EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – As the saying goes, good things are worth waiting for. To that end, University Orthopedics is excited to announce registration is now open for the Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K, which after more than a year-long delay has been rescheduled.
The event – initially scheduled for May of last year but was postponed due to the pandemic – is now scheduled to take place September 19, 2021, at 9 a.m. Open to walkers and runners alike, the race will take place on the picturesque East Bay Bike Path, near University Orthopedics’ Kettle Point location. This year, the 5K will raise money for The Tomorrow Fund, a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support for children being treated for cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, as well as their families.
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“We couldn’t be more appreciative that University Orthopedics has selected The Tomorrow Fund as the beneficiary of this year’s 5K,” said Lisa Abbenante, Executive Director of The Tomorrow Fund. “Funded entirely by the generosity of our donors, The Tomorrow Fund provides vital support for children with cancer and their families – from parking fees to housing and travel assistance. Our goal is to make a frightening and traumatic experience a little less daunting for all members of the family.”
University Orthopedics last year renamed the 5K in honor of Dr. Mark Palumbo, a renowned spine surgeon who passed away in September 2019. He was not only a beloved member of the University Orthopedics family, but he was also a highly regarded pillar of the community. The Palumbo family has supported The Tomorrow Fund and held active roles with the Providence, RI-based charity for many years.
“Dr. Palumbo was not only an accomplished surgeon but a true leader and someone who inspired many in the field of medicine and beyond,” said University Orthopedics President Dr. Edward Akelman. “We’re honored we’re able to play a small role in helping the Palumbo family carry on his legacy.”
Anne Palumbo, Dr. Palumbo’s wife is taking an active role in planning this year’s event along with her daughter Kristen and son Mark Jr.
“We are humbled and honored to have the University Orthopedics 5K Race named in memory of Mark. Mark dedicated over 25 years at UOI and was proud to call his work team ‘his family.’ I feel privileged to work together with his team on this event knowing it will be a great success. Thank you for helping us keep his memory alive,” said Anne.
About the Race
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.
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. For more information on the event, as well as information on how to sponsor The Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K, visit www.universityorthopedics.com/5K.