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
emandzik@jconnelly.com
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SOURCE Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation