There’s more to Massachusetts marathons than the Boston Marathon. If you’re thinking of running at an event in Massachusetts, here are some of the best marathon races which are consistently rated as some of the top choices to run in the state.
Boston Marathon – Boston, MA
The famous Boston Marathon is one of the most well known marathons in the country, and is said to be the world’s oldest annual marathon. This is one of the few marathons where entry is not guaranteed and runners must qualify up to 2 years in advance, so plan ahead if you want to partake in this world renowned race. Read more about the Boston Marathon here.
The Course
Running from Hopkinton to Boston, the course is mostly downhill with the elevation starting around 400 feet and ending below 50. There are some minor hills throughout, with the last 2 miles being particularly flat. The race finishes near the John Hancock Tower in Copley Square.
Image Source: Boston Marathon
Reviews
“The Boston course is fantastic, lined with energetic spectators, bands playing music, and all kinds of crazy characters.” – John, Yelp Review
“The ultimate marathon for all marathoners who enjoy competing against themselves. Boston is always a challenge, but continues to bring out the best in my running. The experience is always a truly inspiring one, with large crowds, passionate fellow runners, and unbelievably loud cheering all along the 26.2-mile run into Boston..” – Heather, Yelp Review
Memorial Day Marathon at MASSGathering – Great Barrington
Part of a bigger event called the MASSGathering, the Memorial Day Marathon in Massachusetts is proudly known to some locals as the “Toughest Marathon in the East.” Running in the marathon also gets you entry into the MASSGathering musical festival. With its small-race feel, beautifully scenic course, and additional festival activities, this is a fun race for all. Click here for more information.
The Course
The course is a mix of flat terrain and hills, following a river and finishing near a lake. According to past runners, there are 3 to 4 notably challenging hills which make this a moderately difficult race. View the complete USATF map here.
Image Source: USATF.org
Reviews
“It was a beautiful, scenic run through the towns near the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA. As for the race itself, the course is by far the most difficult marathon course I have run in (20 completed).” – M.K., Marathonguide.com Review
“Scenic course on entirely quiet wooded country roads alongside river and lake – last 10 miles very hilly. Support fantastic, with many water stops right up to the end. Run for fun and not for the fast time. Should have real food at the end for famished runners. I will definitely run again.” – M.A., Marathonguide.com Review
“I highly recommend this race (my 23rd marathon). The course was breathtaking, with views of the high peaks of the Berkshires, river, and the lake. There were sufficient aid stations with eager and friendly volunteers, offering water, Gatorade, and, at the end, even ice to help runners cool down as the temperatures climbed into the low 80’s.” -Krzysztof, Marathonguide.com Review
Ashworth Awards Baystate Marathon – Lowell
This race in Lowell, Massachussets is a popular race choice for runners trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Staged in historic downtown Lowell, MA, this race is “For Runners, By Runners” and is currently on its second decade. Click here to view the official website.
The Course
The race consists of a mostly flat double loop course around the Merrimack River. Runners will cross a number of bridges and experience great views of the river. It’s described as mostly flat with some rolling hills.
Image Source: Baystate Marathon
Reviews
“If you want to qualify for Boston, this is the race for you. Course is flat but has enough rolling hills to mix it up a little and give certain muscle groups a break.” – K.L., Marathonguide.com Review
“My first marathon and this was a great race. Two loops around the river. A lot of nice woods along the road, with a few sections that were fine but not too scenic.” – Harry, Marathonguide.com Review
“Four years after moving away, circumstances fell into place and I finally gota chance to run it, and I can’t stop telling others that they HAVE to run this marathon. I had high hopes for the Baystate Marathon, but I can truthfully say it exceeded my already lofty expectations. This is truly a race ‘by runners and for runners’.” – R.O., Marathonguide.com Review
Cape Cod Marathon – Falmouth
The Cape Cod Marathon has been around since 1978 and is another Boston Marathon Qualifier. If you want to go all out for this race, you can take the “Clam Chowdah Challenge” which means you run both the half and full marathons. Check out the official website here.
The Course
This marathon has a single-loop, scenic course that starts and ends at the Village Green which is in Falmouth center. The first 10 miles are pretty flat, with some rolling hills throughout after that. The race website recommends saving energy and pacing yourself for the hilly areas.
