Boston Half Marathon (fka B.A.A. Half)
Boston, MA
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Boston Half Marathon, presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, highlights the beauty of Boston and Brookline’s Emerald Necklace park system while furthering the Boston Athletic Association’s mission of promoting health and fitness. The 13.1-mile, out and back, rolling course, begins and ends at White Stadium in … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Nov 08):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 62 | 65 | 53 | 55 | 60 |
| L (°F) | 46 | 42 | 37 | 41 | 39 |
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New Course, same Hills!
Slightly new course with new short out and back after you leave the Park; also different route on the main out and back circling around the ponds. Still overall nearly … MORE
Slightly new course with new short out and back after you leave the Park; also different route on the main out and back circling around the ponds. Still overall nearly the same course as in past years with the very difficult uphills at the end. Great weather this year and overall same great production.
N.B., if you want to run a fast pace, you NEED to start near the front. I started very close to the starting line and it was much better getting off than in past years.
Perfect Race Weather
Boston in November can be tricky. Rain held off and we had perfect running conditions. Nice swag and giveaways. This was an out and back race through a park system. … MORE
Boston in November can be tricky. Rain held off and we had perfect running conditions. Nice swag and giveaways.
This was an out and back race through a park system. Offered shuttle service from Downtown to the race via coach buses made getting there and back very smooth.Overcrowding at the start. Used wave starts, however need to reduce the size of waves to reduce congestion. Hydration was plentiful. Addition DJ’s on the course could add a little more excitement/fun to the run.
Other runners were very supportive and made the race a bit more engaging. I’d run this race again.
Well organized race, hilly course
The race was well organized. I appreciated that they mailed the bibs out before the race so I didn’t have to worry about planning my flights around an expo. The … MORE
The race was well organized. I appreciated that they mailed the bibs out before the race so I didn’t have to worry about planning my flights around an expo.
The course was well marked with plenty of aid stations. The out and back between miles 1-3 was nice because I got to see the elite runners on their way back. The course was constantly up or down. It never felt like I was running flat. None of the hills were super steep though.
Also fun was the BAA shakeout run the day before where I had a chance to meet some of last year’s winners and other pros.
Weather was perfect
The organization was really well done. You really didn’t have to wait in line for anything. The course was well stocked with spectators cheering you on along the route. I … MORE
The organization was really well done. You really didn’t have to wait in line for anything. The course was well stocked with spectators cheering you on along the route. I probably dressed a little warmer than I needed to and would’ve done with one less layer set my new PR on what is a pretty hilly course.
Hilly Course But Enjoy The Race!
It's my first-ever half marathon. I heard from others that the course was hilly but did not expect that hilly. The uphill in the end was very challenging for me. … MORE
It’s my first-ever half marathon. I heard from others that the course was hilly but did not expect that hilly. The uphill in the end was very challenging for me. Overall, this was an excellent experience. Lots of people were cheering for the racers along the course while you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. However, the first two miles were pretty crowded, so adjusting the pace in the beginning was hard.
Iconic finisher medals + decent scenery
Overall event is fine. A few minor negatives were the somewhat lengthy shuttle buses needed, because of no real parking available at the start/finish area. And then the costly parking … MORE
Overall event is fine. A few minor negatives were the somewhat lengthy shuttle buses needed, because of no real parking available at the start/finish area. And then the costly parking garages ($40) at the shuttle bus pickup areas. Then the course was very crowded at the start, and for the first 1-2 miles. I think more waves of smaller groups would make for a better start and less congestion a long the course. Otherwise the course was pretty, some rolling hills. Aid stations were fine. Post race was just a bag of snacks/food/drink handed to you at the finish. Not much else happening at finish besides T-shirt pickup. Surprised not to see more merchandise for sale or other stuff going on at the finish area, since there is not a day before expo for this event. Bibs were mailed out to runners 2-3 weeks or so before the race. Main reason I chose this event for was for the iconic Boston unicorn finisher medal, but otherwise a pretty ordinary event.
Different Course Same Fun Race
The Boston (a/k/a B.A.A. Half) is a somewhat out and back course from Franklin Park through Boston's Emerald Necklace finishing back in Franklin Park with some moderately challenging hills at … MORE
The Boston (a/k/a B.A.A. Half) is a somewhat out and back course from Franklin Park through Boston’s Emerald Necklace finishing back in Franklin Park with some moderately challenging hills at the end. Unfortunately the 2024 race did not finish in White Stadium due to some renovations.
The course is pretty quick for being a little hilly. Very crowded at the beginning and generally lots of people throughout. Great energy at start and finish and at some points along the course. Scenery is beautiful seeing the parks and reservoirs of the Emerald Necklace
Race swag and coordination/logistics are great except it can be difficult to get to. If you run the Distance Medley you have a dedicated tent area and port a potties as well as a post-race beer!
Great event. Challenging course.
As a first time half runner, I read all previous years reviews and had a much better experience than previous posters! From transport to the venue, to thoughtful and well-coordinated … MORE
As a first time half runner, I read all previous years reviews and had a much better experience than previous posters! From transport to the venue, to thoughtful and well-coordinated services, to the course, to the after event, it was a super day!
Run for the unicorn
Since I probably won’t ever qualify for the Boston Marathon, this is the only way I would get a unicorn medal. I absolutely love the long sleeve tech shirt. The … MORE
Since I probably won’t ever qualify for the Boston Marathon, this is the only way I would get a unicorn medal.
I absolutely love the long sleeve tech shirt.
The course was full of rolling hills and went past beautiful houses and country.
There were a couple of bottleneck areas but most of the time there was plenty of space for people to run.
Water stops were plentiful enough with one of them offering maurten gels.
