Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K

The Cambridge 5K is the kickoff to race weekend! It's a 3.1-mile course that starts and finishes at CambridgeSide. It's a quick out and back along the Charles River that will have you in awe of the Boston skyline.

The Cambridge Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile USATF certified course that starts and finishes at CambridgeSide. It is a fast and flat course along Memorial Drive featuring views of the Charles River, MIT, John W. Weeks Footbridge, Harvard University Stadium, and more.

Make sure you are not late on the day of the race. 

There are many transportation options to get to the Cambridge 5K on Saturday, November 1, 2025. 
 
PARKING
Traffic is very heavy on race morning so be sure to arrive early. We encourage you to carpool. If you are driving to the race, you will be directed to park at one of two parking garages when you arrive: 
100 CambridgeSide Place
1 Charles Park
Please follow signage and direction from Massachusetts State Police and security personnel upon arrival. Garage parking at these 2 locations is free of charge on race day (you will need to use a parking pass you received at bib pick up to exit for free at the 100 CambridgeSide Place garage). For road closure information, please visit the City of Cambridge website. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The race is accessible by public transportation. The closest MBTA stop to CambridgeSide is Lechmere on the Green Line. It’s a short 8 minute walk!

BIKING
If you plan to bike to the race, there is a Blue Bike station on CambridgeSide Place, as well as a number of bike racks along Lechmere Canal Park.  

Race packet pick up hours:

Thursday, October 30
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Packet pick-up located inside CambridgeSide (100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA), Level 3

Friday, October 31
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Packet pick-up located inside CambridgeSide (100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA), Level 3

Saturday, November 1 
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Packet pick-up located inside CambridgeSide (100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA), Level 3

 

If you or someone you know, did not receive an email with their half marathon bib number, they can look it up here. If they need to look up their 5K bib number, they can do so here.

You must attend packet pickup during the listed timeframes. You need to know your bib number in order to pick up your items & have your photo ID.

 

Friends or family can pick up your race items for you. Please make sure they know your bib number, have a copy of their ID & a copy of your ID before arriving at bib pick up. 

 

Race items must be picked up BEFORE the race. Race items WILL NOT be available after the race & will not be mailed. 

Bag check will be available starting at 5:30AM, outside CambridgeSide. RED, WHITE & PURPLE bibs will drop off at Thorndike Way. BLUE, RED & ORANGE bibs will drop off at Otis Way. 

You can drop your bag prior to the start of the race. The area will be monitored, but not secure.

Do not leave valuables behind.

All bags are subject to search by the City of Cambridge Police.

Please remember to pick up your bag immediately after you finish running. 

Please use the tear-off tag on your bib for the bag drop. We will have zip ties available for you to attach the tag to your bag.

Bag check will close at 10:30 AM. All remaining bags will be moved to CambridgeSide lost and found.

The course is USATF certified. We will post the USATF certification number as soon as it is available. Clicking the map will take you to the MapMyRun link. 

There will be 5 water stops along the course - approximately at mile markers 2.25, 5, 7.25, 9.5, 11 & 12. Gatorade will be offered at mile 2.25 & mile 11.

*CambridgeSide Charity Race Series reserves the right to update the course based on Cambridge Police Department review.

Make sure you are not late on the day of the race. Don’t forget about Daylight Savings Time! Be sure to change your clocks to fall back one hour. 

There are many transportation options to get to the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday, November 2, 2025. 

 

PARKING

Traffic is very heavy on race morning so be sure to arrive early. We encourage you to carpool. If you are driving to the race, you will be directed to park in one of three parking garages when you arrive: 

• 100 CambridgeSide Place

• 55 Cambridge Parkway

• 1 Charles Park

Please follow signage and direction from Massachusetts State Police and security personnel upon arrival. Garage parking at these 3 locations is free of charge on race day (you will need to use a parking pass you received at bib pick up to exit for free at the 100 CambridgeSide Place garage). For road closure information, please visit the City of Cambridge website. Please note Memorial Drive will close promptly at 6:30am in both directions.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The race is accessible by public transportation. The closest MBTA stop to CambridgeSide is Lechmere on the Green Line. It’s a short 8 minute walk!

BIKING
If you plan to bike to the race, there is a Blue Bike station on CambridgeSide Place, as well as a number of bike racks along Lechmere Canal Park. 

RIDESHARE - UBER/LYFT

Traffic is very heavy on race morning so be sure to arrive early. Use the address 50 Edwin Land Boulevard as the drop off location. Once you get to Edwin Land Boulevard, there will be many road signs directing you to the rideshare drop off location. The only authorized rideshare area is 50 Edwin Land Boulevard adjacent to Charles Park and across from 55 Cambridge Parkway.

