Cambridge 5K Race Directory
Here is the the 2020 Cambridge 5K race directory for 2020.
From Mass Ave to running along the Charles River, Cambridge offers a wide variety of 5K road races.
In addition to the variety of race locations and routes, race sizes vary from a few hundred to a few thousand runners.
January is the only month that you will not find at least one 5K race in Cambridge.
Click any race name to go to that race web site.
2 February 2020 – 10AM – Sunday
Kendall Square
The Super Sunday races are the first Cambridge 5K races of the year and draw about 2,000 runners.
I’ve run the 5K in freezing cold and I ran the 5 Miler in above freezing temps. You never know what you will get, but you will have a good time.
This well-organized running event features hot food and a huge beer garden. They always have a dozen or so local breweries on hand to get the party rolling and keep it going into the early afternoon.
Proceeds benefit the RACE Cancer Foundation.
Leave the keys and the kids at home. The Kendall/MIT red line station is right around the corner from the race area.
2019 Race Recap
2020 Race Recap
3 May | 9:30 AM | Sunday – Postponed due to COVID-19
This race take place off of Mass Ave on Sidney Street. This is a large race with a great post race party. Public transportation is a good idea, keys and kids are optional.
I’ve run this race several times and it is always a good time. It’s great to see the fast runners and hang out with friends, old and new, at the apre race party.
This is a flat course and over a mile of the race is run down Mass Ave. Total elevation gain for this Cambridge 5K is 30 feet.
Get 19 of your friends to form a team and get a VIP tent complete with cold beer. The tent comes with a table and they are close to the music and pouring stations. Plus they make a great place to stow your gear and hang out with your friends.
Registration was $35
If you register for more than one of the four Cambridge Classic races you will receive a discount of at least 10%.
1853 runners finished this race in 2019. FULL RESULTS
14 June | 9:00 AM | Sunday Postponed due to COVID-19
2020 will be the 34th running of this race. Managed by Friends of Cambridge Athletics, this race loops the Fresh Pond Reservation.
I ran this race when it was a 5 mile race in 2015. My recap from 2015.
Fees benefit CRLS student-athlete scholarships, team travel/equipment, and The Andrea Harvey Memorial Fund to help victims of domestic violence.
Parking is available at the Tobin School, 197 Vassal Lane. NO parking at Fresh Pond, and they will ticket!
399 runners finished this race in 2019.
Registration was $35 for adults and $25 for students. Race day registration will be $40 adult and $30 student. CRLS students 18 and under can register for FREE.
2019 Results
26 April 2020 | 9:30 AM
Virtual Race Details
The Bionic5K celebrates hope over despair, diversity over uniformity, possibilities over disabilities.
Join us for this virtual 5K race anywhere you like to run or walk. The Bionic5K recognizes the resilience and tenacity of disabled athletes while celebrating advances in science and technology that are ushering in a new bionic age.
Whether you are running with a prosthetic, an artificial hip, an upgraded knee, an Apple Watch or a fitbit, join us. All are welcome: disabled runners, able-bodied runners, walkers, scientists, technologists, students, teachers, kids and parents.
All proceeds will benefit the Bionic Project Inc, a non-profit whose mission is to help advance new prosthetic technologies and to broaden the access to resources that promote active lifestyles and athletics for those who must overcome physical challenges.
2020 registration was: $40 for adults and $25 for 21 and under.
Race Photos 2019 Results
TBD 2020 | 7:00 PM Thursday – Probably cancelled
If you work in Cambridge or Boston, these Marathon Sports/BAEvents make great after work races. Recruit some friends or get together an office or company team to enjoy the summer running season!
Race begins at American Legion Marsh Post #442,
5 Greenough Blvd, Cambridge, MA
A finisher’s medal is not offered at this race.
If your company team has first time 5K runners make it a night they will never forget with a 5K medal!
It’s a great way to build comradery on your team!
Registration was $32.00
2019 Under a Blood Run Sky Results
Freedom Run 5K
7 June 2020 | 9:30 AM | Sunday
This race is run out of the CambridgeSide Galleria and is part of the CambridgeSide Charity Race Series.
The Freedom Run is a patriotic 5k race through the heart of East Cambridge & Inman Square. The race starts & finishes at CambridgeSide and is immediately followed by a festive roof deck party.
I have not run this 5K yet, but it sounds like a good race.
Registration is $40. Registration is still open
Register for the 5K and the Cambridge Half and receive a 10% discount!
