The Race company and director's at Cambridge 5k hold a number of races in the Boston area. Each has a theme and is unique for it's party atmosphere after the race. I've done the Oktoberfest race for 3 out of the 4 years now and have loved the atmosphere of the after party for the number of breweries they bring to the area.
This year, the race was moved into technology square to a move private setting that wasn't as packed from it's previous location by Cambridge Brewing Company. This meant a new course and new feeling for the after party and unfortunately in my mind both were disappointing changes.
Positives:
- After-Party was roomy, you could sit on sidewalks, grass or stand under a tent if you liked.
- Police presence on every turn on the course was AMAZING.
- Food at the after-party from Jacob Worth was a great bonus, loved the unique german food and the gift cards they handed out.
- LOADS of beer (see below for further explanation)
- Lines were MUCH better this year. You could get beer, checked bags, much more quickly this year.
-Checked bags were in a parking garage. Sounds funny but it felt secure and DRY if the rain came down.
- Dance party and prizes were of course one of the best parts of this race.
The Disappointments:
- No one could hear the start of the race, all of a sudden we were running
- Race clock at mile 2 was 5 minutes behind and terrible for those pacing themselves.
- There was only one water stop, this is a beer race people don't tend to be as in shape as for half-marathons.
- Course was 3.3 miles and not 3.1, more importantly the new course was extremely windy in the final stretches so you couldn't find the end of the course. People also tried to cross the final stretch to get bags and it was not safe or fun for those sprinting the last few feet.
- Beer. I paid for this race for the beer selection not quantity. The amount was amazing but where was Notch, Nightshift, etc? It was only Cambridge Brewing company this year and it was extremely disappointing not to be able to try other companies.
Overall, I broke my no 5k rule for 2014 for this race and I'm not sure that was the best call. Although you do get bang for your buck for sure with Amazing friends and company, the things that really set this race apart from the others was the beer fest after the race and without it, it's not the same. read more
