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RACE DAY INFO

ATHLETE TRACKING

Info on tracking for Baystate 2023 will be posted close to race day. 

RACE START TIMES

Wheelchair Start – 7:55 AM
Marathon Start – 8:00 AM
Half Marathon Start – 8:00 AM
Half Marathon Relay Start – 8:00 AM

 

Please give yourself ample time to park and get prepared for your race. Vehicle access around the start area ends promptly at 7:30.

RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP

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You may pick up your bib and race shirt the morning of the race from 6:00am until 7:30 am at the Tsongas Arena, 300 Arcand Dr. Lowell, MA 01852

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Wearing your bib:

Runners, please make sure to wear your racing bibs so that they are visible, and on the front of you.  This will aid volunteers, and also help with race photos.

Water Stops for the Marathon

(approx. mileage from course start)

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1.7 Miles, 3.3 Miles, 5.8 Miles, 7.2 Miles, 8.8 Miles, 10.4 Miles, 12.4 Miles, 13.4 Miles, 15.9 Miles, 17.3 Miles, 18.9 Miles, 20.5 Miles, 22.5 Miles, 23.6 Miles, 25.2 Miles

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Water stops will offer water, lemon-lime Gatorade, and portable toilets.

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Gels (GU-brand Vanilla Bean, caffeinated) will be available at mile 7 and mile 17.

Pacers 

We have pacers for the marathon course that will be targeting the following finish times: 3:00, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00.

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You will find your pacers at the start line in an orange PACER shirt holding the sign with their finish time.  Pacers will be running the whole race until the finish line. 

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There are no pacers for the Half Marathon.

PARKING / BAG CHECK

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Event parking: 

  • The George Ayotte Parking Garage - $5 (cash only) race day only.  It's at the start/finish.  This one fills up quickly, so arrive early for space.   

  • The Joseph Downes Garage (normal rates) at 75 John Street.  About 1/3 mile from start/finish. 

  • The Market Street Garage (normal rates) at 100 Market St. About 1/2 mile south of the start/finish. The Market Street Garage will have easiest access and departure pre- and post-race as it is outside of the road closures. 

  • Street parking is also available on a first come, first serve basis.

  • More information about the garages can be found here.

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Gear/Bag Check-in and Pickup:

Gear/Bag check-in and pickup locations be found in the Race Village map below. 

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In order to check your bag, use the gear tag that comes with your bib, along with your own bag, sack or the like. 

Here is what we've recently added to make your experience even better:

  • A new finish line experience with monitors showing your name and finishing time as you cross.

  • Courtesy changing tents available (next to the bag check tent in the finisher’s area).

  • Race fly-through video and a personalized photo gallery so you can brag on social media available the next day.

  • ‘Motivation Mile’ which is lined with Inspirational messages from our club members to help you push through mentally where you need it most.

  • Expo located on the course for ease of pickup and to build familiarity of the last mile of the course.

NOTE:

Strollers, rollerblades and unauthorized bikes are not allowed on the course.

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Also, the use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer, and for the safety of all participants, we encourage a headphone-free environment during Baystate. (Go FAQ for more details.)

Changing Tents 

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We have courtesy changing tents, so you can feel more comfortable after your finish. 

RACE VILLAGE

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Post-Race

After you finish your race make sure to get your medal - you earned it!, grab your gear, have some food*, meet family and friends, and ring our BQ bell if you did it! Congrats!

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*We typically offer hot soup, such as chicken noodle and minestrone, PBJ (or just Jelly) sandwiches, bagels, chips, oranges, water and soda.

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RACE DAY ROAD CLOSURES

Race Start area: Arcand Drive from Merrimack St to the Tsongas closes at 7:30.  After that time, cars can not enter the start/finish area and will have to park or drop runners outside the area and walk in (about ¼ mile).

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On race day many roads are closed to traffic, but not all roads, so please plan accordingly when trying to find the right spot to cheer on the runners.  Here are some closures of note:

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Arcand Drive from Merrimack St to the Tsongas closes at 7:30.  After that time cars can not enter the start/finish area and will have to park or drop runners outside the area and walk in (about ¼ mile).

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 In Tyngsborough, the Pawtucket Blvd East-Bound from Sherburne Ave / Varnum Ave to Old Ferry Rd is closed for the race from 8:00AM to 12 Noon​. 

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