Runners crowded at the start on a cold morning near the Brewton YMCA Saturday, ready to run the first Yancey Jernigan Foundation 5K.

Funds raised from the race will help the new foundation — named in honor of the late Brewton resident who battled cancer — in its mission to help defray medical and pharmacy expenses for cancer patients in Escambia County.

Foundation founder Emmie Jernigan, Yancey’s wife, said the new organization will open its doors Dec. 8. “We will be offering financial assistance for medical bills and pharmacy bills,” she said. “We can only do so much, but we are of the opinion that every little bit helps.”

Winning Saturday’s 5K were Matthew Dobson of Jay, Fla., for the men and Beverly Byrd of Brewton for the women. Second place men’s finisher was Keith Bell of Atmore, and second place women’s finisher was Steely Ruzic of Brewton.

The Jernigan Foundation will be housed on Douglas Avenue in the same building as Emmie Jernigan’s new shop and gallery, Thou Art.