FAQs
What is included in my registration?
For the half marathon: In addition to your quarter zip pullover, you will receive 5 complimentary CambridgeSide parking vouchers, a half marathon training plan courtesy of MyStryde, and a race bib with a timing chip.
What time does the race start?
The half marathon starts at 7AM. 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). You must attend packet pickup during one the listed timeframes to get your bib, swag & parking passes:
Friday, 10/31, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Saturday, 11/1, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Race morning, 11/2, starting at 5:30 AM
We strongly suggest you pick up your gear on Friday & Saturday to avoid the lines on race day. 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?
All race items must be picked up during bib pick up hours before the race. We do not mail race swag.
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 or to the 5K?
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. You can also choose to transfer your bib from the half marathon to the 5K or from the 5K to the half marathon. Find out how to complete this transfer here. The deadline to transfer bibs is Thursday, October 30 @ 11:59PM.
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 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 on the 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.
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 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 following 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, we recommend that you meet your pacer at the MYSTRYDE tent by 6:30AM to get acquainted & walk over to the starting line together. 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. Bag check closes at 10:30AM.
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 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 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 + 5K. 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 5 water stops along the course. Gatorade will be offered at mile 2.3 & 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. Portable toilets will also be available prior to the race in Canal Park when you head to the starting corrals.
Who does the race benefit?
The Cambridge Half Marathon benefits the City of Cambridge Scholarship Fund and Cambridge Camping.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteer registration will open on September 15, 2025. Those looking to host a water stop, please email us directly at cambridgesideraces@gmail.com.
Where can I park on race day?
We encourage you to carpool, take public transportation via MBTA, or Lyft/Uber to CambridgeSide on race day. There is limited parking available. Complimentary parking is available at the following location:
CambridgeSide Parking Garage - 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA 02141
***All parkers must enter on CambridgeSide Place, accessible via Land Blvd.