Image Source: Cape Cod Marathon
Reviews
“The course itself wasn’t particularly challenging, but it was hilly more so in the 2nd half. The first half is considered flat. Well marked and lots of fun. If you would like a perfect fall marathon in New England, consider Cape Cod marathon in Falmouth, MA. Wonderful finish line amenities and they announce your name and home town as you cross the line.“
– Ed, Yelp Review
“I love this race. Cranberry harvests, fall foliage, great volunteer support, seaside running (including the Falmouth Heights hill), choppy hills in Sippewissett followed by a tour through Woods Hole, Nobska lighthouse just when you need a jolt after mile 22, and a wonderful start and finish in downtown Falmouth green make this a superb experience.“ – Jack, USATF.org Review
Walter Childs Memorial Race of Champions Marathon
Also known as the Holyoke Marathon, this event is said to be “America’s 10th Oldest Marathon and the 19th Oldest Marathon in the World.” It’s held in memory of the race’s founder, Walter H.Childs. It’s a lower key, no-frills marathon with spectator-free stretches, but a great run for experienced marathoners who can handle the quiet and challenging stretches. Here is the official website.
The Course
The first 9 miles of this race loop around the reservoir and through the woods. From there, the run follows about 10 miles of rolling farmland. The end of the course is the most strenuous, uphill portion. This course is also said to be quite hot once you’re out of the initial shade.
Reviews
“If you are looking for a great course with some open trail running this is your race. The first 9 miles are around a reservoir before exiting onto some country roads. The scenery around the Holyoke range is great. This was my 60 marathon and I would rank it in the top 10 for sure!” – Noiel, Marathonguide.com Review
“For me, this is everything a marathon should be. The course is scenic and varied. After a quick descent from the old Mt. Tom Ski area (now abandoned and derelict) the course loops 2.5 times around a small reservoir. This portion of the course is on hard-packed dirt trail, which is very easy on the legs. Next there is a fairly steep ascent to the end of mile 10, followed by 15 miles of rolling hills and a gradual descent through the local area, past farms and along some semi-rural back roads. The final mile is uphill with a steep ascent the final .5 mile to the finish. Overall I would say this is a fast course, but that last mile is definitely tough. “
– Matthew, Marathonguide.com Review
Sweltering Summer Marathon – Pittsfield
This is a looped course, fixed time ultra and marathon race organized by Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service at Clapp Park in Pittsfield, Massachussetts. View the official website here.
This race supports two causes: Moments House which helps cancer patients, and Ainsley’s Angels, promoting inclusion for all athletes. If you’re looking to run a simple USATF certified race for a good cause, this is a great choice. Winners will receive a race t-shirt and wood-burned medal.
Source: RaceNav.com
The Course
This is a very flat, easy course set on a track. Runners will lap the track until they’ve reached the full marathon length. All runners will have 8 hours to complete their laps no matter the race length they’re running.
Reviews
“A very small (fewer than 100 runners) race with a marathon or 8-hour option. Runners run multiple laps on a roughly one-third mile track. The track was rutted in places due to recent rains, but the race was very well organized with a lot of support and food, including some vegan options. Everyone involved was exceptionally nice.” – S.S., Marathonguide.com Review
“The Sweltering Summer Marathon is an amazingly organized, well-supported race with the best course support I have experienced. Terrific volunteers provide aid and encouragement while runners strive to achieve their goals. This was my second full marathon and first time running a 50K. The day flew by because of the great atmosphere and fellow runners. I highly recommend this race.” – J.B., Marathonguide.com Review
Somerville Road Runners Around the Lake Marathon
The Somerville Road Runners organize a number of running events. This event is a 24 hour race set on the scenic Lake Quannapowitt with options to do an Ultra or a Marathon. Awards up to $300 are given to the top 3 winners in each category. Over the last 4 years, this race has contributed over $50,000 to its charity beneficiaries. Read more on the official site.
The Course
According to the official website, “The flat race course is run on sidewalks and paths around scenic Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield MA.” It’s a scenic and easy yet enjoyable race ran almost exclusively on paved surfaces. Considering an ultra in your future? This is a great marathon to start with, being 8 laps around the lake. A map of the lake loop is shown below.
Reviews
“It was my first experience running an evening marathon and I loved it. The weather was perfect and the organization was excellent.” – C.B., Marathonguide.com Review
“I thoroughly enjoyed doing this race. Even though it’s a relatively small race, it had all of the amenities of a larger race. In fact, in most ways, it was administered better than larger races and the logistics of participating were a lot simpler.” – T.B., Marathonguide.com Review