New York, NY (May 3, 2011) — Thousands of avid runners, passionate baseball fans, cancer survivors, and supporters from across the country will descend on Yankee Stadium on August 7, and it won’t be to see the Bronx Bombers play the Red Sox.  Instead, they will be supporting the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which opened registration today for its annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium.

The only charitable run/walk that uses the legendary ballpark as its course, the 5K will take place on Sunday, August 7, 2011.  The event is on track to reach a three-year total of $1 million raised to fund groundbreaking cancer research by the nation’s most innovative young scientists.

Registration for individuals and teams opened today at www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium and is limited to the first 4,000 registrants.  For a $40 registration fee and a minimum fundraising requirement of $60, participants can run or walk the Stadium’s concourses, climb stairs between levels, appear on the video board, and follow in the footsteps of their favorite players by taking their own victory laps on the warning track that circles the field.  After July 7, the registration fee will increase to $50.  Family members and supporters will have the opportunity to view the event from the Delta SKY360° Suite overlooking home plate. 

100% of all funds raised by participants will go directly to top cancer researchers, some of whom will be on hand to answer questions about their cancer research.  “You can’t win the World Series without the best team, and we can’t strike out cancer without supporting the most brilliant minds of our time,” said Lorraine W. Egan, Executive Director of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.  “This is a great opportunity for fans to enjoy the Stadium, and – most importantly – for every participant to make a real impact on cancer.” 

The Foundation, established in 1946 and based in New York City, has a long history with the Yankees.  Joe DiMaggio was on its Board of Directors, and Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle were active fundraisers.  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.

Last year’s event raised more than $400,000 and drew a capacity crowd of 4,000 participants, from ages 5-75 and from 29 states.  Click to see videos and photos of the 2010 Runyon 5K.

In addition to the New York Yankees’ support, other event sponsors include the MetLife Foundation, 24 Hour Fitness, the New York Daily News, SiriusXM Radio, and WNBC 4 New York.

ABOUT THE 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 supports the emerging leaders who have great potential to achieve breakthroughs in how we diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.

The Foundation was created in 1946 in memory of Damon Runyon, a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist and revolutionized coverage of the game.  Of the more than 3,250 scientists funded since, 11 are Nobel Laureates and many lead cancer centers nationwide.

CONTACT
Kim Kubert
Director of Special Events
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
212.455.0501
kim.kubert@damonrunyon.org

Doug Drotman
Drotman Communications
631.462.1198
doug@drotmanpr.com