The Bionic5K is an inclusive multi-sport event scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Centered at 41 Church Street, the event is organized by Bionic Project, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to disability awareness and inclusion. The gathering is designed to be accessible to everyone, offering both running and rowing options in various distances, with a primary mission to support the Bionic Project’s education programs.
| Event Type | Distance / Format | Participation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Running | 5K or 1 Mile | Available for all age groups (Under 21 and 21+). |
| Rowing (Erg) | 1-Minute Race or 5K Relay | Includes a free "Learn to Row" clinic at 8:15 AM. |
| Adaptive Entry | Any Distance | Free entry for athletes with permanent physical disabilities. |
The Bionic5K emphasizes community engagement through a robust fundraising platform. Participants who reach specific pledge milestones are eligible for commemorative gear, including Bionic beanies, hoodies, and quarter-zips. Current top supporters include "The Bionic Dekas" and "Shady Hill School," contributing to the significant progress toward the event's $25,000 goal. The rowing segment is particularly unique, featuring "Fixed Seat" divisions for adaptive athletes and mixed relay formats (5 x 1000m) that encourage athletes of all abilities to compete together.
Cambridge is a city known for its academic influence and highly diverse population. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, the city's population of approximately 118,400 is 57.1% White (Non-Hispanic), 15.1% Asian, 10.2% Black or African American, and 9.5% Hispanic or Latino. Approximately 28% of residents were born outside of the United States. This multicultural background is a core component of the Bionic Project's inclusive ethos, as the event seeks to bridge social gaps and foster empathy through shared athletic achievement in one of the most intellectually and culturally active cities in the world.
Logistically, the event begins at 9:00 AM EDT, with the rowing clinic starting 45 minutes prior. The Church Street location in Harvard Square provides easy access via the MBTA Red Line and local bus routes. For those unable to attend in person, the Bionic5K offers a comprehensive virtual participation package for all running and rowing categories. Event contact Will Borden and the Bionic Project team ensure that the event remains a safe, welcoming, and high-energy environment, featuring a curated "Bionic Playlist" to motivate participants throughout the morning.
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
09:00
$18.04
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
09:00
$12.69
May 17, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$23.39
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
09:00
$18.04
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
09:00
$12.69
May 17, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$23.39
May 17, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$44.79
May 17, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$28.74
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1mi
Type — Running
09:00
$34.09
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1mi
Type — Running
09:00
$23.39
May 17, 2026
Distance — 1mi
Type — Running
09:00
$34.09
May 17, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
09:00
$44.79
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Cambridge.
Learn more about the host city, Cambridge.
Cambridge is a city in Massachusetts, across the Charles River from Boston. It is renowned as the home of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both widely considered to be among the best universities in the world. The city's population was 118,000 in 2020; the fourth largest in the state.
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location_on Somerville, Massachusetts, US
calendar_today May 17, 2026
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