What is the course like for Baystate Marathon?

Mostly Flat course on Road/Pavement. See the elevation chart on this page for details.

Is Baystate Marathon USATF certified?

Yes this race is listed as certified.

What are typical race-day temperatures for Baystate Marathon?

Average ~47F (high 58F / low 35F).

Can I generate a pace band for Baystate Marathon?

Yes use the Pace Band button on this page to create a course-specific pace band.

Baystate Marathon | Race Info, Course, Elevation & Pace Band

Very organized!

Full Review:

Water and Gatorade stops were very easily accessed. Really helpful having the vanilla GU offered twice! Course was great! Volunteers were friendly. Great free long sleeve training shirt and a super nice 26.2 car magnet!

Race Tips:

Chilly start and no warming/indoor area to stay warm so ensure you bring a bag to check your jacket! I got to the race a bit too early (before 0700) and kinda had to wait around.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking was easy and the race director gives a lot of parking tips. Do NOT stay at Motel 6 in Tewksbury! Anywhere else! It was sooo dirty.

Reviewed by Kim Perry About 2025

Solid Race

Full Review:

Well planned race with good pre-race email communication.

I arrived at 6 am race morning and easily and quickly got my bib. You can wait inside the Tsongas center, where there are bathrooms and limited seating, for the race start.

The roads had not been cleaned before the race so there was a lot of rocky debris and roadkill on the course.

Roads going West (away from Lowell) are only closed on the tight shoulder, the beginning of the race was really really crowded and many people tripped or fell on the cones because you couldn't see in front of you.

Roads going back East (towards Lowell) the entire lane of the road is closed, allowing for a much safer environment.

Race Tips:

-Carry enough hydration to get you through the first 9 miles, aid stations were so underprepared and crowded that I could not get any cups from the first three stations.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I parked at the Tsongas center (6am arrival) and would not recommend. It is blocked in at the end of the race and took 30 minutes to even get out of the garage, if I did this race again I would park further away.

Race requests no headphones, but there are very limited areas of spectators- definitely bring music if that helps keep you motivated.

Reviewed by EG About 2024

A great experience from start to finish

Full Review:

This was my 2nd marathon, with the nearby Gate City Marathon in Nashua, NH being my other. The race was very pleasant in every way. I was able to grab my bib easily at the expo the day before, they gave us a really nice long sleeve shirt that will come in handy in the winter months. The start was easy to navigate with plenty of portapotties. There was a bag drop with a super quick pick up at the end. The water stations were plentiful and all had gatorade (I never felt like I needed water between stops with weather in the mid-40s). The post race area was pleasant and festive.

Admittedly this is nitpicking in my book, but it would be lovely if there were more pacers. The pacers were from 3 hrs to 4 hrs in 10 min increments. 3:55 would have been ideal, but had to choose between 3:50 and 4.

I'd say the only downside is the race does loop, but it didn't bother me nearly as much as I thought it would. It's a big loop and doesn't completely repeat the whole race, so something like the last 4 or 5 miles are new to you. Plus, the final 1/3 or so is the prettier part of the course (the far side of the river).
< There was great crowd support, and not just at the start/finish.

Race Tips:

Don't know if this would apply all years, but there were strong winds this year and the direction they came in meant that there were headwinds when heading out from the Tsongas Arena and were tailwinds on the way back. This meant having tailwinds for the final 1/3 or so.

There are less crowded portapotties in the back of the starting area (follow the start line straight back). Also, take care of that business at least 30 mins before the start. It was SHOCKING how slowly the lines moved ~20 mins prior to start. People start really gathering in the start area 15 mins before the gun.

There were two water stations (actually the same one 2x) with Gu (vanilla w/ caffeine)

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I arrived 70 mins early and the market st garage had a line going well out into the street. Wound up grabbing st parking instead right in front of the garage (free parking on Sunday)

Reviewed by DR About 2018

Well-run event for goal-oriented runners

Full Review:

Baystate's tag line "For Runners, by Runners" is spot on. This event is put on with utilitarian precision--everything you need and nothing you don't. The expo provided easy bib and shirt pickup. One note about the shirts--you are not guaranteed the shirt size you signed up for when registering. They seemed to have plenty though. They let me try on the shirt I "ordered" to see if it fit the way I wanted (it did), but they were willing to let me trade for a different size if I wanted to. The expo had a modest number of vendors and not many "freebie" items you might find at bigger events.

