Charles River Half Marathon
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Charles River Half & Relay - May 17, 2026
- Half Marathon: five laps of a 2.6 mile paved loop (13.1 miles)
- Half Marathon Team Relay: teams of 2 to 5 runners, five laps total
The event is held at the DCR Charles River Reservation with start and finish at Marsh Post 442 on the Cambridge side. The course is a flat 2.6 mile loop on paved paths along the Charles River. Portable toilets will be available near the start/finish and at a few points along the path, though availability cannot be guaranteed.
Race entries are capped: the half marathon is limited to 200 runners and the relay to 20 teams. Half marathon entry includes a finisher’s medal and post-race beers at the after-party. Relay entry includes a hat for each team member and post-race beers. The relay uses the same loop as the individual race; any runner who completes more than one lap must run those laps consecutively. Team size and lap assignments must be finalized before the race.
There will be two BODYARMOR hydration stations on the loop and a self-serve bring-your-own-bottle station near the start line with marked drop zones and volunteer support for returning bottles. Dogs and strollers are not allowed. Number pick-up requires a photo ID.
Awards include overall top three male and female finishers, age group champions, and fastest teams in male, female, and mixed relay categories. The half marathon has a three hour time limit. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.