St. James Race Raises $130K For Ronald McDonald House At Stony Brook

More than 800 runners participated in the annual community event supporting the future Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County.

By Kepherd Daniel, Patch Staff

May 12, 2026 10:33 am EDT

Participants take part in the third annual St. James Certified 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run on May 9, 2026, helping raise more than $130,000 for Ronald McDonald House Long Island’s future Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. (Courtesy Ronald McDonald House Long Island)

ST. JAMES, NY — More than 800 runners turned out for the third annual St. James Certified 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run on May 9, raising more than $130,000 to benefit Ronald McDonald House Long Island and its campaign to build a new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

The St. James Challenge is a community-centered event designed for participants of all ages and fitness levels. 100% of the proceeds from the race and fun run will directly support the construction of the Ronald McDonald House and advance Ronald McDonald House Long Island’s mission to keep families close when they need it most, providing a welcoming home to stay for families with children receiving critical medical care.

Participants chose between the timed 5-mile race or the 5K Fun Run/Walk up the beloved Cordwood Path making the event accessible for competitive runners, casual walkers, children, and families alike. The morning featured a Vendor Village and Community Celebration on the grounds of the farm. Wolfie the Seawolf from Stony Brook University and Jimbo Jaws from the Long Island Aquarium were also on hand, along with musicians from The Jazz Loft, who led runners to the start line.

With 395 Ronald McDonald Houses currently serving families across the globe, each rooted in the strength of its local community, the Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook is poised to offer families best-in-class hospitality, care and comfort when they need it most. Currently under construction, the new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook is planned to open in late 2027and will provide no-cost housing, meals, therapies and 24/7 support to hospitalized children and their families.

“We’ve had overwhelming support and participation from the community, proving how much everyone wants to see us build the first Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County,” said capital campaign Chair and Race co-organizer Cynthia Wong Lippe. “We can’t wait to see this project become reality very soon.”