The start/finish area had a good number of porta-potties and the lobby area of the Tsongas area was open for morning bib pickup, inside plumbing, and warm/dry space to wait (morning temps in low 40s with threat of rain in 2018). Longer lines inside than outside until just before race time. For my last pit stop at 7:30 (outside) I waited about 10-12 min in line. The bag drop was very convenient to start line and was well run. Runners were self-seeded with pace-groups and general pace signs. It did not seem hard to get to the spot you wanted. I was planning for a 7:25/mi pace (

Race Tips:

I liked the double loop course and thought it helped with pacing and a fast time--that's a personal preference I suppose. Plenty of water / Gatorade stations that were run by local school track teams--they did a great job. Mile 7/17 station also had vanilla GU (w/ caffeine). The course was well-marked and had only a few turns. I thought it was very flat for New England (440' of total elevation gain over 26 miles from some rolling hills (mostly miles 3-8, 13-18 going out to Tyngsborough, and one little bit toward end), but nothing long or steep. The course is mostly "city" but did have some views of the river and bridges. I didn't really notice or care about the scenery; others might. The road surface was very good overall, but there were a few places with some minor pot holes to watch out for (mostly in Lowell itself). In some areas the entire road or lane was closed, but in other areas the course runs on the shoulder + a bit into the lane (marked off with cones). It only got "narrow" out toward the Tyngsboro bridge and not for very long. I never felt boxed in or unsafe due to traffic. An even pacing strategy seems matched to the course, but that too is a personal preference. I ran about 90 second positive splits (first half/second half), which I felt was very close to perfect for me as a runner.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed at the Motel 6 i Tewksbury--cheap and utilitarian again! IHOP right there for pre-race dinner. It's NOT at all scenic or nice (right near Home Depot and Walmart), but I didn't feel unsafe nor was it noisy. Parking lot was well lit. It was about 12-15 min drive to the start.

I arrived at about 6:15 and driving/navigating in the dark was slightly harder than I expected (I don't know the area at all). One of the roads (French St?) was closed for the event so I ended up parking at the Joseph Downes Garage (7-8 min walk to Tsongas Center) rather than the closer (to the start) George Ayotte Garage. It ended up being better for leaving after the event though, so I'd actually recommend it. Flat fee of $5 for parking seemed fair. Free on street parking was probably available, but I didn't want the trouble of looking or worry of being wrong. I brought a yoga mat and spent time inside the area stretching, snacking and relaxing before packing up my drop bag and heading out to start around 7:30. You could probably arrive around 7 or 7:15 and still have plenty of time if that suits you.

Reviewed by Rick from VT About 2018

Flat and fast!

Full Review:

Flat and fast!

Race Tips:

Pacing groups are available if interested.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Numerous hotels, and transportation available to and from your hotel.

Reviewed by RJG About 2018

If I can BQ here so can you

Full Review:

Flat and fast.
Pacers do a awesome job.

Reviewed by KMS About 2017

Great course, well organized and Boston qualifier

Full Review:

Crowd, volunteers

Race Tips:

Go to the course pre view run

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Raddisson in Chelmsford- free shuttle to race

Reviewed by Th About 2017

Very well rub, flat

Full Review:

The course is a flat double loop through a little town north of Boston. The town will get really into it, with families coming out to spectate and people setting up aid stations with water and oranges in their front yard.

Race Tips:

The only hill type thing is about mile 3/13. Other than that just try to keep it steady.

Reviewed by Kate About 2017

Well run, small race on a fast course

Full Review:

This was an extremely well organized race! Each water/fuel stop was well equipped with great spectators. This is a fast course to help you get your BQ...minor rolling hills that were enough to give your legs some variation. Only down side is that there are stretches of the race where there are few spectators.

Race Tips:

Easy course to go out too fast on so make sure you stick to your pacing plan.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Get there early to get a spot in one of the garages! Right near the start and very easy to access and leave from there after the race.

