Photo Quan-You Zhang / Unsplash
- Marathon
- Half
Cambridge Boundary Run
Cambridge Boundary Run
The Cambridge Boundary Run is organised by Cambridge University Hare & Hounds, The University Cross-Country Running Club.
Follow for alerts on every edition: dates, ballots, entries.
2027 edition
Next up
Countdown
123
days to 7 Mar 2027
- Distance
- Marathon
- Course
- Flat
- Climb
- —
- Entry
- —
About
The race
The Cambridge Boundary Run is organised by Cambridge University Hare & Hounds, The University Cross-Country Running Club. The race stems from when three men and a dog ran around the boundary of the borough of Cambridge non-stop. Inspired by this, twenty-five years later, James Hasler and Derek Shorrocks decided to organise a similar event when about fifteen runners ran around the boundary in February 1949. Although originally an irregular event, the Cambridge Boundary Marathon is now an annual event. Cambridge is a flat city, making the Cambridge Boundary Marathon quite a flat race. As the name suggests it loops around the city. The race starts and finishes next to the Cambridge Holiday Inn Express.
Before you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Even Pace, No Hills
The profile is flat, so there are no climbs to save energy for and no descents to recover on. Settle into goal pace early and hold it; this loop rewards even splits.
From the elevation profile
- 02
Cold March Start
Typical race-day temperature is 6.9C, so dress for a cold start and wear layers you can shed once you're moving. Early March in Cambridge rarely feels mild.
From the temperature
- 03
One Loop, One Viewing Spot
The route loops around the city and starts and finishes next to the Cambridge Holiday Inn Express, so spectators get their best view at the start and finish, not mid-course.
From the layout
- 04
Club-Run Feel
Organized by Cambridge University Hare & Hounds and run annually since 1949, this is a low-key club event rather than a big-city marathon, so expect a small, spread-out field.
From the description
In Cambridge
Getting Around
Cambridge is compact and flat, so walking or cycling is the easiest way to reach the start. Roads around the city boundary get busy on race morning.
Where to Watch
Spectators can see runners off and back at the start and finish, then wait in the center, where Parker's Piece and the riverfront near Midsummer Common are easy spots.
After the Race
Recover with a slow stroll along the Backs or a punt on the Cam. The colleges and the market square sit close together, so wandering the center is gentle on tired legs.
Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.
Every year