Event FAQs

We hope to answer all of your questions right here. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

REGISTRATION DETAILS

***PLEASE NOTE: NEW PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 2011***

What is the entry fee for the 5K?
Through July 7th:
The entry fee for all participants who plan to run or walk the 5K route is $40. There is also a $60 minimum fundraising requirement that each participant must meet by the fundraising deadline of 5pm on Friday, July 29th. Participants must agree to meet the minimum fundraising requirement in order to register. If the fundraising minimum is not met by this deadline, participants’ credit cards will automatically be charged $60 or the difference, should a portion of the $60 minimum be raised.

From July 8th through July 29th (or until capacity has been reached):
The entry fee for all participants will increase to $50, while the minimum fundraising requirement will remain at $60, and must be met by the fundraising deadline of 5pm on July 29th.

Can I make a donation of $60 in addition to paying the $40 entry fee when registering instead of fundraising to meet the minimum requirement?
Yes. You will have the option to make an additional donation when registering to fulfill the minimum requirement in lieu of raising the $60 if you wish. (We still encourage you to raise funds though!)

Can I make a donation of less than $60 in addition to paying the $40 entry fee when registering that will count towards my minimum fundraising requirement?
Yes. If you make an additional donation that is less than $60, you just have to raise the difference. For instance, if you make an additional donation of $20 when you register, you’ll just have to raise $40. We know you can do it!

My company has a matching gift program. Can a matching gift count towards my minimum fundraising requirement?
Only if the matching gift is received by the fundraising requirement deadline of July 29th. Unfortunately we cannot rely on pledges (matching gift or otherwise) since there is no guarantee payment will be received. If the matching gift is received by 5pm on July 29th, we will be happy to apply it to your minimum requirement.

Is any portion of my $40 entry fee tax-deductible?
Yes, $15 of your $40 entry fee is a tax-deductible contribution to cancer research. For those who register after July 7th, $25 of the $50 entry fee will be a tax-deductible contribution to cancer research.

Why has a minimum fundraising requirement been added this year?
Expected cuts in federal research funding put us at risk of losing this generation’s best young scientists to other careers. Every penny donated to meet the minimum fundraising requirement helps us to sustain and grow our programs, so that Damon Runyon can continue to play a role in keeping those brilliant minds focused on beating cancer.

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, participants in the Runyon 5K must be at least 5 years old on event day. For safety reasons, children under 5 years of age, including those held in child carriers by an adult participant, will not be allowed on the route.

Can I register a child, friend or family member at the same time I register?
Yes. If you want to register members of your family with one credit card transaction, please select the “Register Family” option. Families can work together to meet their $60 minimum fundraising requirements and will share a personal page.

Does each member of a participating family need to raise the $60 minimum?
Families can work together to reach the combined fundraising requirement for their family. For example, a family of four is required to raise a total of $240 as a family. Any portion of that amount can be raised by any member of the family to meet the total minimum requirement. Mom can raise $100, Dad can raise $80, and both of their children can raise $30 each.

When is the deadline to register for the Runyon 5K?
Registration will close on Friday, July 29th, or when capacity (4,000) is reached.

If I am no longer able to make it to the Runyon 5K after registering, can I get a refund or have someone else run/walk in my place?
No, participation is non-transferrable and registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration fee will become a fully tax-deductible contribution to cancer research. Thank you for understanding.

TEAM INFORMATION

How do I form a team?
You can form a team when you register online by selecting the option to “Start a Team” – you will become the Team Captain and will be asked to enter the Team Name. Those who wish to join your team can then register by selecting the option to “Join a Team.”

Is there a limit on team size?
No - sign up as many teammates as you can!

How do I join a team?
To join an existing team, select the “Join a Team” option, and select the Team name from the drop-down menu. Once you find the team you wish to join, select it, click Continue, and proceed with registration.

Does each member of a team need to raise the $60 minimum?
Yes. Each team member is responsible for meeting their own $60 fundraising minimum. All donations must be credited to an individual participant.

I am a Team Captain - can I enroll all members of my team at one time?
Yes. Multiple participants can be registered with one credit card transaction. If you want to pay for all the members of your team with one credit card transaction, please select the option to “Register Multiple People,” then select “Start a Team” on the next page and enter the Team Name. Each participant will be responsible for the $60 fundraising minimum and will have his or her own personal page. Please note, the credit card used to register all team members will be charged for any minimum fundraising requirements that are not met by July 29th.

Can I pay for my whole team by company check?
Yes, a team can submit one check from its company for every team member’s registration fee. A company can choose to cover the minimum fundraising requirement for each team member as well, or hold each team member responsible for meeting the $60 minimum. The company will be invoiced for any minimum fundraising requirements that are not met by July 29th.

How do we register our company team if paying by check?
We will provide the Team Captain with a “discount code” that he or she will need to provide to each team member, who will then enter it when registering online. No credit card information will be required. Please note that discount codes cannot be issued until payment is received, so you will need to confirm the number of team members in advance. We appreciate the extra effort and planning this requires.

