Next race
Sunday, 18 October 2026
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Point-to-point road
Elevation
Net downhill · 180 m gain
180 m climbing
Race profile
The Baystate Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier favourite, drawing about 1,700 finishers each October on a fast point-to-point from Lowell to Chelmsford through northeastern Massachusetts. The net-downhill course follows the Merrimack River valley with cool October New England weather. It is one of the fastest autumn marathons in the northeastern United States.
Baystate Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 1,700 finishers
Course & terrain
The Baystate Marathon is a point-to-point route from Lowell to Chelmsford along the Merrimack River valley, using fast river roads through Lowell, Chelmsford, and Tyngsborough. Its net-downhill profile and gentle rollers make it popular for Boston qualifiers, with spectators spread from the Lowell start to the river roads and Chelmsford finish.
The Baystate Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
Net downhill · 180 m gain — approx. 36 m above sea level
↑ 180 m · ↓ 220 m · net −40 m
Registration
Yes. The Baystate Marathon is a popular Boston Marathon qualifying race due to its fast, net-downhill course.
Getting there
Bedford (BED)
Laurence G Hanscom Field
18 km / 11 mi
Manchester (MHT)
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
35 km / 22 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Lowell.
The Granite State Marathon draws approximately 63 finishers each November on an urban road in Nashua, United States. Nashua's Granite State Marathon serves southern New Hampshire runners on a certified urban loop. The course tours Nashua neighborhoods, riverfront roads, and southern New Hampshire city streets. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Saturday, 8 May 2027
Cheap Marathon draws approximately 550 finishers each April on a scenic road in Derry, United States. Millennium Running's flat rail-trail marathon ranks among the nation's top Boston-qualifier percentages with a time-trial start. The flat out-and-back course uses the Windham and Derry Rail Trail for two marathon loops. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Saturday, 3 April 2027
The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and the only major requiring qualification for most runners. Starting in Hopkinton and finishing on Boylston Street, the course features the challenging Heartbreak Hill and legendary New England crowd support. It is the pinnacle race for competitive amateur marathoners.
Next race: Monday, 19 April 2027
The Manchester City Marathon draws approximately 572 finishers each November on an urban road in Manchester, United States. New Hampshire's largest marathon is Millennium Running's Queen City Boston qualifier through the state's biggest city. The course tours Manchester's Millyard, North End, Merrimack River crossings, and Goffstown Rail Trail connectors. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026
The Clarence DeMar Marathon draws approximately 308 finishers each September on a scenic road in Keene, United States. The Clarence DeMar Marathon honors a six-time Boston champion on a USATF-certified course through the Monadnock Region. The course passes Surry Mountain Dam, Bretwood Golf Course, and historic Keene neighborhoods during peak foliage season. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 26 September 2027
The Providence Rhode Races Marathon draws approximately 568 finishers each May on an urban road in Providence, United States. Rhode Races' Providence marathon returns runners to the capital region on a certified Boston-qualifier course. The course tours Providence and East Providence waterfront roads, city neighborhoods, and Narragansett Bay connectors. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
