I hear that it is not so pretty, the course is open and cars drive past, not many spectators. WRONG.
The course was actually very pretty in parts. The volunteers were pleantiful and there were a surprising amount of steady spectators cheering me on. All using my name that was on my bib. That was actually very nice touch. Especially since I come from Florida and I knew no spectators. while on the subject. The course to me is hilly. Not crazy impossible but there are hills and it should not be considered flat. Flat is Florida courses. Mildly hilly is what I would say is more accurate. Good Race. Police support was good, course somewhat closed to traffic, we were barricaded off to side and plenty of police on motorcycles and cars and at intersections. It was perfect. Thank you.

The race started on time, packet pick up was quick and hassle free. I like the race tee- it wasn't the typical technical tee- one can wear it with jeans and still look good. The medal is pretty and different than other races.

The course was visually appealling. I describe it was a loop within a loop. Most of the time you were in the shade and you pass by plenty of fall color.

My only concern was the route itself. The race is not closed to traffic. The race website clearly states this but it's something I just skimmed over. When sidewalks were an option, I used them.

The Baystate marathon has improved over the years, from a race that had many glitches (according to friends who have run it), to a race that is near perfection. Everything that concerns the race is within 2 blocks of Lowell High School, where the race packet pick-up is located. The parking garage, start and finish are minutes a part. The aid stations are plentiful and offer water and Gatorade every mile. The course is well marked every mile too. As for the start, it is very easy to position yourself, and smooth at the gun. The finish line is very visible, well placed, and is an easy access to drop bags and refreshments. The course, by the way, is excellent! Flat with very gentle inclines and declines make for a very fast finish time. Lastly, the tech shirts are very nice and the medal is awesome. Job well done to the race directors and all the volunteers!

They had a great bunch of high school kids helping out at the bag drop and at all the aid stations. I can't say enough about how good all of the volunteers were. The course is mostly flat with a few rollers and the Tyngsborough Bridge is fixed now, so no boucing up and down going over it. 2012 weather was beyond perfect with starting temps in the upper 40's to mid 50's during the race. It was a throughly enjoyable day.

Having only run in New York marathon (21 years ago), I was very impressed with the beautful course and energetic volunteers.

Just ran this marathon today and I highly recommend it. The course is relatively flat (there are some overpasses and slight hills, but nothing crazy...I do believe flat is an accurate description) as it goes along the river. I ran a 2:50 and it was good to have competition (a decent amount of runners in front of me and behind me so that I did not feel like I was running alone as has happened at some races).

If you need crowds to cheer you on, this is probably not the race for you because the only people are mainly at key intersections, and the water points. I didnt mind it.

The water stations were plentiful along with the police support. I appreciated the gatorade and the energy suppliments handed out. The I had no issues with traffic getting to the race, or while running it. The course is very clearly marked out by cones. Thankfully the weather was gorgeous today.

My only wish is that the race started at 0730 instead of 0800 because by the time I finished it was beginning to warm up. It is a weird fall in New England right now...very warm.

On the website it stressed to get their early if doing race day packet pickup. I got there at 0600...parked about 100m from the start and packet pickup and waited two hours for start. I could have easily gotten there at 0715 and had no issue getting my packet and preparing for the race by 0800.

Good race, highly recommend it.

I knew early this summer that this would be my 50 States finish so when I registered I contacted the race director requesting bib #50. Little did I know they would schedule great weather, a lovely course and a well organized event to make this a really special day for me and my family. I will recommend that the 50 States club make this a reunion marathon sometime soon. Thanks.

This is my second Baystate and I Thoroughly enjoy this race. Everything from packet pickup to the finish line was done very well!! Where else can your family see you from mile 5 to mile 12 and then again from mile 14-26.2 from the warmth of the car? I really loved the change from finishing at the baseball park to the Tsongas Center. Post race food was excellent. MY ONLY COMPLAINT is the race shirt. This year's shirt was much lower in quality than last year and the design needs some updating as well; other than that, this is one of the best races in NE. Keep up the great work Lowell!!!

2011 is my first Baystate Marathon. The organization of the race made everything simple, leaving the runner to focus on the race. Parking, start line and amenities were easily accessible. The volunteers were great. they were quick to greet before the start, called out water/gatorade locations as you came into the water stations, and cheered you on by name. The personalized bibs were a nice touch as well. The finish area was lined with spectators and had a nice home town feel. Overall, It was a good experience for me and I certainly would run Baystate again. JG

I have run this marathon many times from it's old days/course, orgnaization to what it is now. Simply put, in the earlier days there was always much to complain about and the organizers always wrote about 'this year we are better' but it was the same old same old. One of the biggest problems was Water Stops. The finish was ok but nothing to write to your mother-in-law about. Two years ago we got hit with a snow storm and freezing temps and winds. After the race with frozen limbs we had to walk to our cars and freeze even more. OK enough.

I am happy to say that this year Bay State turned out to be a very pleasant and memorable experience. Totally new approach and and a very well though of plan and organization. What stands out in my mind especially is the water stops. THEY WERE EXAPLERY AND OTHER MARATHONS SHOULD LEARN FROM IT !!All stops were perfectly located, clearly marked, adequately supplied with water, Gatorade, Porta Potties and friendly volunteers.As soon as you felt thirsty you knew that a water stop is coming up. I have run 132 marathons and this is the only marathon where someone thought about making all things available at one stop. Doea it take a genius to figure out how comfortable it is for the runners to have all they need at one stop !! Having the start and finish at Tsongas Arena was icing on the cake. To warm up inside the Arena with bright lights, warms temps(ish :-)), no wind etc really put you in the right state of mind before the race. The finish line had a warm cozy feeling about it with people there to watch you and cheer you on as you finish. Then the food area once again was welcoming and colorful with benches , steps and green grass to sit on.

All I can say is Keep up the good work, and now you finally belong with the Big boys. One last thing, please go back to the Cotton shirts. I simply hate all these Technical shirts. Try to give them away as soon I get them. Try folding and stacking them. Good luck.