Baystate Marathon
The Baystate Marathon offers a fast, flat course designed for Boston Qualifying times.
Race Date
Oct 18, 2026
Location
Lowell, MA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Location
- Lowell, Massachusetts
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, Half Marathon Relay, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 30,896
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Baystate Marathon, first run in 1994 and now in its 31st year, is a favored destination for runners aiming for a Boston Qualifying time. This race is proudly organized "For Runners by Runners," a testament to its dedication to the sport and its participants.
The course is renowned for its flat and fast profile, making it a prime location for achieving personal bests and securing coveted Boston Marathon spots. Runners can expect a well-organized event that prioritizes a smooth race-day experience, drawing participants from approximately 20 states.
With a median field size of around 923 finishers and a growing trend, the Baystate Marathon offers a substantial yet manageable atmosphere. The event also includes a popular half marathon and a half marathon relay, catering to a range of running goals. Participants receive a tech race shirt, and the event is supported by the Greater Lowell Road Runners.
Race-provided description
Consistently one of the top marathons for entry to the Boston Marathon - the Baystate Marathon is designed to give you your best chance to run a Boston Qualifying Time. Not ready for a marathon, but you want to start your journey - run our very popular half marathon, or run with a friend in our half marathon relay. The Baystate Marathon Weekend is presented and supported by the Greater Lowell Road Runners. We proudly proclaim we "For Runners by Runners"
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Tech Race Shirt
Start Location
Tsongas Center, Lowell, MA, 01852
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
View Course Map
Open on Garmin Connect
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8531 years running
~923 finishers a year
growing or steady
18% returning runners
6 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 20 states
winner 1:05:27
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 30,896 finishers actually crossed the line across 31 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
30,896
Median time
1:58:53
Latest turnout
923
States
44
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Baystate Marathon?
The Baystate Marathon is held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Baystate Marathon take place?
It takes place in Lowell, Massachusetts.
What distances does the Baystate Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, Half Marathon Relay, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Baystate Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Baystate Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Baystate Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 30,896 runners who have completed the Baystate Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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