This race is perfect for a marathon PB... mainly flat course with just enough gentle hills to keep it interesting (and hills are well spaced apart). It was easy for fans to see their athletes along the route, the aid stations were well stocked and well manned and the registration process was simple. Chip timing was available this year and results were posted immediately after the race. I was impressed with this race, would run it again in the future and will recommend it to others looking to run a PB.

I have run this race for years, and loved the course for the goal of running a PR. I ran in 2002 when it changed management and was not pleased with organization. I was wondering if I ever would come back.

This year, better management and good pre-race hang-out at the arena. Better organization. Seems numbers are coming back up in both the half and marathon. This is good for the runners and the race. Cost of entering the marathon is $40.00, and for late entry after Oct 3rd, I had to pay $54.00 and another $10.00 for a tee. This is a bit steep.

Previous reviews set my expectations fairly low; expectations that were well exceeded. After easy access and parking, it was a short walk to a the staging area. My daughter stood with me at the start up until a couple of minutes before the gun.

The start was no-nonsense and low-key: mostly family members, it seemed. The course attendants were helpful and the spectators, though sparse, were enthusiastic.

This was a runner's race in that folks with a goal (i.e., BQ) could band together for reinforcement. I found myself in a spontaneous pace group, focused and friendly, and we enjoyed the foliage, the river, and the bridges. Water and Gatorade were plentiful, as were certain split distances.

The final lap in Tsongas Arena was a good boost (smile for the cameras!), and so intimate I was able to high-five my wife as I approached the timing mats.

Friendly (but efficient) handlers stripped runners of their chips, wrapped 'em in a Mylar blankie, and sent 'em off to eat. Post-race amenities were plentiful--in addition to the traditionals were warm soups (yum!), Halloween candies, and coffee.

Overall, a good course for runners focused on a goal.

Very nice race. The course is very flat, and very fast. The course was well marked, and there were quite a few water/Gatorade stops (almost too many in my mind). The course is a double-loop course. The folks on the course were very supportive. The finish line is inside a minor league baseball stadium, giving spectators a great opportunity to cheer their favorites on to the finish line.

Overall, not a bad race. Give it a try!

The reviews of years past set expectations for the 2004 run fairly low -- expectations which were well exceeded. This was my first Bay State, and my second marathon this year. I found the race to be perfect to launch a BQ bid.

Low-key is key for Bay State. Only about 500 marathoners showed up at the calm and uncrowded start (my daughter stood with me until a couple of minutes before the gun). Given that most folks were there with a specific goal, it was easy to find run buddies at my pace. I found a good group with good rapport.

The course was not the most exciting, but the autumn foliage, the river, and the bridges were good enough. The spectators, though sparse, were enthusiastic.

The finish was intimate enough that I got to high-five my family on the stadium lap.

Post-race, Bay State really shined: friendly, cheering crowds and a photo finish, followed by a space blanket, candy, sandwiches, and warm & tasty soups (thanks!).

I thought this was a great race for serious runners with a specific goal.

I was worried with all the negative comments from the past years. I thought it was great. Easy to park, don't need to stand out in the cold - walk from Tsongas Arena to start in 3 minutes, so no standing around at all. Small number of runners - crossed the start line in seconds. Flat course (a couple of inclines - that's it), water stops were well stocked with Gatorade even for those of us who are slower. Nice volunteers. I have no complaints at all, and would absolutely do this one again.

I was concerned by the comments in previous years but my concerns turned out to be unfounded. The course was well marked, and traffic control was good. Plenty of water and Gatorade. The backside of the course was very nice, shady and rural. The course was great - lots of gentle downhills, one very minimal 'hill' at mile 5 and 14. The only thing that stopped me from giving it 5 stars was having to run around the baseball infield at the end. I wasn't in the mood for sharp turns and running on dirt after 26+ miles.

One word of advice, though: The Doubletree Hotel, the start, packet pickup, etc. are all very close to each other. My wife and I found navigating the streets of Lowell utterly confusing. I would suggest the organizers provide maps and written directions on the website on how to get from place to place. Excellent oatmeal stout and pumpkin ale at the local brewpub. If you're looking for a no frills and a fast time, this is a good choice. We went to Boston for the day on Saturday to make it a mini vacation.

I enjoyed the half-marathon. Food was great! My only concern was the lack of adequate water stops. I'll do it again.

Just ran this yesterday, 10/17/04. Will repeat. Spectators get 4 stars but there are not many -- what do you expect for this course? But the spectators who did line up were great. The course is fast, since it is flat. Very good staging area in the Tsongas arena, with good, clean johns, participant camaraderie, and a place to keep warm before the race, which starts just 1/4 mile away from the arena. Good sweat pickup right near the start. Nice finish in a baseball stadium.

Course is pretty scenic. Good mile markers and water stations along the way. No problem distinguishing between marathon markers and half-marathon markers, as was apparently the case in the past. Electronic chips were provided. Organization was very good, especially given the low number of participants and since it is a low-key event. Although you run along traffic, the traffic was really not a problem. Police were well-positioned at intersections. Fans were good and supportive. If you want a lot of fans cheering you on, this course is not for you, since fans are disbursed along the way.

Lowell surprised me as a city. I pictured it to be run-down (reputation it had years ago), but to my surprise the inner city has been re-born and is really neat. The race volunteers were great, including all the high schoolers along the way at the water stations and policemen from multiple cities.

I was a little wary signing up because of previous negative comments on race organization on this discussion board. Although the criticisms may have been valid in the past, they were not true this year. I hope this event continues and thrives. I need a fast qualifier nearby to get into the Boston Marathon without being a bandit. Although it did not happen yesterday, it was certainly not the race's fault. I will be back!

This was my first marathon and I had a good experience. Everything worked out well - the Tsongus Center was open at 7 when I arrived and got my number and chip quickly. Runners and staff all very friendly. Map of course could be better - but on the course everthing worked well. Food and support at the end were good. I would run it again.