Cambridge 5K @ CambridgeSide

The Cambridge 5K @ CambridgeSide is a flat and fast race through the heart of East Cambridge & Inman Square. The race starts & finishes at CambridgeSide and is immediately followed by a post-race party at the new CanalSide Food + Drink hall. Registration includes a short-sleeve technical t-shirt, 5 complimentary parking voucher, and a post-race celebration. The race benefits the MSPCA & the Helen K. Holland Animal Care Trust Fund.

After crossing the finish line at this year's Cambridge 5K @ CambridgeSide, DJ Smooth Bee will keep the party going at CanalSide Food + Drink, CambridgeSide's newly opened energetic food and drink experience featuring spectacular waterfront views, a collection of exciting eateries, and a centrally located bar. Redeem your 2 tear-off drink tickets at C-Side Bar for the signature 5K beer: Zero Gravity – Green State Lager. 

What is included in my registration?
In addition to your collectible technical race t-shirt, you’ll receive a race bib with a timing chip, and an invitation to the post-race party in the new CanalSide Food + Drink Hall with 2 tickets to exchange for beverages!

Is the Cambridge 5K @ CambridgeSide open to all ages?
Yes! We have no age restriction on registration. If your young ones are comfortable with the 3.1 miles, sign them up to run along with you!

How do I know if I am registered?
After completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from RunSignUp.com. You can also search for your registration on the Find A Participant page.

Can I create or join a team after I have registered?
You can create or join a team until the team deadline on May 31, 2025 at 11:59PM. Here are the steps you can follow to make the change.

Can I transfer my race number to another person? To the virtual event? 
Yes! You can transfer your bib to another person up until bib pick up hours are over. The person you are transferring the bib to will only have to pay a $20 transfer fee. Find out how here. You can also transfer your in-person registration to the virtual event. Find out how to here.

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

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

Can I run with a jogger/stroller?
Yes, but 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.

Can someone pick up my bib for me?
Yes. Please make sure they know your bib number.

How do I get my bib and swag?
You must attend bib pick up during the time frames and location communicated in the runner information email you will receive on the Tuesday of race week.
-Friday, 5/30/25: 4-7PM @ CambridgeSide, 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA
-Saturday, 5/31/25: 12-3PM @ CambridgeSide, 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA
-Race morning (Sunday, 6/1/25) starting at 8:00 AM @ CambridgeSide, 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA

Can you mail my race swag?
All race items must be picked up during bib pick up hours before the race. Swag will not be mailed unless you purchased a virtual 5K bib. 

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 one-hour time limit. Runners of all abilities are invited to participate, provided they can finish the course within the time frame.

What is included in the after-party?
After crossing the finish line, you will receive a bottle of water. You will then proceed to the after party area where you can redeem your 2 tear-off drink tickets (included on your bib if you are over 21). Live music will be provided! 

Is there a bag check?
There is a bag check. You can drop your bag before you proceed to the start line. No tickets are given for the baggage claim and it will operate under the honor system. 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.

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 5K @ CambridgeSide 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 5K @ CambridgeSide is timed utilizing Mylaps BibTag technology. Timing chips are on the back of the race numbers. You will get them at bib pick up. Results will be calculated based on net time.

Do you allow refunds?
All entries are final. There will be no refunds or deferrals. You can, however, transfer your bib from the in-person race to the virtual race OR to another person.

Is the race accessible by public transportation?
Yes, take the MBTA Green Line to Lechmere Station.

Who does the race benefit?
MSPCA & the Helen K. Holland Animal Care Trust Fund

How do I volunteer?
Volunteer registration will open in May. Check back! 

Where should I park on race day?
Runners will receive a parking voucher at bib pick up good for free parking on race day. 

Is the course USATF certified?
It will be. We will update the certification number when we have it.

Will there be a water stop?
There is a water stop at the halfway point along the course. Bottled water is also available at the finish line.

Refer 5 or more participants and get a refund of $20.00.
Make sure you share your registration to your social media pages, via email or through text message to get your friends, family members & coworkers to join you at the 2025 Spring Classic 5K!

Referred participants must register through your customized link for you to receive credit for the referral.

A short sleeve gender-specific technical shirt is included in your race registration. All race swag must be picked up during bib pick-up hours before the race. Race swag will not be available after the race and it will not be mailed, unless you are participating virtually. 2025 Shirt Color: True Royal 

Largest Teams Win!
Awards will be given to the top 3 largest teams:

1st Place – $500 CanalSide Food + Drink gift card for the team

2nd Place - $250 CanalSide Food + Drink gift card for the team

3rd Place - 10 Free Pizzas from Lala’s Neapolitan-ish Pizza

The deadline to join a team is Friday, 10/31/25 @ 9:00PM. Top Teams will be announced at the race & emails will go out to their team captains first thing on race day morning. 

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

• under 14
• 14-18
• 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. There is no day-of award ceremony.