Teams of 20+ get their own party tent.
Here is what you get:
- A short sleeve technical t-shirt just in time for the warmer weather.
- 5 free parking passes for CambridgeSide. You can park for free on race day and 4 MORE TIMES! Come back and shop, eat or both!
- VIP perks for teams over 20, including a semi-private area for celebrating, snacking and hydrating together.
Participants 21+ can enjoy 3 beverages provided by Cambridge Brewing Company.
EVENT RESULTS 2019
TBD 2020 | 7:00 PM – Possibly Cancelled
Part of the Let’s Run Summer Series, The Hee Haw Country & Western 5K brings a bit of Country and Western to Cambridge, MA!
The race will be followed by a live band as well as a BBQ with fruit, salad, veggies, grilled chicken and UFO Wheat Beer refreshments at the American Legion Marsh Post #442. 5 Greenough Blvd, Cambridge, MA.
Registration was $32.
394 runners finished this race in 2019 – full results.
9 July 2020 – 6:30 PM Thursday
64 Sydney Street
Part of the Cambridge Classic Series, this race was introduced in 2016. This race encourages teams and since it is on a Thursday night, it’s a great way to get together with friends and colleagues!
If you don’t have a team join Team Melrose Running Club. We always have a great time at our table with runners from all over invited to join the team.
This has become a very popular race and always sells out. So get your friends together now.
Get 19 friends and colleagues to join you for a beautiful evening run through Cambridge and as a team you will get:
Reserved tent and table in the post-race area
Cold beer waiting for your team after you finish
Pouring station near your tent
Prime spot to enjoy our post-race music
These races are all children and car-key optional.
1770 runners finished this race in 2018
Registration is $39 through June 16th.
TBD 2020 | 7:30 PM | Thursday
Race begins at American Legion Marsh Post #442
5 Greenough Blvd, Cambridge, MA
This is a fun mid-week race if you work in Boston or Cambridge. A great party with food, beer and band after the race along The Charles River.
485 runners finished this race in 2019. 2019 Race Results
Registration was $32.
A finisher’s medal is not offered at this race.
If your company team has first time 5K runners have a special awards ceremony after the race. They will be excited to receive a medal and everyone will have a great time!
2019 EVENT RESULTS
April 24-25 | Virtual | Sunday
This race and walk raise funds to support ALS research. The race is held in Technology Square and features a 5K run, 4 mile walk and wheelchair ride. All proceeds benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute. Fundraising is encouraged, but not required.
This is a nice run through East Cambridge with several small hills.
This is a remarkably small race for Cambridge with only 184 finishers in 2018. If you are looking for a nice race for your kids, this is it.
Registration was $35.
Nerdy costumes are encouraged. Finisher’s medals are not provided.
If your company team has first time 5K runners have a special awards ceremony at your tent with the My First 5K medal! They will be excited to receive a medal and everyone will have a great time!
TBD 2020 | 7:00 PM | Thursday
The race will be followed by The Rebels, performing LIVE at the Post Race Party! There will also be a BBQ with fruit, salad, veggies, grilled chicken and refreshments at the American Legion Marsh Post #442.
438 runners finished this race in 2019.
Registration was $32.00.
These races feature lives bands, food and cold beer. But no finishers medals. If you Are going with a friend who is running their first 5K, surprise them at the finish with a special medal!
2019 EVENT RESULTS
TBD 2020 | 6:30 PM | Thursday
Get Yer Ya Ya’s 5K is the fifth of five races in the “Let’s Run, Have Some Fun & Be Fit Series”. These races take place on Thursday nights and are a great way to get together with friends after work.
Race begins at American Legion Marsh Post #442,
5 Greenough Blvd, Cambridge, MA
Registration was $32
A finisher’s medal is not offered at this race.
Surprise your first time runner with a medal at the finish line!
If your company team has first time 5K runners make it a special night for them with a 5K medal!
It’s a great way to build comradery on your team!
2019 EVENT RESULTS
20 September | 9:30 AM | Sunday
64 Sydney Street
Brought to you by the same folks who brought you the Cambridge Summer Classic. This race takes place at the same location and runs the same course.
This is another large Cambridge race with a fast, young crowd that runs hard and stays until the beer is gone.
Kids and keys are optional. The Kendal/MIT station is a short walk from this event.
If your company team has first time 5K runners have a special awards ceremony at your tent with the My First 5K medal! They will be excited to receive a medal and everyone will have a great time!
Registration is $30 through June 9th.