START TIMES AND HEAT ASSIGNMENTS

Why am I being assigned a start time?
Since the entire Runyon 5K route is inside Yankee Stadium, it is narrower than a traditional road race. Participants’ start times must be staggered, with runners starting first according to pace, in order to avoid congestion and ensure everyone’s safety.

When will I receive my start time?
Start times and heat assignments will be posted on the Runyon 5K website and emailed to participants the week prior to the event.

How many people will be assigned to each heat and how often will heats be launched?
Participants will be launched in heats of approximately 300 people every 15 minutes, starting at 9:30am.

When will walkers get to start the Runyon 5K?
This will depend on our total number of runners, but the first heat of walkers should launch at approximately 12:00pm, or after the last heat of runners has been launched. Our last heat of walkers could start as late as 1pm. Please plan accordingly if you will be walking the route.

I want to run with my team, family or a group of friends, but we all run at different paces. Will we be able to start the 5K together?
Yes, but you must be part of a team in order to be assigned the same start time. We also ask that you select the pace of the slowest-paced runner on your team when registering. If two of you run a 8-minute mile, and two of you run a 12-minute mile, you should all select the 12-minute mile pace.

Some of my teammates are running while others are walking, will we have the same start time?
No. To ensure everyone’s safety, team members planning to walk will be assigned a later start time than runners. Participants are welcome to wait in the designated spectator area if they are traveling together to and from the Stadium.

I realized after registering as an individual that I want to run with friends, family members or colleagues. Can we still be assigned the same start time?
Yes. If there is an oversight in the registration process on a participant’s end, we will make every effort to change your participation plans. We can create a new team for you or add you to an existing team to ensure you have the same start time as friends, family members or colleagues. Just send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

5K ROUTE DETAILS

I’m used to doing a 5K on a road, where will I be running/walking inside a baseball stadium?
The Runyon 5K will knock your average 5K out of the park! You’ll run or walk 3.1 miles along Yankee Stadium’s concourses and ramps, climb stairs between levels, and enjoy special access to your own victory laps around the warning track that circles the field. Click here for a detailed description of the route.

What is the warning track?
The warning track is the dirt track along the perimeter of the field – it goes behind home plate, past the dugouts, and into the outfield parallel to the baselines and foul lines. If an outfielder runs onto the dirt, he knows he has reached the warning track and is therefore running out of room in which to catch a fly ball.

Does this mean I’ll be on the field at Yankee Stadium?
Not quite – but very close! Access is restricted to the warning track – but the field-level views of the Stadium are spectacular, and the experience is exhilarating.

How many stairs will I have to climb between levels?
A few more than you climb to your 6th floor walk-up apartment. While you’ll never have to climb more than 103 steps at a time, there are a total of 286 steps in the four stair climb portions of the route.

How long will the Runyon 5K take?
This depends on each participant’s fitness level and speed. Elite runners may finish in 15 minutes, while the average runner may take 30 minutes to finish. Walkers should complete the route in about an hour.

FUNDRAISING INFORMATION

Is there a fundraising minimum?
YES! In order to ensure the fundraising success of this event, we have added a minimum fundraising requirement of $60 for each participant. We’ve lowered the entry fee for adults to $40, and now all you have to do is raise $60 to help our amazing young scientists strike out cancer! We encourage everyone to raise funds beyond the $60 requirement. The Runyon 5K is a unique event for a great cause that unfortunately affects everyone.

Can I still fundraise beyond the July 29th deadline for the minimum fundraising requirement?
YES! We encourage everyone to raise additional funds through Friday, September 16th.

Will prizes be awarded to the top fundraisers?
Yes! Our top three fundraisers will be rewarded with great prizes, including premium seat tickets to a Yankees game, one-year memberships to 24 Hour Fitness, Broadway show tickets, and more!

How will this event help fund cancer research?
100% of each donation raised in support of a participant’s run/walk will directly support cutting-edge scientific research. Our low administrative and fundraising costs are paid by Damon Runyon Broadway Tickets and from our endowment.

Pledge Turn-In Options
If you have collected checks or cash in support of your run/walk, you may submit your collected pledges along with our offline donation form by mail to:
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
One Exchange Plaza
55 Broadway, Suite 302
New York, NY 10006
Checks should be made payable to: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation.

Your pledges will be added to your scrolling total upon receipt. You may also bring collected pledges to the event on August 7th. Please be sure to indicate that the donations are in support of your run/walk or submit with a completed donation form so that you receive proper credit.

What is the pledge collection deadline?
September 16, 2011.

EVENT DETAILS

Will I be able to pick up my race packet in advance?
Yes. Participants are strongly encouraged to pick up their race packets in advance of the run/walk. Race packets will be available for advance pick-up at 24 Hour Fitness, located at 153 East 53rd Street (between Lexington and 3rd Avenues) in midtown Manhattan, on the following dates:

Thursday, August 4th from noon – 7pm
Friday, August 5th from noon – 7pm
Saturday, August 6th from 10am – 4pm

Race day packet pick-up will be available inside Gate 4 at Yankee Stadium if advance pick-up is not an option.

What is included in my race packet?
Your race packet consists of your bib number and attached ChronoTrack D-Tag which will record your time. Participants can also pick up their Runyon 5K t-shirts at advance packet pick-up.