Reviewed by Jess B About 2017

Fast and a great BQ opportunity - 3x finisher

Full Review:

This is a great course and is put on my the local running club that gets the community involved - has a couple of pace groups as well. Run both the marathon and half - it's a well organized race

Race Tips:

Flat course looped - water every 2 miles or so

Travel/Logistics Tips:

They do have hotel packages and those hotels have bus service to the race - place we stayed was filled with runners and had a great morning breakfast included

Reviewed by Albert About 2017

Full Review:

Good marathon to BQ. I managed to BQ, but only by 50 seconds. My garmin had it at 26.38. Bummer - at my pace that .18 added probably a minute and a half.

Reviewed by KS About 2016

Full Review:

Flat, fast course. Brings out some good competition. Good volunteers. Well run, and well organized. Pace groups are nice. Unfortunately, lots of road kill on the course this year. Also, there were quite a few places where the road surface was shoddy, so you have to watch your step, especially in the later miles.

Race Tips:

Early sections are good because there are a lot of places for spectators to cheer runners on. The course is a double loop and goes through some 'quiet' sections, so be prepared to self-motivate then.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Good idea to arrive early before traffic

Reviewed by TB About 2016

Full Review:

PRO: Fast course; engaged volunteers; great views; wonderful post-race support (food, drink, massage, etc).

CON: Parts of course were not closed to traffic, which was sometimes distracting/worrying and made some stretches fairly narrow but thankfully not enough to affect my race; crowd support was weak in stretches but volunteers more than made up for that.

Race Tips:

Looped course, which I thought might get boring, actually allowed me to better plan strategy with no surprises. The end has some rolling hills so save a little in the tank. Found the start/finish management to be efficient and not overly chaotic. Course wasn't too crowded.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parked at Tsongas center for $5 & was right at the starting area. There was traffic getting into Lowell at 645, best to get there early (esp if need to pick up bib that morning).

Reviewed by JM About 2016

Full Review:

Great, flat course. Excellent race support and organization. Great medal and tech shirt. One of my favorite marathons. The only thing I would like is better post-race food.

Reviewed by SC About 2016

The best BQ in New England

Full Review:

The volunteers are amazing!

Reviewed by JBR About 2016

Full Review:

Great atmosphere - experiencing New England in the Fall is always a treat.

Race Tips:

It tends to get a little brisk, and there is some wind. Dress in layers that you don't mind tossing.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Downtown Lowell has a lot of nice little places, but you can stay anywhere from Woburn, MA to Nashua, NH and be there in less than 20 minutes. Even take a trip into Boston on an off day in less than an hour.

Reviewed by KC About 2015

Full Review:

Fairly flat course but big hill at mile 4 & 14. Liked how you can take your picture next to a big sign/clock with your marathon time! Photographers took a lot of great pictures. Race is not too crowded so you are not slowed down.

Reviewed by cm About 2015

Full Review:

Very well organized. Lots of fun and good people.

Race Tips:

Overall, pretty fast course.

Reviewed by CH About 2015

Full Review:

Reviewed by Luc About 2015

Full Review:

Great city, good town and time of year.

Race Tips:

Flat, loop course good for making great times!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of garage and street parking

Reviewed by JL About 2015

Full Review:

Course is a double loop. Not overly crowded and easy to find space to run your pace from the start. Mostly flat with small/slight inclines/declines.

Reviewed by RSL About 2015

Full Review:

Well organized, spectator friendly!

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2015

Full Review:

Fast course, really well organized, no frills marathon. The host club Greater Lowell Road Runners really know how to put on a quality event.

Race Tips:

Hit Beer Works (steps from the finish) after the race!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There is plenty of street parking nearby if you get there early enough. Also the John Street parking garage has indoor bathrooms.

Reviewed by mg About 2015

Full Review:

This is for runners by runners!!! One of the only marathons in the country (left) that is entirely running club managed. Created by runners to get to Boston - and it does that! 25% of the field runs a BQ (used to be 33% before Boston tightened the standards).
Pretty flat around a river makes it fast. A ten mile loop run twice actually works to your advantage - no surprises.
What's not to like - the crazy Boston registration period that opens right before this and every other marathon, locking us out of the following Boston - BOO Boston committee.

Race Tips:

This is a course to run even splits - no significant terrain changes to worry about. Set that pace for your goal and go for it.
Expect to seed yourself - this is still small enough to let runners do it the old fashion way - no cattle calls to corals. Look for pace groups and/or like minded runners to pace with.

