Hundreds participate in the Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 29

On Thursday, September 29, 2022, hundreds of people from across the country took part in the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation’s annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium, the first in-person event in more than three years. The 5K to date has raised close to $270,000, with 100% of the proceeds directly supporting innovative cancer research by the best young scientists of today.

“We were thrilled by the turnout and the energy last night,” said Yung S. Lie, PhD, President and CEO of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. “We especially appreciated our volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the first Runyon 5K. Seeing groups of friends, families, coworkers, and all our other participants come out and spend their Thursday evening in support of Damon Runyon cancer researchers was a reminder of how universal the experience of being affected by cancer is and how special this event is as a way to create a better future for all cancer patients.”

Presented by MetLife Foundation, this year’s 5K was held during the week for the first time (and returned in-person for the first time since the pandemic began), but that was no barrier to many: Nearly 800 participants joined from over a dozen states from across the country, with some even making the trip from Canada. Participants had the opportunity to appear on the centerfield video board, as well as meet many of the scientists to whom the funds directly benefit.

After opening remarks by Jessica Cunnington of News 4 New York to kick off the event, families, corporate teams, baseball fans, and more began their heats at 6:30 p.m., traversing the ballpark’s concourses, ramps, and stairs on multiple levels, including three laps around the warning track that outlines the field. This year’s course also featured a new route that included an extra lap around the warning track under the lights at Yankee Stadium.

The 2022 Runyon 5k also included additional support from Impossible Foods, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Poland Spring, LMNT, RIND Snacks, Cabot, Dot's Pretzels, New York Post, and SiriusXM.

Since its inception in 2009, the Runyon 5K has attracted thousands of participants from all five boroughs of New York City and across the country – from cancer survivors and their friends and family members to runners and baseball fans – who run or walk through Yankee Stadium to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. In total, previous Runyon 5ks have raised nearly $6 million to support the nation’s most brilliant young scientists, who are pursuing cures for all forms of cancer.

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.

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 nearly $420 million and funded more than 3,900 young scientists, including 13 Nobel laureates. 100% of donations made to the Foundation are used to support scientific research. Learn more at damonrunyon.org.

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