Foundation 5k to benefit Speed of Light - The ASTRO Foundation
Monday, September 28, 2026 at #ASTRO26
Boston

Event Website Registration Policy Confirmed Entrants Contact Us
Details

WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT: 

Our group run originally planned for Monday at 7:00 AM will no longer be taking place — turns out this nor'easter didn't get the memo about race day etiquette. But don't worry — the Speed of Light 5K is still on, just virtually.

However you want to move, it counts:

  • Hit the treadmill at your hotel or gym
  • Rack up steps wandering the Exhibit Hall
  • Run our prepared route on your own time, whenever it's safe (and a little less windy) to head outside

However you choose to participate, you're still part of this. Log your miles, snap a photo, and help us keep moving toward our mission — together, just not all at once (and not all in a horizontal downpour).

Lace up your running (or walking!) shoes for the
Foundation 5k to benefit Speed of Light - The ASTRO Foundation powered by Siemens Healthineers!

This high-energy, health-focused, and highly anticipated event brings together approximately 500 participants for a sunrise run (or walk!) during the ASTRO Annual Meeting. This year's event will be held on Monday, September 28 and will lead participants for a 5k journey along iconic Boston sites.

The event raises funds for Speed of Light – The ASTRO Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and a registered 501(c)(3) charity. Speed of Light accelerates bold and innovative ideas in radiation medicine to help ensure every person has access to the best treatments to live a longer, healthier life. The Foundation 5k is more than a morning run; it's a statement of shared commitment to that mission.

REGISTRATION:

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a relaxed walker, the Foundation 5K is a fun, non-competitive way to get moving while accelerating research. 
 
Two Ways to Participate:
  1. Group Run – Join our group run/walk on Monday, September 28, 7:00 a.m., for a scenic 5K along iconic Boston sites.
  2. Virtual 5K – Complete your own 5K at your convenience using your favorite route
All Participants Receive:
  • Exclusive Foundation 5k SWAG only available to participants
  • An invitation to the in-person group run during #ASTRO26
Registration Fees:
  • $40 | May 14 – June 25
  • $45 | June 26 – August 13
  • $50 | August 14 – Race Day on Monday, September 28
Create or join a team—or go solo! Either way, your participation helps advance bold, innovative research in radiation oncology.
 
Please Note: The Foundation 5k is fun, casual run or walk. It is not an officially timed activity and the route in not on a closed course. 
Participants are required to follow all laws, including stopping at cross walks. 

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

For the fifth year in a row, Siemens Healthineers is the title sponsor of the Foundation 5k. 

CHECK-IN & SWAG PICK-UP at #ASTRO26:

Check-in and collect your official participant swag at the Speed of Light - The ASTRO Foundation Counter at the ASTRO Resource Center on the Lobby Level of the North Lobby at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. 

  • Sunday, September 27: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday, September 28: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 29: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Check-in and swag pick-up are NOT available during the morning of the group run on Monday, September 28. You do NOT need to check-in before the group run. 

Participants may check-in and collect swag for other participants. Please be prepared with the full name and email address for each person.

A Quick Pivot — Same Spirit, New Format 

Our group run originally planned for Monday at 7:00 AM will no longer be taking place — turns out this nor'easter didn't get the memo about race day etiquette. But don't worry — the Speed of Light 5K is still on, just virtually.

However you want to move, it counts:

  • Hit the treadmill at your hotel or gym
  • Rack up steps wandering the Exhibit Hall
  • Run our prepared route on your own time, whenever it's safe (and a little less windy) to head outside

However you choose to participate, you're still part of this. Log your miles, snap a photo, and help us keep moving toward our mission — together, just not all at once (and not all in a horizontal downpour).

Suggested route map

ABOUT SPEED OF LIGHT - THE ASTRO FOUNDATION:

Science is rapidly advancing, but research funding and the path to discovery face mounting constraints. To power tomorrow's breakthroughs, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) reimagined its foundation as a forward-focused innovation catalyst to accelerae the discoveries that can help every person live a longer, healthier life.

Founded in 2006 as the Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI), the Foundation relaunched in 2026 as Speed of Light - The ASTRO Foundation, reflecting a sharper focus on advancing science and patient care. A 501(c)(3) public charity powered by purpose and partnerships, Speed of Light accelerates high-impact science, expands trusted patient resources, and strengthens the radiation oncology workforce.

Together, Speed of Light and ASTRO have invested more than $12 million in research to tackle critical challenges in cancer care, fueling over $90 million in follow-on funding — a powerful return that proves the impact of every dollar raised.

Your registration helps us go further, faster. Visit SpeedofLightFoundation.org to learn more about our mission and impact.

BE OUR (SOCIAL MEDIA) FRIEND:
X: @SpeedofLightFdn
Facebook: Speed of Light Foundation
LinkedIn: Speed of Light Foundation