From Lowell to Falmouth to Boston to Westfield to Hingham, and more.
The Bay State’s running legacy extends far beyond the storied Boston Marathon. Massachusetts hosts dozens of marathons throughout the year, each offering unique challenges and rewards – from coastal routes along Cape Cod to challenging terrain in the Berkshires.
For both elite athletes and recreational runners, these races showcase the state’s diverse landscapes while testing endurance across varying difficulty levels. With the Boston Marathon qualifying as one of the world’s six major marathons, Massachusetts continues to attract runners from across the globe seeking both prestigious accomplishments and scenic New England experiences.
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What are the Best Marathons in Massachusetts?
Here are the best marathons in Massachusetts:
Baystate Marathon
Lowell | Oct 19, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 507 feet (154m)
Participants: 1,078 Finishers
Price: $95
The Baystate Marathon in Lowell stands as one of Massachusetts’ premier Boston Marathon qualifying opportunities, drawing runners with its notably flat, fast course along the scenic Merrimack River. This USATF-certified double-loop course features minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for runners targeting specific pace requirements and qualifying times. The October race date typically offers optimal running conditions with cool temperatures and fall foliage, while the well-organized support system includes hydration stations every two miles and enthusiastic spectator zones throughout downtown Lowell. The marathon’s meticulous course certification and accurate timing systems have earned it recognition among serious runners seeking reliable qualifying times, with approximately 40% of participants historically achieving Boston qualifying marks. Race-day logistics prioritize runner convenience with ample parking near the Tsongas Center, comprehensive medical support services, and a pre-race expo featuring gear vendors and nutrition specialists
Cape Cod Marathon
Falmouth | Oct 12, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 446 feet (135m)
Participants: 931 Finishers
Price: $95-$125
The Cape Cod Marathon transforms Falmouth’s coastal roads into a spectacular 26.2-mile journey each October, combining challenging terrain with breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views. Starting from the Falmouth Village Green, runners navigate rolling hills through historic districts, past working harbors, and along Nantucket Sound, with the course winding through the scenic Nobska Lighthouse area. The race’s strategic timing capitalizes on Cape Cod’s fall weather patterns, offering typically cool temperatures and low humidity, though runners should prepare for potential coastal winds. Race support includes comprehensive aid stations stocked with hydration and nutrition supplies, positioned strategically to help runners manage the course’s elevation changes, which total approximately 1,100 feet over the full distance. The event draws both serious athletes and recreational runners, offering detailed course maps, pace group leaders, and a welcoming atmosphere bolstered by local communities who line the oceanfront route with enthusiastic support.
Boston Marathon
Boston | Apr 21, 2025
Course Type: Downhill
Elevation Gain: 815 feet (248m)
Participants: 25,528 Finishers
Price: $230 for US residents and $235 for international residents
The Boston Marathon represents the pinnacle of marathon running in Massachusetts, established in 1897 as the world’s oldest annual marathon and considered one of the six World Marathon Majors. Attracting over 30,000 runners annually, the 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Boston’s Boylston Street challenges athletes with its notorious terrain, particularly the infamous Heartbreak Hill in Newton. Runners must meet stringent qualifying times based on age and gender categories, with most participants achieving times within 3 to 3.5 hours. The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) meticulously manages race logistics, offering comprehensive medical support, timing systems, and a global reputation for excellence in marathon organization.
Old Colony Marathon
Westfield | May 13, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Participants: 32 Finishers
Price: $115
The Old Colony Marathon takes place in the picturesque Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts, offering runners a uniquely structured and visually stunning course. Part of the 5 Day New England Marathon Challenge Series, the marathon consists of 14 precise 1.84-mile loops plus two short spurs, creating a predictable and well-marked route. Race day begins at 5am with registration and packet pickup near the Main Entrance, with the marathon starting at 6am and continuing until the final runner crosses the finish line. The paved course winds through Stanley Park’s beautiful landscape, featuring blooming trees and shrubs, with a single aid station located at the Start/Finish line. White arrow markers and signs guide runners through the multiple loops, ensuring navigation clarity. Organized by a dedicated race director and his family, the event prioritizes giving back to the running community, offering a personal touch rarely found in larger marathons. Runners can expect ideal running conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from 50 to 60 degrees, and a course that accommodates runners of varying skill levels.
Beantown Marathon
Hingham | Sep 7, 2025
Course Type: Rolling Hills
Elevation Gain: 571 feet (174m)
Participants: 275 Finishers
Price: $125-$135
The Beantown Marathon offers runners a critical opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon, strategically scheduled on the final qualifying weekend before general registration opens. Located in Bare Cove Park, Hingham, this USATF-certified race provides a unique racing experience with a 6-loop course designed specifically for Boston Marathon hopefuls. Limited to 500 runners, the marathon features pace-specific staggered starts, allowing athletes to run with designated pace groups matching their target finish times. Runners benefit from elite and general fuel stations, including the innovative option to stock personal nutrition at designated tables. The course’s quiet, closed environment in a beautiful park setting creates ideal conditions for achieving qualifying times, with a 35% Boston Marathon qualifier rate in 2024. Comprehensive race amenities include gear check, portable toilets, custom race swag featuring a hoodie and finisher medal, and post-race refreshments, making it an attractive final chance for runners targeting Boston Marathon entry.
Hyannis Marathon
Hyannis | Mar 2, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Participants: 126 Finishers
Price: $50-$80
The 44th Hyannis Marathon represents a premier winter race event in New England, offering runners a challenging yet scenic course through Cape Cod’s historic landscapes. Starting at 10:00 AM from the Cape Cod Irish Village at The Emerald Resort & Conference Center, the marathon provides an early 9:30 AM start for participants expecting to complete the course in over 5 hours. The two-loop course traverses picturesque locations including Barnstable Police Officer Michael Aselton Memorial Park, historic Hyannis Harbor, the John F. Kennedy Memorial, and the Kennedy Family Compound in Hyannisport. Runners encounter a mostly flat, paved route with gentle rolling sections, ideal for late winter/early spring personal record attempts. With USATF certification and a strict 6-hour time limit, the marathon attracts runners seeking to break winter training monotony, qualify for Boston, or simply challenge themselves in a well-supported, historically rich environment.
Marathon Training Resources and Preparation
Effective marathon preparation requires a strategic approach combining targeted training, nutrition, and recovery. Massachusetts runners benefit from numerous local training resources, including specialized running clubs like Greater Boston Running Company and TEAM Running Club, which offer structured training programs, group runs, and expert coaching.
Key preparation strategies include progressive long-run schedules, cross-training with strength and flexibility exercises, and gradual mileage increases to prevent injury. Runners should develop personalized training plans accounting for individual fitness levels, targeting marathon-specific endurance, pace management, and terrain-specific conditioning.
Essential resources include local sports medicine clinics, biomechanical analysis centers, and nutrition consultants specializing in long-distance running performance optimization.
Conclusion
Massachusetts marathons offer unparalleled running experiences, combining historical significance, diverse landscapes, and world-class race management. From Boston’s legendary course to coastal Cape Cod routes, these marathons provide challenges and opportunities for runners of all skill levels. Success requires comprehensive preparation, strategic training, and understanding each race’s unique characteristics. Runners should research course specifics, train systematically, and approach each marathon as a personal journey of athletic achievement and self-discovery.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