Reviewed by gws About 2015

Full Review:

Two loop double stem lollipop course lets you always have a goal within 5 miles. Just enough rolls to keep you legs alive.

Race Tips:

Last three miles seem long, and the open traffic nearby can be distracting.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Do not park in the Ayotte Garage nearest the Tsongas Center. Traffic is awful to get in there.

Reviewed by TB About 2015

Full Review:

Great course, easy logistics, got my BQ, lots of good spots for spectators.

Race Tips:

Carry some extra nutrition; there were only a couple of gel stations and I missed one of them.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Great Vietnamese noodle place not far from start/finish. We went there the night before and after the race.

Reviewed by lc About 2015

Full Review:

Nice course with a few hills to keep it interesting. Lots of spectators.

Race Tips:

Great course for a BQ! Great post race food.

Reviewed by kmm About 2015

Full Review:

Wonderful volunteer support and race organization with all of your energy and hydration needs being met swith a smile. Excellent food post-race. Fast, flat course great for qualifying for Boston. A beautiful course and food race for seasoned athletes and beginner marathoners alike.

Race Tips:

Don't wait until the last minute to use the bathroom or you will not start on time.

Reviewed by DD About 2014

Full Review:

Fast and flat! Decent crowd support and one of the best run events!

Race Tips:

Cool temps, slight decline miles 8 -12 and 18 - 22. Dont be afraid to pick it up a little on these sections

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Arrive early, parking in the city can fill up quickly.

Reviewed by LF About 2014

Full Review:

Awesome BQ

Race Tips:

Flat, keep the pace

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2014

Full Review:

Race Tips:

Fast and flat, by runners and for runners. Tightly organized, friendly and enthusiastic support from start to finish, scenic double loop. Great Boston qualifier.

Reviewed by AJC About 2013

Full Review:

The race is small yet well organized. It's a great race to really get up and go--not too many people in the way, especially if you're up in front.

Race Tips:

Hills in the first 1/3 then pretty flat and fast.

Reviewed by EC About 2013

For runners, by runners

Full Review:

Reviewed by Colleen About 2013

Flat, fast BQ race

Full Review:

This was a great race. It is a flat and fast course. There are a lot of faster runners, so if you are trying to BQ then you'll likely find a group to run with.

Race Tips:

It's a double loop course. I've done this a race a few times and since it is around a lake, sometimes you can run into a headwind for a time (you also get the tailwind too).

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I'm local, so I just drove in. No worries. There is plenty of parking on race day.

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2011

Full Review:

Well run. Beautiful course. Fast course and reasonably sized. Great food after and good support at hydration stations. My favorite of the 17 marathons I've run.

Race Tips:

Be prepared for the HILL at mile 25. It's definitely doable if you aren't caught off guard and over ran the previous miles.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed outside Boston and had an easy time driving to the race. I love they open the high school for you to warm up in and use the bathrooms so you don't have to be out in the chilly morning until just before the race starts.

Reviewed by AE About 2010

Race Day Temperatures	High: 59°F (15°C) Low: 42°F (6°C)
Race Start Conditions	45°F (7°C) Humidity: 79% Clear N 6 mph
PR Score	98.86
Course Score	99.06

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Baystate Marathon

Race Information

Weather Averages for Last 22 Years

Race Day Temperatures

High: 59°F (15°C)
Low: 42°F (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

45°F (7°C)
Humidity: 79%

Clear
N 6 mph

PR Score

98.86

Course Score

99.06

Elevation Chart

Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Baystate Marathon

Compare the Baystate Marathon to other Marathons

Race Reviews

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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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2026 IS HERE!

Marathon Pace Bands

Run the Right Pace in Your Next Marathon

Nearly 500 marathon courses.Ships same or Next Day

Baystate Marathon

Race Information

Weather Averages for Last 22 Years

Race Day Temperatures

High: 59°F (15°C) Low: 42°F (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

45°F (7°C)Humidity: 79%ClearN 6 mph

PR Score

98.86

Course Score

99.06

Elevation Chart

Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Baystate Marathon

Compare the Baystate Marathon to other Marathons

Race Reviews

It's here! Our annual list of the year's
best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Nearly 500 marathon courses.
Ships same or Next Day

High: 59°F (15°C)
Low: 42°F (6°C)

45°F (7°C)
Humidity: 79%

Clear
N 6 mph