3-5 July 2020 | Virtual
What a way to celebrate 85 years in business! Paddy’s had to close on March 16th for the first time ever due to COVID-19.
But you can still run the Paddy’s Classic 5K.
The virtual race can take place anywhere you like and at any time on July 3, 4 or 5.
Registration is open and is $35.
TBD 2020 | 9:30 AM | Sunday
CF5K is a race with fun for the entire family. Hosted by Cambridge Friends School, this race includes a Kids Fun Run followed by a 5k run/walk that will be professionally chip timed by RaceWire.
Guaranteed tech shirts to all participants pre-registered by September 19, 2019, prizes to top finishers, and post-race festivities for all!
Registration was $10 for kids fun run, $25 for the 5K through October 3rd.
27 October 2019 9:00 AM – Sunday
89 Pacific Street
Registration is not open yet
Get a team of 14 of your friends and get a VIP tent!
Long Sleeve Tech Ts will be given to all registrants
Custom event pint glass for all runners that register through 9/27
This race also encourages teams and gives prizes for the largest team etc. These races are always fun, party races, regardless of the weather. Bring extra clothes, leave the kids and keys at home.
876 runners finished this race in 2018. FULL RESULTS
1 November 2020 – 7:00AM
100 Cambridgeside Place
I know, this is a 5K directory, so why am I listing a half marathon? Because I love half marathons and I want all of you to show up. We almost lost this race.
The Cambridge Half debuted in 2016 and had a second running in 2017. The race was cancelled due to permitting issues in 2018.
The Cambridge Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile USATF certified course* that starts & finishes at CambridgeSide. It is a fast & flat course through Cambridge featuring: MIT, Riverbend Park, John W. Weeks Footbridge, Harvard Stadium, Charles River and Harvard Square. With so much eye candy, the 13.1 miles will fly by – both literally and figuratively.
Registration is $85 through July 31st
6 December 2020 9:30 AM – Sunday
64 Sydney Street
The last in the Cambridge Classic Series for 2020. This race had 1938 finishers in 2019 on a very comfortable day for running.
Bring some extra clothes and leave the kids and keys at home! The Kendal/MIT station is just a short walk from the party.
Teams of 20 get their own tent with their own beer and great location near the pouring station.
Registration is $30.00 through August 11th.
2018 RESULTS.
This race does not provide a finisher’s medal.
If your company team has first time 5K runners or you are trying to recruit non-runners to join your team the medal could be just what you are looking for.
Who doesn’t love a medal and the bragging rights that go with it?
You can have a special awards ceremony at your tent after the race! Click the photo to order.
13 December 2020 9:30AM – Sunday
Harvard Square
The last Cambridge 5K of the year. 10 days before Christmas, this race takes place in Harvard Square.
This course is USATF certified (#MA11901JK).
Registration includes a high quality knit hat, food and 3 beer tickets!. Women make up about 60% of the runners and most runners are there for the fun.
Teams of 35 or more runners get their own tent with food and beer! What’s better than that?
Experience an awesome post race party with food, music and beverages provided by Bantam, Notch and Slumbrew!
2018 RESULTS.
Registration is not open yet.
About Cambridge 5K Races
Several Cambridge 5K races have come and gone. We are lucky to have The Cambridge Half back again this year.
COVID-19 has postponed some races and delayed the opening of registration for others. I will keep this directory updated, so check back often for for news.
I’ve run several of these races and had a great time.
As runners we need to be good guests and respectful of the people who live in the neighborhoods that we run through.
When only one side of a road is open to runners, we need to let traffic use the other side of the road.
We are guests and we are inconveniencing people so we can have our fun. We also have to keep in mind that most people think we are crazy to be out running in the first place.
I don’t know what the answer is, but there has to be a way to co-exist with the city while we have our fun. If you have ideas on where races could be staged or how we could be less of a nuisance to the citizens of Cambridge, please reply to this blog with your ideas.
info at omnirunnig.com
Run well my Friends, and see you in Cambridge!
Andy
If you liked this article, please share
Like this:
Like Loading...
Special designed commemorative short sleeve shirts for the first 250 registered participants and Goodie bag provided by Race sponsors.
FOOGI, or Friends of Oak Grove, is a community group that supports the Malden neighborhood of Oak Grove.
If you google the name of a town and “Local 5K races” you are likely to get a list of links to individual races. Looking at each one can be time consuming and often they are in no particular order. Sometimes the link provided is to a previous years information.
