Charles River Marathon
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Event Overview
The Charles River Marathon is a marathon distance running event. It is held on the first Sunday in May at Herter Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
Course Details
The race takes place on a USATF-certified (certificate MA23005JK) and Boston Marathon qualifying course. Runners complete ten laps of a 2.6-mile loop on paved paths along the Charles River. The course is described as primarily flat, with one short, steep climb of about 50 feet to cross the Eliot Bridge. The field is limited to 200 runners.
Logistics
Race day check-in opens at 6:30 AM. The marathon starts at 8:00 AM. There are time limits: 5 hours for runners aged 59 and under, and 5.5 hours for runners aged 60 and over. Bib pickup is available the day before the race at a nearby hotel or on race morning at the start area. Dogs and strollers are not permitted, and the use of in-ear or over-ear headphones is strongly discouraged.
The event is a fundraiser for the RACE Cancer Foundation. Registration includes a race entry fee plus a fundraising requirement, with multiple fundraising tiers available. Registration perks for all entrants include a finisher's medal, an embroidered hat, and an event shirt. Additional apparel items are offered for reaching higher fundraising goals by a specified deadline. Entry fees are non-refundable, and failing to meet the fundraising minimum by the deadline forfeits the race entry.
On-Course Support
Hydration and nutrition are provided at three stations on the loop, offering BODYARMOR sports drink and water. GU Energy gels and liquid energy are available at specific stations starting later in the race. There is also a self-serve "Bring Your Own Bottle" station near the start line. Portable toilets are located at the hydration stations and near other points along the path.
Awards are given to the top three overall finishers (women and men) and to age group winners. Pace groups may be available, aiming for finishing times five minutes faster than the Boston Marathon qualifying standards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
