Runners take over Yankee Stadium for annual Pinstripe 5K

The New York Yankees hosted their second annual Pinstripe 5K run on May 16. The run lets guests run, jog, or walk through the entire venue, ranging from the 100s and 200s section, all the way to the field. It is known as one of the first ballpark races in the country.

Sponsors include Sequel, Securitas, EJ Electric, Circle Graphics, Guardian, Virtue Risk Partners, LLC, L&L Painting, Lobel’s of New York, Sprint to Spring 5K, Double Play Baseball Events, Populous, Fresh Direct, Legends Global, Strauss-Creative Finishes, Inc., Action Environmental Services, IM8, New York Custom Interior Millwork Corp., New York Road Runners, W.B. Mason, Dunkin and Rockland Bakery

The finish line was located at the Great Hall, where guests were treated to snacks, water, fruits, free swag, and even a photobooth. Photo by Alice Moreno

“It is kind of a love project that we all had, to provide an opportunity for our fans and other fans [from other teams] to see the ballpark in areas they normally would not be able to go,” said Cindy Kamradt, Executive Director of Stadium Planning & Special Projects.

The entire course runs through all of Yankee Stadium. Runners started by Gate 4, going through the 100 levels, and running past the Pepsi lounge. Through there, guests go through the service corridor (usually, the service corridor is limited to employees) and end up on the field proper, where guests can run through all four bases.

Isabella Bravo of the Bronx smiles as she walks through the field. Photo by Alice Moreno

From there, runners start climbing up to the 300 level, running a U-shape there until they go down the stairs to the Great Hall. Then, the route is repeated, ending up in the Great Hall again to cross the finish line.

“A lot of the comments that I hear back is, they’ve never seen the ballpark that way,” Kamradt said. “So you’re running through the hallways, you’re running stairs, you’re running ramps, you’re running on the field. It’s just a very unique way to see the ballpark if you’re normally coming here for a game.”

Guests ran 5K, or 3.1 miles, along Yankees Stadium, where one could see parts of the stadium that are usually closed for guests. Photo by Alice Moreno

2,300 runners participated in the run this year, with many of them having the option to do it virtually. Those who did it virtually still received the bib and the special T-shirt, and would run the 3.1 miles wherever they’d like, and could submit the time to the race roster.

Proceeds from the race went towards the New York Yankees Foundation, which is “committed to promoting and sustaining cordial and cooperative relationships with their neighbors and community partners; working in conjunction with them to enhance the quality of life throughout the surrounding communities.”