The Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K is named in honor of Dr. Mark Palumbo, a renowned University Orthopedics spine surgeon who passed away in 2019. In addition to being a highly regarded doctor, he was also extremely active in the community. The Palumbo family has supported The Tomorrow Fund and held active roles with the Providence, RI-based charity for many years. 

“The Tomorrow Fund was a charity Dr. Palumbo enjoyed giving to and raising money for, and for us to continue his legacy of generosity after his passing has been a real honor for all of us at University Orthopedics," said Dr. Alan Daniels, spine surgeon and chief of The Center for Spine Health at University Orthopedics.

Anne Palumbo, Dr. Palumbo’s wife, takes an active role in planning the event along with her daughter, Kristen Palumbo, a physician assistant at UOI, and son Mark Palumbo Jr., a marketing outreach manager with UOI.  From Gray Matter Marketing, which handled race-day operations, to local businesses and organizations that made monetary and raffle donations, University Orthopedics’ partners were once again vital to the success of this event.

"The sponsors and the participants who participate each year are helping us keep Mark's memory alive, but more importantly, they are supporting our community and children who are sick," said Mark's wife, Anne Palumbo. "This year was a big success. We'll be back next year, and it will be even bigger and better."


About the Race

The annual running of The Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K is to take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025 and is once again benefitting The Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children's Hospital.

The event is named in honor of Dr. Mark Palumbo, a renowned University Orthopedics spine surgeon who passed away in 2019. In addition to being a highly regarded doctor, he was also extremely active in the community. The Palumbo family has supported The Tomorrow Fund and held active roles with the Providence, RI-based charity for many years.

Use the following link to Register for the race.

Register Here

Race Registration Information

Registration is now open for The Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K, which is set to take place at 9 a.m. On September 13, 2025, at UOI's Kettle Point Campus in East Providence, RI.

Register Here

Entry Fees

Thru August 31 - $30
September 1-7 - $35

NOTE: Registration deadline is September 7, 2025. There will be no on-site registration on race morning.

Military Discount

The University Orthopedics 5k extends its thanks to those serving our country. We invite active, reserve members and veterans of all military branches to email us at info@graymattermarketing.com to receive a discounted registration.

Gray Matter Marketing is handling race day operations. Registration is currently open with early bird pricing available through August 31. There will be no on-site registration on race day. The event - which is expected to sell out quickly - is open to all levels of runners and walkers and will feature a waved start. Competitive runners are asked to join the first wave, while walkers and joggers using strollers are asked to start in the final wave to allow for less congestion on the course. Pets are not permitted on the course.

Unable to attend the race but still looking to support the Tomorrow Fund?

Donate Here

The Tomorrow Fund, an independent non-profit charitable organization, provides daily financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The Tomorrow Fund strives to ensure access to the highest level of comprehensive care while raising public awareness of childhood cancer. 100% of net proceeds will go to our non-profit partner, The Tomorrow Fund.

The University Orthopedics 5k is open to runners and walkers. The race is timed and starts on the University Orthopedics campus at 1 Kettle Point Avenue, before turning onto Veteran's Memorial Parkway, then down Squantum Road and onto the East Bay Bike Path. From there, the race heads north on the bike path with beautiful waterside views of the Providence Skyline, before turning back onto Veteran's Memorial and heading south for a finish in the Kettle Point campus.

Bib Pick-Up: 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m. on race day at 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI (map)

All participants must present a photo ID to pick-up their bib. Participants may pick-up for friends and family, but must provide a copy of the ID or a photo of the ID on their phone for verification.

Parking

Event parking is available onsite at the start/finish at University Orthopedics at 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence. Additional parking can be found at Butler Hospital (map).  We encourage participants to carpool and arrive early.

Weather

The University Orthopedics 5k is a rain or shine event. In the event of extreme and severe weather, the race may be delayed as race officials consult public safety officers. If there is more than a short delay, if conditions persist, or the forecast calls for extreme weather, race officials reserve the right to alter or cancel the race. Please check this website, the Facebook event page and your email before the race for any changes or cancellations.

The Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K will start at University Orthopedics' picturesque Kettle Point campus in East Providence, then turn onto Veteran's Memorial Parkway, head down Squantum Road, and onto the East Bay Bike Path. From there, the race heads north on the bike path with beautiful waterside views of the Providence skyline, before turning back onto Veteran's Memorial and heading south for a finish on the Kettle Point campus where runners will be provided with water and fruit.

Course Map Here

Refund Policy – 30 days ahead

Absolutely no requests after: August 19th, 2025. Registered runners may request a full-refund of their paid fee up to 45 days prior to the event. No refunds will be granted in the final 45 days before the event. Please contact us about refunds at info@graymattermarketing.com.

Registration Transfers – One Week

Absolutely no requests after: September 7th, 2025. A request must be sent no later than one week prior to the event by the runner who purchased the registration with the name, adress, email, gender and date of birth of the runner taking their place to info@graymattermarketing.com.

Additional Questions?

If you have any additional questions, please review our website or do not hesitate to contact us at: info@graymattermarketing.com