You are here:
Baystate Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Lowell, MA, USA
- Race Date: 10/18/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Baystate Marathon Description
The Baystate Marathon is a fall favorite in Lowell, Massachusetts, prized by runners chasing a Boston Qualifier on a fast, forgiving course. Held every October along the Merrimack River, the route runs through downtown Lowell’s historic mill district and surrounding neighborhoods on a multiple-loop layout that keeps spectators and aid stations close at hand. The terrain is mostly flat with a handful of gentle rolling hills, nothing steep enough to slow a good day. A half marathon runs alongside the full distance, and both benefit from cool autumn temperatures ideal for racing.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
Share This Race
Shop This Race
Handpicked for runners toeing this line.
Baystate Marathon Additional Details:
Runners who nail a personal record or a Boston Qualifying time here get to ring a dedicated PR/BQ bell right at the finish, with a photographer standing by to capture the moment. Those same runners can also stop by the Greater Lowell Road Runners tent afterward to pick up a special PR or BQ keychain, a small but meaningful bonus most marathons don’t bother offering. On course, more than 15 aid stations appear roughly every two miles with water, lemon-lime Gatorade, and GU gels at miles 7 and 17. As runners approach the line, finish-area monitors display each name and finishing time in real time, adding a personal touch to what’s otherwise a fast, well-organized fall race.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 900+
Marathon: 1,050 to 1,100
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 507 ft (154 m)
Elevation Loss: 511 ft (155 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 42°F
- High: 57°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Lowell, MA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Outdoors & Trails
Lowell Canal Trails
Walk one of four urban trails tracing five miles of historic canals through Lowell National Historical Park — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Sports & Entertainment
Lowell Vintage Streetcar
Ride a reproduction vintage streetcar through downtown Lowell, part of the National Historical Park’s transportation history — a relaxed, seated way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Museums & History
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
Explore a functional 19th-century weave room with 88 working looms at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Landmark
Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center
Watch a short film on the Industrial Revolution at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, the gateway to the city’s mill history — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Baystate Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Baystate Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes