Moody Street 5K 2019: What To Know

WALTHAM, MA — You know it's spring in Waltham when the roads close down and the runners lace up for the Moody Street 5k. The race takes runners on a 3.1-mile loop beginning and ending on the iconic Moody Street to benefit secondary public schools in the Waltham.

Are you a runner? Planning on spectating? Or maybe you're just wanting to avoid the traffic. Regardless, here's what you need to know about Sunday's race.

The ninth Annual Moody St 5K race will be held this Sunday, May 5. The race begins at noon, but the bridge closes to all traffic at 11:30 a.m.

In years past the runners have said the folks who cheer along the route have made the experience one they wouldn't soon forget.

The Moody Street bridge will be closed to traffic from 11:30 a.m. until approx. 1:30 p.m. Expect delays - Traffic on Prospect Street bridge will be stopped as needed for crossing runners and walkers.

The Route

The course starts on the Moody Street bridge over the Charles River and heads south down Moody Street, taking a right hand turn on Crescent Street and into the Southside neighborhood

The route turns left on Woerd Avenue, then left on Riverview Avenue with a loop around the Island. As you exit the island, the race turns left into the boat ramp parking lot, entering the Riverwalk behind the Watch Factory along the Charles River. (Please use caution as you exit the Watch Factory as there is a high curb drop when you turn left onto Prospect Street).
The route then turns right, back onto the scenic DCR Landy Park Riverwalk, and right onto Moody Street, finishing in front of Embassy Park.

What's it for?

Race registration proceeds go to benefit the city's middle schools and high school.

Traffic/Parking

There will be delays and detours along the route from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
There will be no parking on Moody Street from Crescent/Pine to the Charles River. Parking will also be restricted on Moody Street southbound from Crescent/Pine to High Street. Please park in one of the many city parking lots surrounding Moody Street or in the Garage between Main/School/Common/Lexington Streets.

For the awards ceremony, the city asks that you walk to Shopper's Café. There will be parking on Moody Street as well as the side streets in the neighborhood, but it will fill up.

If You Are a Runner...

Walk in registration will be held on Saturday at bib pickup at Shoppers café from 12-4pm and Sunday morning at Embassy Park until bibs run out.

Thursday, May 2nd: On line registration is open until 6pm: www.moodyst5k.racewire.com.

Saturday, May 4th: Bib pickup will be at Shopper's Café 731 Moody Street, Waltham between noon and 4 p.m. This will also be the location for our awards celebration after the race.

Sunday, May 5th: Bib pickup will be behind the Embassy Park. Look for the signs as well as volunteers in bright yellow t-shirts to direct you. Registration will be open from 10am until 11:30am. Please come early.

Please do not leave your valuables unattended.

Ipods, phones and car keys have been lost in the past. Please leave your valuables in your car or find a friend to look after them.

No dogs. The crowd is too large, there are some people who are afraid of dogs, there are many children present at this event and organizers have had issues with dogs becoming agitated by the large crowd or other dogs.

YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RUN/WALK IF YOU BRING YOUR DOG.

Strollers are allowed and welcome. Please gather by the labeled post at the start. Those entrants who are walking are asked to walk on the sidewalks once the race stretches out so traffic may pass and everyone is safe. Walkers please obey traffic signals at intersections with lights. There will be police on the Prospect Street bridge (and other locations) for safe crossing.

In an emergency, police, fire and rescue vehicles will have the right of way and you must stop so they can pass.

Awards

The post-race awards and celebration will be at Shopper's Café, 731 Moody Street, Waltham. They will have outside space open and plenty of room for runners and their families. It is a family friendly establishment that serves food and drink. You are welcome at any time; awards will be given out and the raffle will take place around 2-2:30 p.m. For those over 21, the beer ticket that comes with your race bib can be redeemed for a complimentary beer from the outside beer tent only - not the bar inside.

Prices increase for walk-in registrants. for more: http://moodyst5k.com

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).