Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium Attracts Thousands for Unique Cancer Research Fundraiser

Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium Attracts Thousands for Unique Cancer Research
Fundraiser
Participants Run Their Own Victory Lap Inside the Home of the World Champions

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NEW YORK, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Runyon 5K, the cancer fundraiser taking
place inside Yankee Stadium, made its debut yesterday with a stunning 'home
run,' attracting a sell-out crowd of more than 2,500 participants. The event
raised more than $250,000 for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation,
which aims to strike out all types of cancer by funding the young 'MVPs' of
cancer research.

At the new home of the 2009 World Series Champions, fans aged from 5 to 72
years old ran their own victory laps around the famous field in support of
cancer research. Cancer survivors, cancer patients and many supporters took
part, along with exuberant Yankees fans and the Foundation's own scientists.

Lorraine W. Egan, executive director of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research
Foundation commented, "The look on the faces of the kids as they ran around
the warning track was fabulous." "The look on their parents' faces was even
better," she said. "We'd like to send a huge thanks to everyone who came.
Our promise to everyone who raised money is that every penny will go to the
best young scientists in cancer research today. "

Alex Ko, a huge Yankees fan who plays "Billy" in the Broadway show "Billy
Elliot" launched the Kids Fun Run. Nicole Brewer and Damien Gurganious of
NBC's "The Biggest Loser" kicked off the main event. Nicole and Damien, who
have shed a combined 264 pounds, led a team representing 24 Hour Fitness.

For photos and winner details, please contact Catherine Bright on 917 496 9166
or Catherine.bright@damonrunyon.org

Event Details

The Runyon 5K is a unique charity run/walk that uses the stadium as its
course. The event began at 9:30am with the 5K run/walk, and ended with a Kids
Fun Run around the warning track at 1:30pm. Participants - including
students, individuals and teams - explored the stadium from the basement level
to the upper concourses, and ran their own victory laps around the warning
track circling the field.

Friends and family of participants cheered on their heroes from the Delta
Sky360 Suite overlooking home plate.

The registration fee was $35 for students and children and $50 for adults.

More details can be found at www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium

Sponsors

In addition to the New York Yankees' support, other event sponsors include 24
Hour Fitness, Walgreens, SIRIUS XM Radio, New York Post and WNBC4 New York.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION:

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation identifies the most brilliant and
promising scientists and provides them with funding to pursue innovative
cancer research. The Foundation's focus is on 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
how the game was covered. Of the more than 3,200 scientists funded since, 11
are Nobel Laureates and many lead cancer centers nationwide. Today more than
260 scientists funded by Damon Runyon - including 14 current awardees - are
working at labs and major research centers throughout New York, New Jersey and
Connecticut.

SOURCE Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation

Catherine Bright, Comms. Director, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation,
+1-212-455-0506, catherine.bright@damonrunyon.org, or for photos and winner
details, +1-917-496-9166