Baystate Marathon Reviews

  Solid Race

By EG about 2024

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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.

  Flat and fast!

By RJG about 2018

Review

Flat and fast!

Race Tips

Pacing groups are available if interested.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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

  Well-run event for goal-oriented runners

By Rick from VT about 2018

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 (<3:15) and I did notice that the 3:20 pace group was ahead of me for the first few miles (running 7:19/mi), but they dropped back by mile 3 or so. Other pace groups seemed more accurate from what I could tell (the 3:10 group was consistently a few minutes ahead on the road).

The course is flat and the event attracts a fast field. A number of runners (and clubs) come here to qualify for Boston. Very helpful for PR / BQ times (if that's your goal) as you'll have plenty of people to run with. This is a big focus of Baystate as they give out special key chains (in addition to finisher medal) for BQ and PR times. Bag pickup after the race was equally convenient. The timing tent had cash register-like printers so you could get a receipt with your splits and final time (about a 10-15 minute delay after you finish for the times to update). The rest of the post-race venue had good food (hot soup!), plenty of drinks, etc., but was not otherwise remarkable. All the volunteers I met were VERY friendly and helpful.

Nothing about this event is bad for slower or first time marathon runners. The same good organization and course helps everyone. But you won't find throngs of cheering fans or rock bands every mile to motivate you. It is spectator friendly if someone wants to see you run or hand you a bottle at some point--seemed common for some of the running clubs. I finished with a PR and BQ, and I think this event is designed to facilitate that for runners. Baystate met ALL my hopes and expectations.

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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.

  A great experience from start to finish

By DR about 2018

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)

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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)

  Fast and a great BQ opportunity - 3x finisher

By Albert about 2017

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

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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

  Well run, small race on a fast course

By Jess B about 2017

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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.

  Very well rub, flat

By Kate about 2017

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.

  Great course, well organized and Boston qualifier

By Th about 2017

Review

Crowd, volunteers

Race Tips

Go to the course pre view run

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Raddisson in Chelmsford- free shuttle to race

  If I can BQ here so can you

By KMS about 2017

Review

Flat and fast.
Pacers do a awesome job.

  The best BQ in New England

By JBR about 2016

Review

The volunteers are amazing!

  

By SC about 2016

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.

  

By JM about 2016

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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).

  

By TB about 2016

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Good idea to arrive early before traffic

  

By KS about 2016

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.

  

By kmm about 2015

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.

  

By lc about 2015

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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

  

By TB about 2015

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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

  

By gws about 2015

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.

  

By mg about 2015

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!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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

  

By Anonymous about 2015

Review

Well organized, spectator friendly!

  

By RSL about 2015

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.

  

By JL about 2015

Review

Great city, good town and time of year.

Race Tips

Flat, loop course good for making great times!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Plenty of garage and street parking

  

By Luc about 2015

  

By CH about 2015

Review

Very well organized. Lots of fun and good people.

Race Tips

Overall, pretty fast course.

  

By cm about 2015

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.

  

By KC about 2015

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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.

  

By Anonymous about 2014

Review

Awesome BQ

Race Tips

Flat, keep the pace

  

By LF about 2014

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

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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

  

By DD about 2014

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.

  For runners, by runners

By Colleen about 2013

  

By EC about 2013

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.

  

By AJC about 2013

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.

  Flat, fast BQ race

By Anonymous about 2011

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).

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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

  

By AE about 2010

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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.