Overall Rating
Overall Rating (122 Reviews)
4.6
(122 Ratings)  (122 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.4
SCENERY
3.7
PRODUCTION
4.5
SWAG
3.8
For runners – by runners. Our goal is to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon. Whether you are a novice or seasoned veteran – your best chance to run a qualifying time is with us. We annually qualify 25% of our race field – higher then any other race. … MORE
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Recent reviews

    portlandrunner FIRST-TIMER '23

    This is a well-run race that was flat and fast. Lots of people trying to qualify for the boston marathon. Plenty of staff support, clearly marked. Very enjoyable. I wish … MORE

    This is a well-run race that was flat and fast. Lots of people trying to qualify for the boston marathon. Plenty of staff support, clearly marked. Very enjoyable. I wish it had more community engagement and involvement. Hopefully something they can work on in the future.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    seagroves87 FIRST-TIMER '23

    This race is located right across the NH border so it is very close to me and only about a 20 minute drive. There is also a 6 hour time … MORE

    This race is located right across the NH border so it is very close to me and only about a 20 minute drive. There is also a 6 hour time limit for both distances so I wouldn’t have to worry about a finishing time for the half. I was very excited for the race given the great reviews but I was kind of disappointed by the production especially pre-race. There is the option for early packet pick-up or race day packet pick-up. Since I wasn’t back from Baltimore until around 8pm yesterday I did race day packet pick-up. There seemed to be good pre-race communication with very clear parking instructions. However the instructions were wrong. They recommend 3 parking lots and described their locations well. I was planning to park at the one closest to the start/finish even though they said it was a little harder to get in and out of as I wanted to minimize additional walking given I was doing a double half marathon weekend. The instructions said roads would not close until 7:30am and that the garages would take cash or card. I put the address in my GPS and left my home around 6:30 arriving at 6:50 am. However one of the roads that my GPS wanted me to take was already closed and I didn’t know how to get to my desired parking lot so I ended up parking at another one. Getting in this parking lot was a hot mess as the parking lot was taking cash only and many runners didn’t take cash since the instructions literally said the garage would take cards. It took me about 30 minutes to park which was stressing me out as packet pick-up was stated to close at 7:30am. They really needed more accurate parking instructions and they should have warned about how difficult parking was as I would have left earlier though I thought I left with plenty of time. Packet pick-up was also a hot mess. The packet pick-up was at the area for the local college UMass Lowell and required you go through a metal detector. I understand safety especially given the proximity of the race to Boston and the Boston bombings but the line was moving so slow. Staten Island Half also had metal detectors and security check and it was significantly quicker despite having a 5X larger race field. The packet pick-up lines were huge as there were apparently wifi issues and they were having trouble assigning bibs. I eventually did get my bib and shirt but by then it was 15 to 20 minutes before race start. I’ve done a lot of races and it should not have taken this long to park and get packet for the size of the field. I had about 70 minutes and that should have been plenty of time but I was super rushed. Due to how long everything took I needed to make a decision about whether to bring my shirt back to my car vs use the porta potty. I really had to use the porta potty so had to bring my shirt on the run. The race shirt is super nice though. Really nice green color and very good quality long sleeved tech shirt. However the weather was perfect and I didn’t feel like running in long sleeved. I started the race wearing the shirt but got hot and took it off in the middle and tied it around my waist. The porta potty lines were also kind of a mess and some volunteers kept telling us there were other porta potties with no lines but all had lines. I managed to finish using the porta potty 3 minutes before race start. Yikes this start was an absolute disaster. The rest of the race did go much smoother though was not perfectly produced. They had separate corrals for the full and half marathon. I ended up in the back of the half marathon corral since everything took so long which is fine because I am slow but would be frustrating if I was a fast runner. The course is fine but kind of boring. The point of this race is to be a fast race for Boston Qualifying and it was definitely great for that. The half is two double loops. The full follows the half for about 2.5 miles then continues going straight while the half turns and does two upper loops before joining the half on the way back. The course has some really pretty sections with fall foliage and nice water views and some nice sections through the college campus. It also has some really boring sections where you mostly pass by fast food restaurants and autobody shops. You do pass by multiple Dunkin Donuts twice and I don’t know what could be more Massachusetts than that lol. The course is really flat with just some slight inclines and declines and since you do it twice you can strategize it well. Also with the loops you don’t really need to worry about tangents like you do with courses with lots of turns so this makes a very fast course. I had blisters on my feet from yesterday and very sore legs but was quite a few minutes faster than Baltimore without trying. Course support is pretty good. There are a good number of spectators though most seem more there just for specific runners though they still cheer you on. Aid stations mostly good but two issues. One is no gels or nutrition on course so make sure you bring some if you will need it. The other issue was more specific to back of pack half marathoners. Because of how the course works for miles 6.5 to 8.5 of the half only the half marathoners do it twice so you aren’t sharing it with the marathoners the second loop. There is one aid station at this section which ran out of water by the time I got to it the second time. Luckily I brought my own water bottle and had enough to make it to the next one. The next one does share the course with finishing marathoners so was well stocked. I finished the race about 7 minutes faster than yesterday and they call out the finishers and cheer them on at the finish line. They were only handing out marathon medals and went to get me a half one but told me they ran out and gave me a marathon medal. Kind of disappointing to not get the correct medal. This definitely wasn’t an awful experience in the back of the pack but the missing water at the one aid station and the wrong medal really didn’t make it as back of the pack friendly of a race as I’d expect for a race with a 6 hour time limit. I never felt unwelcomed and the issues seemed more due to poor planning than not caring about back of packers. The post race food was good and they clearly had food that runners want after race. The food options had fruit, chips, PBJ and multiple soup options including several vegetarian and vegan options. Overall I had mixed feelings on this race. Given the really great reviews from other years I’m not sure if the production issues particularly pre-race were unusual. If you do this race definitely either do pre-race packet pick-up or arrive very early between 6 and 6:30am and bring cash for parking. I would definitely recommend this race for people looking to BQ or PR given the flat course and as high of likelihood as possible for great weather in MA (though weather in MA can always be unpredictable as it rained the next day). I would also recommend for 50 staters who finish over 4 hours who are concerned about not getting a finishing time given the 6 hour time limit. I didn’t think it was the best course for the 2:45 to 3:30 finishers like me as it was more designed to be fast than to be interesting or fun. Baltimore was definitely better for my pace. Overall I thought this race was fine. It probably would have been 4 sneakers if the pre-race wasn’t such a mess. I will probably do it again since it is only a 20 minute drive but I’d consider traveling a bit further for a race with easier parking instead.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    jmnaylor33 FIRST-TIMER '23

