Baystate Marathon & Half Marathon
Lowell, MA
- Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, Half Marathon, Wheelchair Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Consistently one of the top marathons for entry to the Boston Marathon – the Baystate Marathon is designed to give you your best chance to run a Boston Qualifying Time. Not ready for a marathon, but you want to start your journey – run the very popular half marathon, or … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 18):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 63 | 64 | 61 | 65 | 59 |
| L (°F) | 35 | 32 | 49 | 43 | 46 |
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Pretty course, easy run
I really enjoyed the race. The stretches along the river were pretty, the weather was great, and race production was smooth. The course includes a double loop for a good … MORE
I really enjoyed the race. The stretches along the river were pretty, the weather was great, and race production was smooth.
The course includes a double loop for a good stretch of the course — I usually prefer not seeing the same scenery twice, but this was such a pleasant run I didn’t mind.
Expo is no frills — not a ton of pre-race goodies. Bib, merch for sale, and not much else. Parking was a nuisance.
Post-race was nice — I enjoyed the soup, volunteers were super friendly, and I got a massage/stretch without much wait. Enjoyed a refreshing nap in the park beside the river after a long run.
The town of Lowell is a quaint New England town. Some nice restaurants and bars, not a ton to do, but still a nice bit of classic New England in the fall.
Overall, despite starting really strong and finishing rugged, I had a blast.
A race for low stress PR attempts.
Baystate was my second marathon back in 2019. Since then I’ve completed the majors (some of them more than once) and run Boston every year (other than 2020 of course). … MORE
Baystate was my second marathon back in 2019. Since then I’ve completed the majors (some of them more than once) and run Boston every year (other than 2020 of course). After all the big races I returned to Baystate for a specific purpose. A PR in a well-produced, easily accessible, low-stress, logistics race. And as usually the cities of Lowell, Chelmsford, Greater Lowell Road Runners and local partners delivered.
‘For runners by runners’ isn’t just a marketing line. IYKYK. Everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Mostly flat. A few hills to move the work around. Usually decent running weather. Lovely fall foliage.
It’s quiet. Particularly out on the loop. So don’t expect big support out of Lowell and Chelmsford. But it’s a race to lock in. Be present. Get on pace. Set it and forget it.
Highly recommended.
Good for first timer!
The half was a looped course (2 loops). Pretty manageable, not to many barren places without spectators or water stops. Slowest half i’ve run, but mentally went by the fastest! … MORE
The half was a looped course (2 loops). Pretty manageable, not to many barren places without spectators or water stops. Slowest half i’ve run, but mentally went by the fastest! Amazing crowd, lots of people.
Well run, local marathon
Overall a well run race. Volunteers were friendly and abundant. Water stations were plentiful and with lots of volunteers. One suggestion/request to the organizers is to send folks out along … MORE
Overall a well run race. Volunteers were friendly and abundant. Water stations were plentiful and with lots of volunteers.
One suggestion/request to the organizers is to send folks out along the course the day or two before to remove all of the road kill. So many long dead squirrels and larger animals.
Also, if you could make the run section a little wider on south side of the river that would also be nice.
Fantastic event
The organization and production of this event is outstanding. Sign up, pre race communication, course preview run with pace groups, pre event packet pick up, optional swag at packet pick … MORE
The organization and production of this event is outstanding. Sign up, pre race communication, course preview run with pace groups, pre event packet pick up, optional swag at packet pick up, start line corral and organization, pace groups in run, traffic control in run, in run support at water stops, run clocks throughout the course, finish line crowd support, cool down area post run …this event is first class! Thank you!
My Baystate 2025 Review
All in all, this is my favorite marathon course. I have now raced it 4 times and have loved it every time. The scenery is spectacular and the weather always … MORE
All in all, this is my favorite marathon course. I have now raced it 4 times and have loved it every time. The scenery is spectacular and the weather always seems to be immaculate. One thing though, for next year can we please bring in a person to sing the national anthem instead of playing a recording? A person singing the anthem is so much more inspiring. With that said, Baystate is a wonderfully organized marathon and I had an absolute blast! Hopefully I will be back in 2026.
Great choice for first marathon
Overall a beautiful experience, 10/10 would run again. It was hard in the way I expected a marathon to be hard, the low elevation on the course allowed it to … MORE
Overall a beautiful experience, 10/10 would run again. It was hard in the way I expected a marathon to be hard, the low elevation on the course allowed it to be a manageable challenge. I think if there were hills I would have had a much different experience.
