The Early Years
2010Established in 2010, the Bay State Marathon is now 16 years old. From its first edition in Lowell, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in United States.
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Course & Elevation
The Bay State Marathon follows a scenic point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boston, running largely along the same iconic route as the Boston Marathon. Runners traverse the Merrimack River valley through charming New England towns, with minimal elevation changes and excellent crowd support throughout the race.
Surface: road Profile: Flat
Weather
Temperature 13°C
Humidity 65%
Rain Chance 35%
Early October in Massachusetts brings cool, pleasant fall weather ideal for marathon running. Expect crisp mornings with moderate temperatures and low humidity, though occasional rain is possible.
The Race
Lowell
Race Lore
The Fast Lane
Runners come to the Bay State Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Lowell has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.
Boston Qualifier
The Bay State Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier, and that three-letter abbreviation — BQ — transforms the race from an event into a gateway. Every year, runners come to Lowell not just to finish but to chase a time that unlocks the world's most exclusive marathon.
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Registration
Registration Opens January
Registration Closes September
Entry Cost $140-$160
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Official Website →
Fun Facts
- ▸ Bay State Marathon follows portions of the same route as the famous Boston Marathon, giving runners a taste of historic New England running.
- ▸ The race is part of the Bay State Games, one of the largest Olympic-style amateur athletic competitions in the United States.
- ▸ Lowell was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and features historic mill architecture along the race route.
- ▸ The course is notably flat with excellent support from spectators in the charming towns of Massachusetts.
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