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Massachusetts > Baystate Marathon & Half Marathon
Lowell, MA • Sunday, October 20, 2013 • Course Map
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Ever since the first running of the Baystate Marathon & Half Marathon back 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.
The Lowell Sun Half Marathon shares the same starting line and time as the full, 26.2-mile marathon, near the city's Paul Tsongas Arena, named for the former senator who ran for president in the early 1990s. From there, the half marathon follows a double-loop course that winds a little over six and a half miles through the city streets of Lowell, and across two major bridges over the river and through LeLacheur Park, which overlooks the Merrimack River across from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell campus.
Runners can expect to encounter a number of slight changes in elevation over the duration of the race, though nothing too challenging 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 make their way around twice, as this race is a double loop course).
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. The race finish line lies just a stone's throw from the starting line on Father Monssette Boulevard, along the traffic circle in front of the Tsongas Arena.
Just over 2,400 runners crossed the finish line in both races combined at the event's 2012 running, with more than 1,300 finishers in the half marathon alone. The scheduled starting time for both race distances at the 2013 race is 8:00 AM.
Race Weather & Climate
Located just over 30 miles northwest of Boston, this city on Massachusetts' Merrimack River tends to see cool to mild weather in October, as temperatures here during the month average between 38°F and 62°F, while rainfall totals average just over 3.9 inches, making October the city's second-wettest month of the year.
On the day of the race (Oct. 20), the average low is 37°F and the average high is 60°F.
Course Map
View the race route map for the Baystate Half Marathon
Starting Time
8:00 AM
Fees
$55 for the half marathon, if registered before September 1, 2012
$60 before October 1
$65 before Oct. 18
$75 at the race expo
Registration
To reserve your spot in the mid-fall 2013 running of Lowell's Baystate Marathon or Lowell Sun Half Marathon, register online at Active.com.
Official Race Website
www.baystatemarathon.com
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Ever run in Massachusetts' annual Baystate Marathon or Half Marathon? Share your impressions, stories and tips from the event.
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