 

On teams of 30+ athletes, each athlete registered on the team will receive a $10 voucher to the *new* CanalSide Food + Drink at CambridgeSide to be collected at bib pick up. The voucher can be used at any one of the 13 restaurants during race weekend, Thursday, 10/30/25 through Sunday, 11/2/25. The deadline to join a team was Tuesday, September 30, 2025 @ 11:59PM. 

THERE ARE NO TEAM TENTS FOR 2025. 

Congratulations to the teams who qualified for this VIP perk at the 2025 Cambridge Half Marathon:
Runners for Justice in Palestine Boston
Harvard on the Move
Somerville Road Runners
BEN Running Club
Stride for Stride
HLS
Cambridge Running Club
Boston Road Runners
MYSTRYDE
Moderna
HMS + Friends
Friends of P(e)ace
Babson Run Club
MIT Fast and Furious
Pinnacle
Parental Pacers
Still on the Fence
Slim Easy
Ipsen Runners
PHR - Physicians for Human Rights
Trail Free or Die
Formlabs

Get a Refund By Referring Friends
Tell your friends, family, and co-workers how excited you are about the 2025 Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K! 

For every 5 friends that register using your special referral link (included in your confirmation email), you will earn $20 back!

What is included in my registration?
For the 5K: In addition to your long sleeve technical shirt, you will receive 5 complimentary CambridgeSide parking vouchers, and a race bib with a timing chip + 2 beer coupons. 

For the half marathon: In addition to your quarter zip pullover, you will receive 5 complimentary CambridgeSide parking vouchers, and a race bib with a timing chip.

What time does the race start?
The 5K starts at 10AM on Saturday, 11/1/25. 

The half marathon starts at 7AM on Sunday, 11/2/25. A reminder that race day, 11/2/25, is the end of Daylight Savings Time. Be sure to fall back one hour & grab that extra sleep!

How do I get my bib, swag & parking passes?
Packet pick up will be located at CambridgeSide (100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA) on Level 3. Please take the escalators across from Zara up to Level 3. You can opt into having your bib & race swag mailed to you for a fee (the deadline to request this is 9/30/25), otherwise must attend packet pickup during one the listed timeframes to get your bib, swag & parking passes:
Thursday, 10/30, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Friday, 10/31, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm 
Saturday, 11/1, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm 
THERE IS NO RACE DAY PACKET PICK UP. 

More detailed information about race day & bib pick up will be sent out via email the Monday before the race, 10/27/25.

Can someone pick up my bib for me?
Yes. Friends or family can pick up your race items for you. Please make sure they know your bib number, have a copy of their ID & a copy of your ID before arriving at bib pick up. 

Can you mail my race swag?
Yes, we can mail your race packet to you for a fee. It is an add on option at checkout. If you have already registered and decided you would like to have you be mailed, you can login to your RunSignUp profile, view your events under Upcoming Events & click Manage Registration next to the Cambridge Half Marathon. Click Add-On menu item located on the top OR left of the race page. Edit the quantity of the Add-On that you would like & click Continue. The deadline to add on this option is 9/30/25.

Can I change the size of the shirt I ordered? 
Yes, you can change your swag size until 9/28/25. Here's how.

Do you allow refunds?
All race entries are final. We do not offer refunds or deferrals.

I signed up for the third party insurance. How can get I get my money back?
Make a claim here.

Can I transfer my bib number to another person?
Yes! You can transfer your bib to another person. The person you are transferring the bib to will have to pay a $25 transfer fee. Find out how complete this transfer here. The deadline to transfer bibs is Friday, October 10 @ 11:59PM. Transfer deadlines are subject to change based on the race selling out. 

I cannot run the half marathon anymore. Can I transfer my bib to the 5K? 
Yes! You can transfer your bib to the 5K. Find out how to complete this race transfer here. The deadline to make this transfer is Wednesday, October 31 @ 6:00PM. Transfer deadlines are subject to change based on the race selling out. 

I don't have a bib. Can I run the race anyways?
Bandit runners are strictly prohibited. Those found running without a bib or with a fake bib will be banned from all future races. 

Is the Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K open to all ages?
Yes! We have no age restriction on registration.

How do I know if I am registered?
After completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from RunSignUp. You can also search for your registration for the 5K on this FIND A PARTICIPANT page or for the Cambridge Half Marathon on this FIND A PARTICIPANT page.

Can I run with my dog?
For the safety of all runners, we do not allow animals on the race course.

Can I run with a jogger/stroller?
Strollers are discouraged. In the interest of safety for all participants, including your child, you will be asked to line up at the back.

Are headphones permitted?
You may wear headphones. We ask that you keep the volume at a reasonable level for your own safety and out of courtesy for fellow participants.

Are hydration vests, hydration belts, or handheld hydration permitted?
Yes, but there are also 5 water stops along the course. 

Is live tracking available for this race?
Yes. Download the app to track your athlete.

