Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K
Cambridge Half Marathon offers a fast, flat course with city skyline views and strong community support.
Race Date
Oct 31, 2026
Location
Cambridge, MA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Location
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, 5K, Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K Challenge, Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K Challenge Charity Runner
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 33,135
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Cambridge Half Marathon kicks off race weekend with a USATF-certified course known for its speed and scenic appeal. Runners traverse Memorial Drive, enjoying views of the Charles River, the Boston skyline, and historic landmarks like the Weeks Footbridge and Harvard University Stadium.
This event, first run in 2017 and now in its eighth year, typically sees around 6,700 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 48 states. The course is predominantly flat, making it a prime location for setting personal bests, with a net elevation change close to zero.
The atmosphere buzzes with spectator support, particularly in the final stretch, and the race offers the unique advantage of pre-race waiting space inside the CambridgeSide mall, a welcome perk if race-day weather is less than ideal. Post-race, participants can enjoy the festive finish area.
Race-provided description
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.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA, 02141
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite917 years running
~4,911 finishers a year
growing or steady
17% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 48 states
winner 1:06:15
typical high 58°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
43°
Afternoon (High)
58°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 33,135 finishers actually crossed the line across 7 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
33,135
Median time
1:56:32
Latest turnout
6,732
States
50
Turnout by year
2016–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K?
The Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K is held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K take place?
It takes place in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
What distances does the Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, 5K, Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K Challenge, Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K Challenge Charity Runner.
Is the Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 33,135 runners who have completed the Cambridge Half Marathon + 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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