What to know ahead of the Cambridge Half Marathon

The Cambridge Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 3 March 2024.

It is always one of the busiest and most exciting days in Cambridge, with crowds lining the streets, and many major routes shut to traffic.

Organiser Adam Moffat has been speaking to Star:

Here at Star, we have compiled everything you need to know ahead of race day.

What is the route?

A half marathon is 13 miles long. As always, the route starts and finishes on Midsummer Common. For the first time, it takes in four Cambridge University Colleges - King's, Jesus, St John's and Trinity. It also sends runners past landmarks such as the Corpus Clock and the Fitzwilliam Museum, as well as through the countryside of Newnham, Grantchester and Trumpington. See a map of the route below:

How many people are taking part?

The race is at full capacity, with 12,000 runners signed up to race this year. Some will be looking for a new personal-best, others will just be hoping to get to the finish line. There will also be hundreds of volunteer marshals, and thousands of people lining the route to cheer on their friends and family.

When does the race start?

The first runners will leave Midsummer Common at 9.30am, and the final batch will head off at 10.15am. The Common will begin to fill up around 8.30am and organisers are urging runners to arrive in plenty of time.

What roads will be affected?

Many routes through Cambridge city centre, as well as Newnham, Grantchester and Trumpington will be shut to traffic. Full diversions will be in place and organisers are urging drivers to follow the signs. All city car parks will remain open throughout the day. All bus services will continue to run, however the stops on Trumpington Street and Downing Street will be suspended, with an alternative stop in place on Emmanuel Street. Below is a list of road closures and when they will be enforced:

Barton Road 06:00 - 13:00
Bene’t Street 04:00 - 17:00
Bridge Street 04:00 - 17:00
Chesterton Road (between Mitcham’s Corner & Elizabeth Way) 08:00 - 11:30
Chesterton Road (between Mitcham’s Corner & Northampton Street) 08:00 - 11:30
Church Lane (Trumpington) 08:00 - 13:00
Coton Road 08:00 - 13:00
Elizabeth Way (Bridge) 08:00 - 11:30
Elizabeth Way (between Chesterton Road & Milton Road) 08:00 - 11:30
Elizabeth Way Bus Lane  04:00 - 13:00
Garret Hostel Lane (Bridge) 04:00 - 11:30
Grantchester Road, High Street & Mill Way 08:00 - 13:00
Guildhall Street 04:00 - 17:00
Jesus Lane (between Manor Street & Four Lamps roundabout) 08:00 - 14:00
King’s Parade 04:00 - 17:00
Lower Park Street 06:00 - 14:00
Maids Causeway / Newmarket Road (to the Elizabeth Way roundabout) 08:00 - 11:30
Market Hill (between Petty Cury & Market Street) 04:00 - 17:00
Market Street (between Market Hill & Sidney Street) 04:00 - 17:00
Milton Road 08:00 - 11:30
Newnham Road 06:00 - 13:00
Northampton Street 08:00 - 11:30
Park Parade 06:00 - 14:00
Queen's Road 06:00 - 12:30
Richmond Terrace 06:00 - 14:00
Senate House Hill 04:00 - 17:00
Sidney Street 04:00 - 17:00
Silver Street 06:00 - 14:00
The Fen Causeway 06:00 - 14:00
Thompsons Lane  08:00 - 14:00
Trinity Lane 04:00 - 11:30
Trinity Street 04:00 - 17:00
Trumpington Road 08:00 - 14:00
Trumpington Street 06:00 - 14:00
Victoria Avenue 04:00 - 17:00
Wheeler Street 04:00 - 17:00

Can I run?

Entries for 2024 are now sold out. Entries for the 2025 race will open soon.

And one final bit of advice to runners from organiser Adam Moffat:

If you are running, good luck from everyone here at Star Radio!