If I throw down clothes at the start line, will you collect them for donation?
Yes, any clothing left at the start line will be collected & held in the CambridgeSide lost & found for 30 days. After that, the clothes will be donated to a local charity.

Can I create or join a team after I have registered?
You can create or join a team for the Cambridge Half Marathon until the team deadline on September 30, 2025 at 11:59PM.

You can create or join a team for the 5K until the team deadline on Friday, October 31, 2025 @ 9:00PM. 

Here are the steps you can follow to make the change.

Is there a course time limit?
Yes. Our time limits are set to ensure runners are protected from traffic and have the support they need to finish. The 5K has a 1-hour time limit. The half marathon has a 3-hour time limit. Athletes of all abilities are invited to participate, provided they can finish the course within the timeframe.

Will pacers be provided?
Our training partners, MyStryde & MyStryde Train, will be providing pacers for the Cambridge Half Marathon for the following finish times:
1:45 (8:01/mile)
1:50 (8:26/mile)
1:55 (8:47/mile)
1:59:59 (sub 2:00) (9:10/mile)
2:05 (9:32/mile)
2:10 (9:55/mile)
2:15 (10:18/mile)
2:20 (10:40/mile)
2:25 (11:04/mile)
If you plan to run with a pacer, you can meet them in your corral. Pacers will be holding black and white signs with a finish time on them in the corrals.

Is there a bag check?
There is a bag check. You can drop your bag prior to the start of the race. The area will be monitored but not secure. Do not leave valuables behind. All bags are subject to search by the City of Cambridge Police. Please remember to pick up your bag immediately after you finish running. Check out specific location and open/close time details on the corresponding race Bag Check tab. 

What is your bad weather policy?
It is our goal to ensure a safe event for all involved. We will not expose participants or the community to undue risk as a result of staging the event. The Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K will take place rain or shine. However, when weather or other physical conditions present a danger to participants, we maintain the right to cancel the race. Less threatening conditions could result in an alteration of the course or race length to ensure safety for all.

Is the race timed?
The Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K is timed utilizing Mylaps BibTag technology. Timing chips are on the back of the race numbers. You will get them at packet pick up. Results will be calculated based on net-time.

I forgot to purchase an iTab or a photo package. Can I add one to my registration after the fact?
Yes! Login to your RunSignUp profile, view your events under Upcoming Events & click Manage Registration next to the Cambridge Half Marathon. Click Add-On menu item located on the top OR left of the race page. Edit the quantity of the Add-On that you would like & click Continue.

Will there be nutrition along the course?
There will be 1 water stop along the Cambridge 5K course at the halfway point. 

There will be 5 water stops along the Cambridge Half Marathon course - approximately at mile markers 2.25, 5, 7.25, 9.5, 11 & 12. Gatorade will be offered at mile 2.25 & mile 11.

Will there be portable toilets along the race route?
Yes. Portable toilets will be available for use at miles 4.5 & 6.5 along the Cambridge Half Marathon route. Over 140 portable toilets will also be available prior to the race in Canal Park before both races. 

Who does the race benefit?
The Cambridge Half Marathon benefits the City of Cambridge Scholarship Fund, Cambridge Camping and 20+ other official charity partners. 

How do I volunteer?
Volunteer registration is open. You can sign up here. 

Where can I park on race day?
Please check out the 5K Parking and Transportation or CHM Parking and Transportation tabs for all the details on how to get to the races.

Do you want to run for charity? Join us as a charity runner! 

 

Fundraise for one of our official charity partners:

American Cancer Society - Boston Hope Lodge

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - MA Chapter

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)

Bridges Homeward

Boston Bulldogs Running Club

Cambridge Camping

City of Cambridge Scholarship Fund

Cambridge School Volunteers

Cambridge Volunteers

CitySprouts

Dignity Matters

DreamFar High School Marathon

Food for Free

The Greater Boston Food Bank

MSPCA

National Organization for Rare Disorders

Neurofibromatosis Northeast

Parkinson's Foundation

Physicians for Human Rights

Plast Ukranian Scouting - Boston Chapter

Run Your City

Stride for Stride

HOW TO:
Register for the race as a "Charity Runner." 
Select an official charity partner & setup a fundraising page (there is a $1250 fundraising minimum).
Pay the registration fee. 
You are all set. We will see you in November! Good luck fundraising! 
The best part: You are doing good for your community and when you raise $1500 for your charity, your registration fee will be refunded! 

FAQs:
I already signed up for the race. How do I become a charity runner? Send us an email at cambridgesideraces@gmail.com & we will get you setup. 
How can my organization become an official charity partner for 2025? Send us an email at cambridgesideraces@gmail.com & we will send you the requirements. The application closes on Friday, May 30, 2025. 

