Baystate Marathon
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Overview
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.
Baystate Marathon 2026 race day
The next Baystate Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 11 October 2026 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill then rolling layout.
Baystate Marathon course route
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.
Baystate Marathon elevation profile
The Baystate Marathon course is net downhill then rolling 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.
Entry requirements
The Baystate Marathon uses open online registration at baystatemarathon.com, typically opening in spring for the October race. The field is capped at roughly 1,700 runners and sells out each year — no qualifying time is required despite the race's reputation as a fast Boston-qualifier on a net-downhill point-to-point course.
Baystate Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Baystate Marathon Course
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Baystate Marathon elevation profile?
- The Baystate Marathon has 180 metres of total climbing and 220 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill then rolling, with 40 metres of net descent from start to finish.
- How long is the Baystate Marathon?
- The Baystate Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point road from Lowell to Chelmsford along the Merrimack River valley.
- What time does the Baystate Marathon start?
- The 2026 Baystate Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.baystatemarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Is the Baystate Marathon a Boston qualifier?
- Yes. The Baystate Marathon is a popular Boston Marathon qualifying race due to its fast, net-downhill course.
- Where does the Baystate Marathon start and finish?
- The race is point-to-point from Lowell to Chelmsford in Massachusetts.
- When is the Baystate Marathon?
- The race is held in October. Registration is at https://www.baystatemarathon.com/.
- Is the Baystate Marathon downhill?
- The course is net downhill overall along the Merrimack River valley.
- How large is the Baystate Marathon?
- The race draws about 1,700 finishers, keeping a focused, competitive field.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Lowell.
Hartford, Connecticut, United States· 149 km away
Hartford Marathon
The Hartford Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each October through Connecticut's capital on the Connecticut River. The course passes the State Capitol's gold dome, Bushnell Park, and the riverfront trails on flat New England terrain. October's crisp Connecticut autumn and the USATF-certified fast course make it New England's premier fall marathon.
Next race: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Burlington, Vermont, United States· 256 km away
Vermont City Marathon
The Vermont City Marathon in Burlington draws about 1,800 finishers each May on a scenic loop through Vermont's largest city on Lake Champlain. The course passes Church Street Marketplace, the Burlington waterfront, and the Winooski River with views of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. May spring weather and a community-focused atmosphere make it New England's premier small-city marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027
Jersey City, New Jersey, United States· 312 km away
Jersey City Marathon
The Jersey City Marathon draws approximately 2,313 finishers each April on an urban road in Jersey City, United States. It is one of the fastest spring marathons in the Northeast because the profile stays flat almost all day. The course passes Exchange Place, Liberty State Park, and long Hudson River stretches with skyline views toward Lower Manhattan. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
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