thank all of the participants, sponsors and volunteers who helped make the Runyon 5K such a successful event. 100% of the funds raised will support innovative cancer research," said Lorraine W. Egan, President and CEO of Damon Runyon. "We are confident that every step taken during this 5K is a step taken toward a brighter future for patients and breakthroughs in the battle against cancer."

The course looped 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.

Since 2009, the Runyon 5K has raised more than $4.5 million, supporting some of the most cutting-edge cancer research developments to date. Contributions can still be made on behalf of participants through August 11, 2017 at www.runyon5k.org.  

The 2017 Runyon 5K was presented by MetLife Foundation, with additional support from Poland Spring, Cabot Creamery, 24 Hour Fitness, New York Post, SiriusXM, and the New York Yankees.

The Runyon 5K marks 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 show support for participants and learn more, visit www.runyon5k.org.

About the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation   
To accelerate breakthroughs, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides today's best young scientists with funding to pursue innovative cancer research.  The Foundation has invested over $327 million and funded nearly 3,600 young scientists, including 12 Nobel Prize winners. 100 percent of all donations to the Foundation are used to support scientific research.

CONTACT: Erin Mandzik
JConnelly
647-922-7768
[email protected]

SOURCE Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation