As the crisp air heralds the arrival of winter, the City of Cambridge plans to briefly disrupt the stillness of its streets with the patter of running shoes during the Winter Classic 5K Road Race. Scheduled for Sunday, December 7, at 9:30 a.m., the event is set to transform the area near Central Square and Riverside into a competitive yet festive track for local racers and fitness enthusiasts alike. The City of Cambridge's Transportation Department advises that the race will necessarily close certain roads between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with Sidney Street shutting down from Franklin Street to Pacific Street, and Franklin Street from Brookline Street to Sidney Street meeting the same fate.
Racers looking to challenge their cold-weather prowess can expect to navigate a stretch of Cambridge's thoroughfares that will try to, but not completely close, feature atmospheric participation from the local community. Along the way, no roads will be closed, but the impact on traffic will unfold according to the following schedule: Sidney St from Franklin St to Pacific St (9:30-9:35 a.m.), Pacific St to Albany St (9:30-9:40 a.m.), Albany St to Mass Ave (9:32-9:40 a.m.), Mass Ave from Albany St to Putnam Ave (9:33-9:50 a.m.), Putnam Ave from Mt Auburn St to Brookline St (9:40-10:05 a.m.), and finally, Brookline St from Putnam Ave to Franklin St (9:45-10:15 a.m.).
Drivers and pedestrians alike should plan their Sunday morning accordingly to avoid any surprises. Cambridge Police details plan to actively manage the event and ensure not just the safety of the runners but also the smooth continuation of Cambridge's daily life amidst the race. Those with questions or seeking additional information can reach out directly to Paul Clark.