    I ran the 1/2 which is two 6.5 mile loops. Overall a very good and easy race. Pros: Good swag, efficient bib pickup, lots of water and gatorade on the … MORE

    I ran the 1/2 which is two 6.5 mile loops. Overall a very good and easy race. Pros: Good swag, efficient bib pickup, lots of water and gatorade on the course, great post-race food options. Cons: Parking is a nightmare, get there early or get dropped off, no GU or fuel on course, street is pretty pockmarked so watch out! Overall a lot of fund and a small town feel.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    track_freak13 REPEAT RUNNER '18

    This was my third time running the Baystate Marathon, the first time (2016) was my first half, last year (2017) was my first marathon and this year was my second. … MORE

    This was my third time running the Baystate Marathon, the first time (2016) was my first half, last year (2017) was my first marathon and this year was my second. The course is relatively flat, a little too windy this year, but race officials can’t control weather. The scenery is beautiful, but I’m a Lowell native, so a tad biast, but you can overlook the river, fall foliage and the incredible UMass Lowell North and South campus buildings. Plenty of water and aid stops and the double loop helps you pace better the second time around. Racers, volunteers and the community are extremely supportive with encouraging words and large posters with quirky quotes which makes you feel like a million bucks. The expo center has a ton of great deals for last minute running gear. I strongly recommend this race to beginners, advanced runners and ones looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon . I haven’t yet ran a BQ time, but I’m going to keep at it and I will be back next year, Baystate 2019!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    ebaker FIRST-TIMER '18

    Perfect race to try for a PR on, make sure your support people know where to stand so you can get your energy gels mid-race. The course was relatively flat … MORE

    Perfect race to try for a PR on, make sure your support people know where to stand so you can get your energy gels mid-race. The course was relatively flat and easy with great support throughout.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    bwpenguins REPEAT RUNNER '18

    I'm a male and 56 years old now. I start running 2 years and half years ago because of my high blood pressure. After 7 days everyday one mile jog, … MORE

