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Massachusetts >  Baystate Marathon & The Lowell Sun Half Marathon
Lowell, MA

Date

Sunday, October 19, 2008



Event Details

Ever since the first running of the Baystate Marathon & Lowell Sun Half Marathon in 1990, these two races have become known as one of the fastest and flattest events of their kind anywhere in the Northeast, and have also become one of the region's most popular events used by competitive runners to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

From the starting line at the city's Paul Tsongas Arena, named for the former senator who ran for president back in the 1990s, the double-loop course winds a little over six and a half miles through the city streets of Lowell, and across two major bridges over the river back to the finish line at the city's LeLacheur Park.

Runners should expect to see several changes in elevation over the duration of the race, though nothing too challening or significant -- the uphill and downhill stretches at most change about 50 to 75 feet in elevation. The steepest changes occur between miles 2 and 3, and miles 5 and 6 (which runners will run twice each, as this race is a double loop).

As much of the race takes runners along the highway past the waters of the Merrimack, which cuts a path right through the center of the city, the course offers ample scenery to take your mind off the run. And the finish is one of the more unique among road races -- the finish line itself is home plate inside LeLacheur Park, home of the Lowell Spinners minor league baseball team.


Race Weather & Climate

Located just over 30 miles northwest of Boston, this city on Massachusetts' Merrimack River tends to see cool to mild (though occasionally quite cold) weather in October, as temperatures during the month average between 38°F and 62°F. (On race day, organizers say, temperatures are typically in the 50s). Rainfall during the month averages about 3.93 inches, placing it as the area's second-wettest month of the year.


Fees

(2007 race info)
$35 if registered by Oct. 1, 2007
$45 between Oct. 2 - Oct. 13
$55 on the day of the race


Registration

You can register online for the Lowell Half Marathon at the Baystate Marathon by clicking here.


Website

www.baystatemarathon.com


Course Map


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