Can I pick up race packets for other participants at advance packet pick-up?
Yes. You may pick up race packets for friends, family or team members. To avoid confusion, we ask that you communicate your plans to any participants whose packets you plan to pick up. If you will be picking up packets for a group or team of 10 or more people, please notify us by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) so that we can prepare them in advance.

If I can’t make it to advance packet pick-up, will I be able to get my race packet on event day?
Yes. Race day packet pick-up will be available at Yankee Stadium. Participants who have not picked up in advance should check in at Gate 4 upon arrival to retrieve your bib number and attached ChronoTrack D-Tag. Your Runyon 5K t-shirts will be available for pick up inside the Great Hall.

What time will I need to arrive at the Stadium?
Participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to your assigned start time. If you are picking up your race packet on event day, please allow an additional 10-15 minutes before your designated arrival time to retrieve your bib number at check-in inside Gate 4.

How do I get to Yankee Stadium?
Public transportation is recommended. Yankee Stadium is located at 161st Street and River Avenue in the Bronx, and is easily accessible by subway and Metro-North trains. The 4 train (East Side) and the D train (West Side) make stops at 161st Street/Yankee Stadium. Metro-North Railroad’s Yankees – E. 153rd Street Station is located on the Hudson Line. For point-to-point directions and updated service advisories, please visit www.mta.info. Please allow additional travel time to reach the Stadium. Trains will run less frequently due to weekend schedules and there may be unexpected delays due to construction.

Will parking be available at the Stadium?
Yes. Parking will be available for a flat rate of $8 at the River Avenue Garage located at 950 River Avenue (at East 164th Street) and at the 164th Street Garage located at 951 River Avenue (at East 164th Street) for $35. For more information, please call Standard Parking at 718.538.4249 or visit http://baseball-parking.com/.

Where should I enter Yankee Stadium upon arrival?
Participants who have already received their bib number at advance packet pick-up should enter the Great Hall between Gate 4 and Gate 6. Participants who will need to pick up their bib number on event day should check in at Gate 4 to retrieve their bib number, and then enter the Great Hall.

Is there a bag check area provided?
Bag check will be available for personal items in the Great Hall inside the Stadium. While the area is secure, you are advised not to bring valuables with you to the event. Please keep items to a minimum to ensure a speedy check-in and check-out. Bag check will be organized by bib number.

Will there be a photo opportunity available?
Yes. Photos of participants making their way around the warning track will be available for purchase through brightroom following the event. Please note that if you would like to access these photos online, you must indicate that you give Damon Runyon permission to share your email address with brightroom when registering. They will only contact you regarding photos from the Runyon 5K 2011.

Are strollers permitted along the 5K route?
No. The Runyon 5K route includes stairs between levels, making the route inaccessible to strollers.

Is this a timed race?
Yes. ChronoTrack D-Tags will be included in your race packet. Official results will be posted on the Runyon 5K website within two days after the event. Please be patient.

Will there be water stations along the 5K route?
Yes. There will be several water stations along the route, and at the start and finish lines.

Will there be medical personnel?
There will be emergency medical crews on site during the event. In case of emergency, volunteers along the route can assist you, and will be able to communicate with emergency personnel.

Can my friends and family watch from the stands?
Yes. Friends and family members who would like to watch you make your way around the warning track can do so from the Delta SKY360° Suite, which is located in the nine sections of the Main Level directly behind home plate, and offers an incredible view of the field. Please note there will be a $5 suggested donation for adults to enter the spectator area in 2011. This area will also be open to participants prior to or after their run/walk. Participants and spectators can enter through the Suite Entrance just beyond Gate 4 beginning at 9am. No tickets are required.

Will I receive an event t-shirt?
Yes. All participants in the Runyon 5K will receive an event t-shirt. Additionally, all finishers will receive a medal and a goody bag on event day. Please note that your bib number will include two tear-off tags – one that says T-SHIRT and one that says BAG. Please present the appropriate tag to a volunteer at the designated table in the Great Hall to receive your t-shirt and goody bag.

FOUNDATION FACTS

What does Damon Runyon have to do with the New York Yankees?
The Foundation has a long history with the Yankees: Joe DiMaggio was a member of the Board in the 1950’s and Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle were supporters. Damon Runyon himself was a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist and revolutionized how the game was covered.

What does Damon Runyon have to do with a cancer research foundation?
Damon Runyon died from throat cancer in 1946. His good friend, Walter Winchell, renowned journalist and radio commentator, went on his famous radio program and appealed to “Mr. and Mrs. America” for contributions to help fight cancer. The response was overwhelming, enabling Winchell to establish the “Damon Runyon Cancer Memorial Fund” with the mission of supporting the most promising early career scientists across the nation.

Does Damon Runyon also have a connection to Broadway?
Yes, his beloved Broadway short stories were later transformed into the hit show, Guys & Dolls.

What are the goals of the Foundation?
•    Identify the best early career scientists in cancer research.
•   Accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into new diagnostic tools and treatments.
•   Enable risk-taking on bold new ideas.

Please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for answers to any questions not addressed on the website. We will continue to update event details so please check back!