RACE WEEKEND TIMELINE

BIB PICK UP

DONATE YOUR SNEAKERS 4 GOOD

WEEKEND DEALS & COUPONS

 

CAMBRIDGE 5K - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

• 5K COURSE MAP

• 5K BAG CHECK

• 5K TOP TEAM INFO

• 5K PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

• HOW TO TRACK AN ATHLETE

• INFORMATIONAL VIDEO

• FAQS

 

CAMBRIDGE HALF MARATHON - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

• CHM COURSE MAP

• CHM BAG CHECK

• CHM VIP TEAM INFO

• CHM STARTING CORRALS

• CHM PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

• HOW TO TRACK AN ATHLETE

• INFORMATIONAL VIDEO

• FAQS

 

 

 

Your bib will be color-coded according to your starting corral. Please follow the signs indicating where you should line up on race morning. We recommend that you are in your starting corral by 6:40AM. 

White bibs - expected finish time between 1:00:00 and 1:44:59.
Red bibs - expected finish time between 1:45:00 and 1:57:54.
Blue bibs - expected finish time between 1:57:55 and 2:05:00.
Purple bibs - expected finish time between 2:05:01 and 2:20:00.
Orange bibs - expected finish time between 2:20:01 - 3:00:00. 

 

RACE TIMELINE 
7:00AM -  RACE STARTS - Corral 1 starts (White bibs) - The official start time of the half marathon is 7:00 a.m. 
7:02AM -  Corral 2 starts (Red bibs)*
7:04AM -  Corral 3 starts (Blue bibs)*
7:06AM - Corral 4 starts (Purple bibs)*
7:08AM - Corral 5 starts (Orange bibs)*

*Corral 2-5 start times are estimations. The final judgment will be left to the Start Line Captain.

 

Bibs will not be reassigned to get seeded into a different corral. Bibs were assigned based off the estimated finish time that you entered when you registered for the race. If you want to run with a friend or family member but are in different corrals, you can do so by seeding yourself to the slower corral. For example, RED cannot move up to WHITE, but RED can move back to BLUE. As a reminder, your finishing time is net time, not gun time. 

Thursday, October 30
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Packet pick-up located inside CambridgeSide (100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA), Level 3

Friday, October 31

3:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Packet pick-up located inside CambridgeSide (100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA), Level 3

Saturday, November 1 - 5K Race Day

8:30AM - 5K Bag check opens

10:00 AM - 5K Starts

11:00 AM - Course closes

11:30 AM - Bag check closes

12:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Packet pick-up located inside CambridgeSide (100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA), Level 3

Sunday, November 2 - Half Marathon Race Day 
5:30 AM - Bag check opens

5:30 AM to 6:55 AM - Runners line up in their corrals along First Street, Thorndike Street & Otis Way

6:58 AM - Corral gates close

7:00 AM -  RACE STARTS - Corral 1 (White bibs)

7:02 AM -  Corral 2 starts (Red bibs)*

7:04 AM -  Corral 3 starts (Blue bibs)*

7:06 AM - Corral 4 starts (Purple bibs)*

7:08 AM - Corral 5 starts (Orange bibs)*

8:45 AM - Awards Ceremony for Top M/F/NB winners

10:00 AM - Course closes 

10:30 AM - Bag check closes

 

Please be in your corral and ready to start by 6:50 AM.

The official start time for the half marathon is 7:00 AM. *Corrals 2-5 start times are estimations. The final judgment will be left to the Start Line Captain.

 

Enjoy our host hotels:

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel

 

 

All finishers will receive a race medal. The Challenge participants will earn all 3 medals. 

A total of $6,500 is available in prize money & bonuses for the Cambridge Half Marathon.

• Prize money, including bonus, are distributed equally for both men and women in the open division for the half marathon.
• Prize money distribution is based upon gun time results.
• A review of the results will occur prior to the awards ceremony and prize money disbursements.
• Decisions of the race referee are final and cannot be contested

OPEN DIVISION
1st Place - $1,000
2nd Place - $750
3rd Place - $500
4th Place - $300
5th Place - $200

COURSE RECORD
$500

OPEN DIVISION EVENT RECORDS
HALF MARATHON
Gilmar Silvestre Lopes 1:04:54 (Male, 2023)
Jacqueline Gaughan 1:14:13 (Female, 2023)
Kassian Eaton 1:31:36 (Non-binary, 2021)

Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male, female and non-binary finishers AND the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age divisions for each event:

• 18 and under
• 19-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Winners will be notified via email on Monday, a week following the race, once results are official. Awards are mailed approximately 2 weeks after the race as they are engraved. 

2025 Cambridge Half Marathon athletes will get a long sleeve quarter zip pullover (included in your race registration). All race swag must be picked up during bib pick-up hours before the race or you can opt in to have your race swag mailed for a $30 fee. Race swag will not be available after the race and it will not be mailed post-race. 2025 color: Iron Grey