Events
Description
Join the Tufts Medical community for the second annual run/walk at Pine Banks Park in Melrose, MA to kick off breast cancer awareness month! Every year, approx 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making it one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. At Tufts Medical Center, we are committed to providing the most innovative care to those patients facing this diagnosis. This race aims to raise awareness and show support to the patients, family and friends that have been impacted by breast cancer.
Date
October 3, 2026 (No Rain Date)
Place
Melrose, MA US 02176
Race Start Time
9AM (Registration/check in opens at 8AM)
Race Fee's
$35 through 5.31
$40 through 8.31
$45 through 10.2 at 8PM
$50 on race day
***Youth 12 & Under - $15 (Includes Shirt)
****Virtual Run/Walk - $40 (Includes shirt)
Packet Pickup
Pre race packet pickup will be at Marathon Sports in Melrose from 1PM-5PM on Friday 10/2.
Race day packet pickup opens at 8AM at Pine Banks Park on the Turf Field/ BB2 located at 1 Main St, Melrose MA.
Course Details
The 5K course is an out and back route on the road. One water station will be offered at the turn around at the Ripley School parking lot.
Click here for an integrative course map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3051354?units=miles
Event Swag
Short sleeve custom shirts are guaranteed to those registered by 9/19. Beyond that date sizes are not guaranteed.
Sizes are unisex, YXS-YL and Adult S-3XL.
Post Race Festivities
After crossing the finish line, participants and spectators can relax and enjoy the post race festivities including snacks, drinks, music and more. A slew of community sponsors will be on site for post race festivities including a mobile coffee trailer.
**A big shout out to High5em's series wide, year long post race pour provider, The Sylvan Street Grille! You can continuing celebrating with fellow runners post race at Sylvan Street Grille! Choose from their Peabody or Salisbury location, anytime, all day! Just show them your race bib on the day of the event to redeem your much earned, free pour of beer or glass of wine!
Awards
Top 3 Overall M/F
Top M/F in each age group: Under 12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90+
Top Non-Binary
**No double dipping
*The top 3 overall male and female winners will be recognized at 9:45AM.
Otherwise, there will be no official award ceremony for age groups but awards can be claimed at the black High5EM pop up tent on the turf by registration/check in starting at 9:45AM.
There will be a picture opportunity there as well!
Timing
Bib chip timing provided by our race series partner Bay State Race Services.
Questions about timing? Email timers@verizon.net
More About The Event
At Tufts Medical Center, we are committed to providing innovative care to those facing this diagnosis, ensuring that every patient receives the most advanced treatment options tailored to their unique needs. As part of our comprehensive care, Tuft’s Breast Health Center specializes in oncoplastic surgery, an advanced form of breast conservation surgery. This approach allows us to remove the cancerous tissue while using the patient’s own tissue to recreate a natural, aesthetically pleasing breast mound.
At the same time the other non-cancerous breast can be reduced in size to provide symmetry to the reconstructed breast. The results are not only cosmetically appealing but also medically beneficial. Oncoplastic surgery allows for the removal of a larger area of tissue while lowering the risk of "positive margins"—a key factor in preventing cancer recurrence. When compared to traditional options like lumpectomies and mastectomies, oncoplastic surgery consistently ranks highest in patient satisfaction, both in the short and long term.
By participating in or donating to our Breast Health Center’s Breast Cancer Awareness 5K, you are directly supporting the Breast Health Center, helping us fund vital resources and equipment. Every step you take in this race, and every dollar you contribute, makes a tangible difference in the lives of women and men fighting breast cancer. Together, we can provide the resources needed to continue improving outcomes and support our community in the battle against breast cancer.
Join us in our mission to raise awareness, fund research, and improve the lives of those affected by breast cancer.
Volunteers
Want to participate, but not run or walk...consider volunteering. Click here to sign up for a particular position.
Parking
Parking: Click here for parking options
There is ample parking on site at Pine Banks Park. You can park vehicles on the grass leading down the driveway into the event. Parking attendants will be on site helping to direct you into the event.
Event Beneficiaries
100% of event proceeds will be allocated to the Tufts Breast Health Center.
Weather
Races are held in rain, snow or shine unless we determine that race conditions are dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend. If the race needs to be cancelled there will be no refunds, but we will do our best to establish a postponement date. That being said, if a postponement date cannot be reached with all involved parties, each athlete must accept any such risk of their entry fee paid including other amenities paid for such as t-shirts, insurance, and online administrative fees. All fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, including all race supplies, staffing, and administration.
Sponsors
If you are a business or organization looking to sponsor please reach out to info@high5em.com
There are a variety of sponsorships available starting at $250+
