Cambridge 5k

The Cambridge 5K /​Vert series of races are some of the very best events in the Boston (and now NYC) area if you are active and love people. You’ll also love these races is you like dancing, craft beer, and costumes.
C5k features a serious of 5Ks based in, you guessed it, Cambridge, MA. The courses are all fast and easy, making this a great series for beginning road racers to get into. For the advances runners, the races are also well-​organized and typically have some very fast /​competitive runners near the front of the pack. Team scoring is also used in this series, and I highly encourage you to join a team — it enhances the event.
Meanwhile, the Vert series gives you races that take place «off-​road.» The courses are more challenging, but also more scenic and fun. You won’t find any other trail race series as well-​organized as the Vert series, bar none.
Both series have the same epic afterparty setup, with a great DJ, all you can drink craft beer, food, dance contests, and sometimes costume contests. The best runners, dancers, and costume designers get to take home a beautiful custom made trophy.
And let’s not forget the comfy and well-​designed t-​shirt that each participant receives. These aren’t the usual corny race t-​shirts with a dozen sponsors on the back that fall apart in a year. No, these shirts look great, are stylized and designed by an artist, and will be some of the most comfortable shirts in your wardrobe.
And you get all of this for about $ 38. Seriously? Even if you don’t like running, get in one of these and walk to the finish line — you’ll still get your money’s worth with the shirt and the afterparty.
So Go Go Go and try out the next Cambridge 5k /​Vert race! Unless you are a sociopathic shut-​in, you will have one of your most fun days of the year.

Eddie O’s races are the best. Most of the races take place in Cambridge, hence the name of the organization. However, in recent years he has started adding some creative races in the Greater Boston area that are quite fun as well.
His website gives a great preview to all the fun that takes place at the races. You can sign up through the website using Race Menu. A few days before the race, you pick up your bib number and t-​shirt. I can’t remember a time where I’ve picked up a bib number and not seen Eddie there greeting people and getting to know race participants. The t-​shirts are fantastic, super soft and end up being a part of my summer casual wardrobe.
Race day is well organized, especially as he has a few races under his belt. All the necessary items for a successful race are there:
1. Bag check — still recommend packing light and running with keys, license, etc. There are plenty of volunteers helping with bag check station before and after the race.
2. Water stops along the way and snacks at the end. Eddie has done a good job creating sponsorship opportunities and getting water, bananas, and energy bars in the hands of runners. Usually he has some pizza show up as well.
3. Volunteers along the race route provided encouragement and directions at major intersections. The roads of Cambridge are blocked off, so you can run freely and safely.
4. Dance-​off (how many other races have a dance-off)…which is influenced by the most important thing…
5. And that is the BEER. Eddie has brought in wonderful local craft brewers who keep the beer flowing for hours. Cambridge Brewing Company, Night Shift, Notch, Slumbrew, and Pretty Things are all regular contributors to the imbibing.
I’ve been running these races since the first Oktoberfest a few years ago and they’ve only gotten better over the years. As of now he has the following races scheduled:
1. Freedom Run — near Galleria around Memorial Day
2. Sasquatch Trail Run at Middlesex Fells/​Stone Zoo in July
3. Big Bad Wolf — 5 mile race in Ipswich
4. Oktoberfest — Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Sq. in early October
5. Yulefest — Harvard Sq race in early December
The race themes usually lead to some inventive costumes from race participants. Overall, it’s a great race experience and if you are looking for some fun 5Ks to run during the year, look no further.

If you’re looking for a fun 5K series in greater Boston, look no further. I’ve run every Cambridge 5K run in the past year and have yet to be disappointed. From the casual runner to the record-​setting competitor, this race has something for everyone. Their winning formula = fun theme + moderate courses + great local beer.
Every Cambridge 5K race includes a run and an after-​party. Unlike most races around Boston, there are always a multitude of local craft beer options served. Brewers like Notch, Pretty Things, and Slumbrew are regulars. Every race also has a theme, which lends itself to fun costumes and costume contests at the after party (among the race awards and a dancing contest)!
All the basic essentials are also here: marked course, electronically tracked times, bag check, free snacks and water (past examples include pizza delivery, hot dogs, UNREAL candy, and bananas), and plenty of volunteers/​staff on hand.
This is a relatively new race series that’s only getting better. This year, they’ve added two vert races outside of Boston. I can’t wait to see what’s next!