Christine Shearman's Staging Area

This was my 6th lifetime marathon and my first time running Clarence DeMar.
Runners received excellent communication from the race director in the months and weeks leading up to the race. All the pre race instructions for race day parking, pre race bib pickup, and spectator guidelines were clear and timely. I’m grateful that COVID restrictions were followed while still allowing a fun time.
Bib pickup the day before was convenient and easy.
I didn’t sign up for the pasta dinner BUT I serendipitously met the keynote speaker, Bill Rodgers, in the hotel lobby!
The weather was perfect on race day morning. The course was absolutely stunning — perfect New England fall scenery. Plenty of rolling hills but no crazy elevation.
Aid stations were plentiful. We were told far in advance that there would be only water and Gatorade; the race provided no additional fuel on the course. Fine with me as I prefer to carry my own food anyway. The volunteers were absolutely wonderful— kind, and encouraging at every stop. My only suggestion would be to add at least 1 more porta-potty stop between miles 1 and 10.
There were long, quiet stretches, but also lots of portions with tons of spectator support. So nice to be cheered on by the locals. The group at around mile 23 that had a spread of snacks and drinks for runners were the absolute BEST.
Due to Covid restrictions, family wasn’t allowed at the finish line, but race volunteers made up for it with lots of cheering and encouragement. I’m a slower marathoner, but I felt just as supported and special as an elite runner.
Overall, this was a near perfect experience. Fantastic race run by some clearly wonderful people. My favorite marathon so far.

I had participated in the Gate City in years past, both as part of a relay team and as a half-marathoner. This was my first time running the Gate City full, and this was my second marathon.
Overall this was a wonderful race. Bib pickup and expo was the day before. Pickup went smoothly, there were a few vendors, a raffle, and a massage station. Swag was nice, consisting of a gear bag, t shirt, and coupons from local businesses.
Parking was easy on race day. There was water and snack items for runners at the start, which was a nice touch.
Marathoners ran 2 alternating loops, twice each, passing through Main Street at the end of each loop. Directions were clear on the website (plus, GCS had orgainized a bonus “preview” run the week prior), the route was clearly marked, and there were ample volunteers and police to direct runners and control traffic. There were sufficient water/Gatorade stops with porta potties. The course itself was not easy. It was mainly in residential areas, with one portion going through Mines Falls Park and another on the Rail trail. Nashua’s neighborhoods are hilly, some streets are narrow, and there are a LOT of potholes. On top of that, the skies opened up and Mother Nature treated us to a torrential downpour for at least an hour. In spite of the weather, every single volunteer on the course went above and beyond to support the runners with water, fuel, and/or words of encouragement. They were spectacular. This was one race with less crowd support than I’m used to, probably because of the weather there were fewer spectators.
Overall this was a great marathon experience.

2019 was my third year running this 10k and it gets better every time. Parking at the event is free, easy, and a nice warmup walk to the start. Swag included a winter hat and gloves, plus a sweet pair of running socks for bringing a goodie to the after party. The course is very nice with a couple of hills. Volunteers are all friendly and encouraging. The afterparty at the elks club is lots of fun, plenty of good food and drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.

This was my first full marathon, and Baystate was the perfect choice for me. The course was mostly flat with some lovely scenic areas; The only drawback was the construction near the finish line, but I know the race officials have no control over that. Support along the course was plentiful; there was plenty of water, Gatorade, and there were also portapotties at each stop. Volunteers and staff were helpful, super friendly and very supportive. The race swag was really nice; I really like my long sleeve tech shirt, and the medal is gorgeous. Providing PR & BQ keychains to those who earned them at the finish line, was a sweet and thoughtful extra. The only thing that I would like to see them improve upon, is food and drink at the finish line. It is possible I was so tired after running 26.2 miles I missed something, but it seemed to me that there was not a lot of food beyond bananas, granola bars, and water…All good things, but it might’ve been nice to see some bagels and peanut butter as well. Overall, though, this was a wonderful race And I would recommend it to anyone who asks.

This was the first half marathon I ever ran, back in 2015, and I will always love it. Yes, there are rolling hills. There is also beautiful scenery, first rate volunteers, and wonderful support stations. Swag is always great for this race…In past years I’ve gotten gloves and headband, arm sleeves, a gym bag and a really nice tech shirt. The medal is always unique and adorable. Very nice spread for runners after the race….soup, cocoa, bagels, bananas, etc. love this race and can’t wait to run it again this year!

I’ve run this as part of a relay team and have also run the half marathon. Well produced run that takes you through the city of Nashua. Well run, great volunteers, aid stations are plentiful. Race swag is great…usually a good quality drawstring bag, shirt, and various coupons/freebies from local businesses.