Other thoughts:
> Race was very organized
> Plenty of porta-potties
> Weather was beautiful (New England Fall)
>the scenery on the north side of the bridge was beautiful if you remember to notice it. The fall foliage along the Merrimack was serene.
> Plenty of aid stations – water every 2 miles
>seemed to have a quick emergency response & Plenty of police personnel
> Bring your own fuel – they had 2 fuel stations that you passed twice, but its helpful to have your own on hand
>First loop going over the green bridge (mile 7 or 8) was tough as we were all bottlenecked into the shoulder & I had to slow my pace down by 2 mins for the duration of the bridge (less than .25 miles). It was not a huge deal, I picked right back up and it all evened out in the end. Just a heads up to not let that crush your spirits so early on!
> Spectators seemed sparse, but evenly spaced through miles 18-25 which was actually kind of nice. There was one spectator cheering someone on in my pace group. She biked along the course in a banana costume, and would post up every 3 miles or so & that was fun to look forward to!
> it seemed like some local churches got into it, setting up their own aid stations with mini waterbottles & Gatorade for runner (very much appreciated)
Overall a great course & I’m happy I chose this for my first marathon.
A race for runners by runners!
Loved the double loop course. Perfect time of year, fall foliage was prime. Easy big pick up and logistics getting there. Great support throughout the race, easy for spectators to … MORE
Loved the double loop course. Perfect time of year, fall foliage was prime. Easy big pick up and logistics getting there. Great support throughout the race, easy for spectators to see you multiple times. Could’ve used more ports potties at the start. They had a new system in an attempt to make it faster (which I appreciate) called the fast track and doors said “stand up only” I didn’t go in this line bc I’m female and didn’t want to use a urinal, but then saw females using it and I ended up waiting in a line that moved very slow bc it was clearly reserved for people having a pre race bm. Partly my mistake but simple fix w better signage! Will def run again!
Great first time marathon!
Course was very easy, felt like I was coasting through most of it and I think a great first marathon experience. The crowd is the loudest around the Rourke Bridge … MORE
Course was very easy, felt like I was coasting through most of it and I think a great first marathon experience. The crowd is the loudest around the Rourke Bridge and it was a great boost as we start the second half of the race. Lot of water and aid stations that were very helpful and motivating.
Wonderful race!
I drove 8 hours from Canada to run this marathon. It did not disappoint! The volunteers were kind and the the race director provided lots of info leading up to … MORE
I drove 8 hours from Canada to run this marathon. It did not disappoint! The volunteers were kind and the the race director provided lots of info leading up to race morning! Great water tables and GU available too! The only thing was no where to stay warm. My drive had to leave and I should’ve checked a bag. I didn’t think he’d get kicked out of where he was parked but a man (who I think was a police officer) told him to move. So I hopped out of car and was cold for an hour. Just plan to check a bag so you can wear a warm coat until the start of race.
Fantastic First Marathon!
This race is run so smoothly and has a beautiful course. Running along the river with the fall foliage was stunning. The course is relatively flat with a few gentle … MORE
This race is run so smoothly and has a beautiful course. Running along the river with the fall foliage was stunning. The course is relatively flat with a few gentle hills. The volunteers were so supportive and helpful. I highly recommend this marathon!
Great First Time Marathon
The race was organized and run efficiently. The scenery was great, and the course overall was very manageable. Aid stations were well run and had plenty of supplies at each … MORE
The race was organized and run efficiently. The scenery was great, and the course overall was very manageable. Aid stations were well run and had plenty of supplies at each table.
PR course! Would run again!
Things I loved: mild PR-friendly course with a few rolling hills to mix it up, excellent pacer leading the 3:40 group, able to stay warm inside the Tsongas Center until … MORE
Things I loved: mild PR-friendly course with a few rolling hills to mix it up, excellent pacer leading the 3:40 group, able to stay warm inside the Tsongas Center until 5 mins before start, bag drop with easy pick up at finish, good water/gatorade stops, great for spectators especially Rourke bridge area
Needs improvement: unpleasant 4-5 mile stretch of Middlesex Road (run 2x) crams runners onto the shoulder of a busy open road, bad traffic getting out of the finish area
Flat course good production major issue
Flat, fast course with no crowding, small crowds, and easy start/finish line access makes for a low stress race and high PR potential at this race. My only gripe was … MORE
Flat, fast course with no crowding, small crowds, and easy start/finish line access makes for a low stress race and high PR potential at this race.