    I’m a male and 56 years old now. I start running 2 years and half years ago because of my high blood pressure.
    After 7 days everyday one mile jog, My blood pressure became normal. Quick!
    After 3 month, I tried 5k. It was 25 min 40 sec. I was a little disappointed.I bought three books about how to running. Next year, practice 800m x 3 once a week for 3 month then I run 5k for 22 min. Better! I love running now.
    Then I followed the running practice schedule for marathon from the books for 4 month. 1000m x 3, 20k pace run, 30k LSD, plus weight training. Then run the first time marathon at Baystate and I got BQ. Time was 3 h 38 min. BQ time was 3h40min fro my age. But this year, I just missed deadline for Boston marathon registration . Sad.
    I had only 2 weeks for practice before Baystate. I was jogging 30k once a week after last year Baystate marathon. But my weight was 20 lb havier and much weaker muscle. Then I took a week rest before race. 3h 42.5 min. Sad. l failed. 2.5 min late.
    I have to try again next year. Baystate course is nice almost flat course. Good for speed. Perfect for BQ. Running same course every year, I can learn many things. I just notice I need to change my form a lot. I will beat 3.5 sub next year. Beat 8 min per mile.

    Anyway I practice again 1000m x 5, 20k,30k for 2 week.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    anakurt REPEAT RUNNER '18

    This was my second race! And my Boston qualifier for 2cond time, all the race was nice , very little hills and a little windy , some parts has nice … MORE

    This was my second race! And my Boston qualifier for 2cond time, all the race was nice , very little hills and a little windy , some parts has nice scenic scenery , it’s a good choice if you are considering to do a first full marathon, and also it’s a good race to qualified for Boston marathon, I had a good experience there, my only recommendention is if you can put a little more portable restrooms, There is long lines and I feel anxious when the race is going to start and I still have to wait in the line..
    thanks and I am looking foward for the 2019 marathon..

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
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    bethann93 REPEAT RUNNER '18

    If you're looking for a PR, want to be able to see your fan club multiple times, and like a community feel in your races, then Baystate is the race … MORE

    If you’re looking for a PR, want to be able to see your fan club multiple times, and like a community feel in your races, then Baystate is the race for you! I ran the half last year and loved it so much that I came back for the full. The race is incredibly well organized with predictable, regular, and enthusiastic water stops along the way. The full marathon loops twice, which makes it easy for spectators to see you numerous times throughout your race. With local sponsors and schools so actively involved, you feel supported by the community. It’s big enough that you’re never alone, but small enough that you aren’t crowded. With the exception of a few short, steady inclines, the course is mostly flat, which helped me reach a 28 minute PR! You would not believe the enthusiasm of these spectators. I have never smiled so much throughout a race! From peanut butter sandwiches to hot soup to massages, the finish line accommodations at Baystate are top notch. I cannot wait to come back to this one!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    Profile photo of Patricia Clark
    mamaclak REPEAT RUNNER '18

    The race has been around long enough so that folks know what to expect. Not really scenic, no gimmicks, but a well run race and a potential PR or BQ … MORE

    The race has been around long enough so that folks know what to expect. Not really scenic, no gimmicks, but a well run race and a potential PR or BQ course..

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    2

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    bobbio FIRST-TIMER '18

    Event was great. Porta-potties right at starting line, nice flat course, weather was good. The course was a bit windy and they had trouble with the live tracker but other … MORE

    Event was great. Porta-potties right at starting line, nice flat course, weather was good. The course was a bit windy and they had trouble with the live tracker but other than that it was an excellent course race. I highly recommend this for a first-time marathon runner.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    dubiner FIRST-TIMER '18

    I was leery about running a double loop race - but my friends all said 'you'll love it.' And I did. Some of the loop was on a main road … MORE

    I was leery about running a double loop race – but my friends all said ‘you’ll love it.’ And I did. Some of the loop was on a main road without scenery – but the runs along the river more than made up for it.
    The best part were the volunteers at the aid stations – talk about infectious energy. A local guy (I wish I knew who it was!) put out bottles of water on his lawn – and I took advantage of that twice – so thank you to my anonymous helper!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    SABruns FIRST-TIMER '18

    Medal and 1/4 zip are amazing!! Water stops not bad and just the right amount. Crowd support was great! Great course to pr! Scenery blahh and expo ehhh but the … MORE

    Medal and 1/4 zip are amazing!! Water stops not bad and just the right amount. Crowd support was great! Great course to pr! Scenery blahh and expo ehhh but the informational mtg was super helpful and great!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5