The only real disappointment was there was no expo. Bibs were mailed and the shirts were picked up on race morning.
BAA Knows How to Race!
The B.A.A. Half is the third race in the B.A.A. Distance Medley (5K/10K/Half). The race is on an out and back-ish course starting in Franklin Park in Boston, wending its … MORE
The B.A.A. Half is the third race in the B.A.A. Distance Medley (5K/10K/Half). The race is on an out and back-ish course starting in Franklin Park in Boston, wending its way along the Emerald Necklace of Olmstead Parks and back through Franklin Park, finishing after the zoo in White Stadium. Great race overall, a bit hilly, but manageable. Very well organized and run; great t-shirt and medal. A special medal is available for runners who finished all 3 distance medley races (and a special hospitality tent w/ dedicated port-o-potties is available for those who sign up for the Medley).
All in all a very well run, scenic and fun race. Just wish it was a bit warmer!
Challenging course but well organized
The course is a bit challenging with downhills at the start and uphills at the end (although none of the hills were enormous). There are soooo many runners the entire … MORE
The course is a bit challenging with downhills at the start and uphills at the end (although none of the hills were enormous). There are soooo many runners the entire way but it feels spacious enough between everyone. The aid stations are set up at predictable increments (I believe it was every 2 miles), and they serve Gatorade and water. They had Maurten hydrogel about halfway through the course as well.
I liked the long sleeved shirts and the medal.
The post race food was a bag of pretty much all packaged carbohydrates snacks.
They have buses to Copley and back and the ride is fairly short.
Overall it was a well run race.
Great but tough
My first half and culmination of the BAA Distance Medley. The course was hilly, but pretty (though *just* past peak foliage, which is too bad) and the crowds were amazing. … MORE
My first half and culmination of the BAA Distance Medley. The course was hilly, but pretty (though *just* past peak foliage, which is too bad) and the crowds were amazing. Support during the race was fine–it didn’t wow me but it was fine. Good general swag (yay for thumb loops on the shirt) and the special DM tent was a great perk.
Hot and hilly!
Ran this race in 2016 and just creating my race raves account in 2024, lol. BAA races are always pretty well organized. This particular year was very humid and then … MORE
Ran this race in 2016 and just creating my race raves account in 2024, lol. BAA races are always pretty well organized. This particular year was very humid and then poured at the end. Not easy to get out of the race area to the train/ubers etc without getting soaked
Hilly and Not Exciting!
I ran this in 2016 as part of the BAA Distance Medley. In terms of the course, this was by far my least favorite. The course is boring and doesn't … MORE
I ran this in 2016 as part of the BAA Distance Medley. In terms of the course, this was by far my least favorite. The course is boring and doesn’t showcase the best of Boston neighborhoods (being a Boston native I can attest to this). While weather is unpredictable, I ran this is in the pouring rain and being hilly it wasn’t the best experience. Swag and post race were good as always.
My recommendation: Change up the course a bit.
Swag and post race were good as always.
Great for First-Timers
A rolling course with plenty to see. Production is great! Pre race is organized. Busses from parking areas around Boston bring you to the start. Lots of bathrooms. Lots of … MORE
A rolling course with plenty to see. Production is great! Pre race is organized. Busses from parking areas around Boston bring you to the start. Lots of bathrooms. Lots of lines for the bathrooms. For a half marathon, the post-race food and nourishment is amazing! Would expect this at the end of a marathon.
This is a very crowded race!
The best part of this race was the lead up -- meaning the B.A.A. offered great tips on training, plans, info sessions, lots of good comms. The worst part of … MORE
The best part of this race was the lead up — meaning the B.A.A. offered great tips on training, plans, info sessions, lots of good comms. The worst part of this race was getting there. Taking the T is not convenient, even if you leave near a T station (b/c the start isn’t exactly close to the orange line). Shuttling to and from the parking garage at the convention center took a ton of time, too. Because it’s in the park and at the zoo, friends and family can’t watch you, either. The after-race B.A.A. festivities were very good, which is important because there’s absolutely no where to grab a bite or get brunch in the immediate area. Honestly, I skipped it this year and I don’t plan on doing it again anytime soon… but I am glad I checked this box and did it once.
Beautiful course
All the BAA races are well run, this one included. The course is along the Emerald Necklace staying mostly in tree lined streets. Mile 12 goes through the Franklin Park … MORE
All the BAA races are well run, this one included. The course is along the Emerald Necklace staying mostly in tree lined streets. Mile 12 goes through the Franklin Park Zoo, that is cool. There is an out and back from mile 9 to mile 11 that is boring, but needed to get the right distance. After that boring stretch, there is a pretty good hill that will also get your attention. Those are the only two negatives of the course. A run through the zoo and finish on the track in Franklin Park makes it all worthwhile though. Overall, a well run half. Sells out in minutes, so you must be Johnny on the spot to register.
BAA Half Marathon 2012
The BAA knows how to manage a race. This race is based out of the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston which is near the end of the Orange Line, so … MORE
The BAA knows how to manage a race. This race is based out of the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston which is near the end of the Orange Line, so very convenient and easy to get to.
The start of the race can be congested. If you plan to go for a PR be sure to line up early and near the front.
Also, the grass will be wet from dew so you may want to change into your running shoes and socks just before you line up.
The course is not flat but there are no significant hills either. While Boston may not seem like a scenic location, this race goes through some very scenic parts of Boston.
Crowd support is pretty good and the BAA has plenty of water stops.
This race is part of the BAA Distance Medley, which I ran in 2012. I’ll never forget seeing the winners of the Distance Medley receive their $100K checks!
All runners get a nice shirt and medal, if you run The Medley you get a medal for that as well.