My only gripe was there was a bit of dysfunction that I’d like to see fixed:
– Only like 8-10 porta potties at the start, wating in line for > 20 mins at a small race is too long
– Aid stations were a bit of a mess if you were in a bigger group but once things thinned out they were fine
– At one point in the part of the course after you cross back from the other side of the river, there was traffic in the middle of the course?? Was odd.
And my biggest issue:
– At mile 12.8ish (I ran the half marathon) at the FINAL turn there was nobody directing the half marathoners who were on their second lap (who should turn left) vs. the half marathon relayers (who should turn right) and I took a right turn with a couple people because that is what we had done last lap… After my watch hit 13.4 miles I realized I had taken a wrong turn but by then it was way too late so I just turned around and walked it in. After realizing this, I asked several volunteers and no one could tell me which way to go. It was very very frustrating.
Well-run race and solid course
Great race logistically. Clear pre-race communication. Easy to park, easy check-in and awesome support for the runners at all the water stations along the way. Plan to do it again! MORE
Great race logistically. Clear pre-race communication. Easy to park, easy check-in and awesome support for the runners at all the water stations along the way. Plan to do it again!
Amazing First Marathon Experience
A beautiful, flat course with plenty of opportunity of encouragement from spectators. I would recommend this race to anyone looking for a well run, but not overcrowded fall marathon. MORE
A beautiful, flat course with plenty of opportunity of encouragement from spectators. I would recommend this race to anyone looking for a well run, but not overcrowded fall marathon.
Need more porta potties at mile 4 !!!!
The race was great. Only issue was at the 4 mile mark there were not enough porta potties. A line there took a few mins. Overall a positive experience. I … MORE
The race was great. Only issue was at the 4 mile mark there were not enough porta potties. A line there took a few mins. Overall a positive experience. I would recommend. Tacky finish medal (just my opinion and certainly not a big deal).
Great time but............
As a first-time runner in this race, it was an excellent experience. The organization volunteers everything except getting out of the parking garage, which took almost two hours. People got … MORE
As a first-time runner in this race, it was an excellent experience. The organization volunteers everything except getting out of the parking garage, which took almost two hours. People got out of their cars and walked around. I am sure people were trying to avoid getting stiff and sore, so they walked around. Unfortunately, I will not park in the garage next year and risk my car on the streets of Lowell.
2 Loops, No Problem
Packet pickup was a smooth process that took place in the rec center. Swag options were limited, but the volunteers were plentiful and helpful. I learned in advance to had … MORE
Packet pickup was a smooth process that took place in the rec center. Swag options were limited, but the volunteers were plentiful and helpful. I learned in advance to had $5 cash to park in the preferred George Ayotte Parking Facility and to arrive early and I had no issues there. The weather was great and there were plenty of port-a-potties at the start. The starting line separated the half and full runners. Once the race began we took off together and there were clear markings for where each race would need to turn. There was good crowd support and I got a lot of nice pictures along the course and finish line. I was pleased with my finish time considering I ran a half in a different state the day before. I was overjoyed by the 4 types of soup, chips fruit, and other snacks for finishers. The finish area had plenty of amazing photo opportunities with beautiful fall landscaping. Now here’s where the review takes a negative turn. I arrived back at the parking garage and had no issues getting to my car and I backed out of my space and sat for about 45 minutes in the same area and then an additional 45 minutes snaking out of the garage. I was only on the 2nd floor, but traffic was gridlocked. I had a flight out of Hartford and was able to fill the tank, drop off the car, get to security, only to see that the door was closed at my gate. Had I not been stuck for 90 minutes, I would’ve made my flight. I was rebooked the next morning. But, I was so frustrated about the sitting. Even if I’d been a local, that was a ridiculously exceptional amount of time to get stuck in the garage. Anyway, onward and upward. The race itself was fine.
Well-organized small-city race
Race was really well organized and smooth, from pre-race communication, start/finish area, water stops, etc. Course is flat, easy and pleasant - decent crowd support throughout. Only complaint would be … MORE
Race was really well organized and smooth, from pre-race communication, start/finish area, water stops, etc. Course is flat, easy and pleasant – decent crowd support throughout. Only complaint would be the long bathroom lines at the start – next year rent 50% more port-a-potties!