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    andrelaska2 REPEAT RUNNER '18

    This is a great race to qualify for the Boston marathon or even beat a personal record. I highly recommend running this marathon. They have great water stations and porter … MORE

    This is a great race to qualify for the Boston marathon or even beat a personal record. I highly recommend running this marathon. They have great water stations and porter johns everywhere. There was many people supporting during the race!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    jmr16 FIRST-TIMER '18

    This race was super well managed - the course was well-marked and the volunteers were top-notch! I was a little nervous about the loop course, but it wound up working … MORE

    This race was super well managed – the course was well-marked and the volunteers were top-notch! I was a little nervous about the loop course, but it wound up working to my advantage with planning race strategy in the wind. Course is mostly flat, with just enough hills to wake up the legs. The pace groups I worked with both seemed on the quick side, but communicated clearly with their runners what was happening. I would recommend this course to anyone looking for a fantastic local race….and looking for that BQ!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    ellenjanis REPEAT RUNNER '18

    This is the third time I've run the half marathon here, and it's always good. The course has a few gentle hills but nothing brutal, and the scenery along the … MORE

    This is the third time I’ve run the half marathon here, and it’s always good. The course has a few gentle hills but nothing brutal, and the scenery along the river is really nice! there are plenty of ppl out cheering for you, lots of water stops and a good place to recover behind Tsongas at the end. It’s a great one to do!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    scabot FIRST-TIMER '18

    This was a great entry level half marathon for a first timer like me! And I went to college at UMass Lowell so it was a total blast from the … MORE

    This was a great entry level half marathon for a first timer like me! And I went to college at UMass Lowell so it was a total blast from the past to be running around some of my favorite places from college. The course was nice and flat with the exception of a few very slight inclines over the bridges. The “temporary” O’Rouke bridge adding a little thrill to the morning. There was an abundance of water/gatorade stations and rest stops. I wish it had been one long loop and not a repeated 6.6 mile loop but on the other hand it was nice to know what to expect and how far was left to go when coming around the second time. I will mention that I was told by a volunteer when picking up my bib that there would be gels at the water stops so I did not bring a snack for mid-run, but when I stopped at water station around mile 9 and asked they had no idea what I was talking about. That was a little disappointing; if I’d known I would’ve brought a little something for calories and would’ve had a much better push through the last couple miles. Overall I had a great time and plan to do it again next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    jenhao_58 FIRST-TIMER '18

    My best race ever! Beautiful running course! Bay state is flat and fast with a few small hills - most notably from miles 15 to 18. The flat course, coupled … MORE

    My best race ever!
    Beautiful running course!
    Bay state is flat and fast with a few small hills – most notably from miles 15 to 18. The flat course, coupled with the typical race day temperature and humidity make the Baystate Marathon a very good PR and Boston Qualifier course.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    richardowein REPEAT RUNNER '18

    Very well-organized race that is predominantly flat but can be windy (as it was this year). The foliage on the back half of the course was beautiful. Good fan support, … MORE

    Very well-organized race that is predominantly flat but can be windy (as it was this year). The foliage on the back half of the course was beautiful. Good fan support, multiple pacing groups, great runner support for fluids/gels. The expo is limited. I stayed at the Best Western in Chelmsford with the Baystate Marathon rate and found it to be a great location to get to the race quickly in the morning. Getting out of the parking garage after the race is tough because of all the traffic. I plan to try to run it yearly as it is a good race to use for a BQ. The race provided BQ and PR keychains in addition to the medal after the race which was a really nice touch.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    gpollici REPEAT RUNNER '18

    Loved the medal!!! Beautiful views of Merrimack River & delicious food at the end of the race for runners ! Course support and hydration stations are very frequent as well. MORE

    Loved the medal!!! Beautiful views of Merrimack River & delicious food at the end of the race for runners ! Course support and hydration stations are very frequent as well.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    This race has a very competitive group of runners. If you are trying to BQ there will be pacers for all standards, along with dozens of runners. The water stops … MORE

    This race has a very competitive group of runners. If you are trying to BQ there will be pacers for all standards, along with dozens of runners. The water stops are decently placed, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t have your own. The course is mostly flat, with two small bumps near the start of the loop and an incline at the bridge. The shirts are nice, but there wasn’t a lot of food at the finish, only some bars and soup.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
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    4
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    5
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    4

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  1. Races
  2. Baystate Marathon & Half Marathon