Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Well it's a great race I'll say that much. But once the new race director took over it went down hill.
The race shirt and medal were horrible and not well thought out. It's almost like they didn't care much about it. The shirt was the worst out of it all. Imagine having your friend run his first half and the shirt doesn't say half marathon.
Oh not to mention the race announcer was horrible. I mean show some energy bro make me feel good to finish. Buffalo had a race announcer a few years ago that made this race special.
I'm coming back for 2027 but at this rate this will be my last Buffalo.
Be prepared the weather can vary. It got really hot and humid the last few years but the last 2 it was great weather.
There's parking ramps near the start line.
The race starts with a bang (fireworks). The marathon and half marathon start and run the first half (of the marathon) together. The course is run exclusively on pavement through Buffalo. There is a a lot variety along the course (downtown business district, residential neighborhoods, waterfront, parks). Weather in Buffalo in late May can be a toss up. In 2024, it was quite humid.
The race does a great job communicating information to participants.
Aid stations were organized and well stocked, and the crowd support was excellent along the course. There were a number of musical performers along the course as well.
Use caution on the first mile. The race starts on a subtle incline, and the opening ceremony creates a lot of excitement causing some people to go out fast.
There is ample parking and bathroom facilities. There is a bag check at the convention center by the start/finish line. There was a robust after-party.
PRO: Race expo is pretty good. I like the early start (6:30am). Plenty of parking and hotel nearby for those who do not live in the area. Well organized, great volunteer help and plenty of local support for the first half of the race. Post race party can be rough for us slower runners as the mood in the Convention Center is mellow, but there are plenty of places to sit and relax.
CON: Second half of the race after mile 14 is pretty desolate until you get to Delaware Avenue again, fewer people cheering and very little shade. The course is a bit redundant running on the same section of Delaware Avenue three times. Usually pretty warm/humid in late May. It can be somewhat crushing at mile 13 at the Convention Center as you get diverted and run behind it while the others are finishing.
Overall, it is an interesting run through notable parts of Buffalo. The volunteers are great and community support is wonderful. I have run the half twice and the marathon twice, still debating on 2019.
The past few races have been warm and sunny, which makes things rough when you spend all winter training, so plan on hydrating well before the race. Watch out for some smaller craters in the pavement, winters can be tough on the roads and you don't want any foot/ankle injuries.
Plenty of free parking on at Mohawk Parking Ramp (between Washington and Ellicott Street), but the walks provide a fair warmup - arrive at least an hour before the race as you never know what roads will be closed for roadwork or due to the race. Check the website for hotel discounts.
PRO: Race expo is pretty good. I like the early start (6:30am). Plenty of parking and hotel nearby for those who do not live in the area. Well organized, great volunteer help and plenty of local support for the first half of the race. Post race party can be rough for us slower runners as the mood in the Convention Center is mellow, but there are plenty of places to sit and relax.
CON: Second half of the race after mile 14 is pretty desolate until you get to Delaware Avenue again, fewer people cheering and very little shade. The course is a bit redundant running on the same section of Delaware Avenue three times. Usually pretty warm/humid in late May. It can be somewhat crushing at mile 13 at the Convention Center as you get diverted and run behind it while the others are finishing.
Overall, it is an interesting run through notable parts of Buffalo. The volunteers are great and community support is wonderful. I have run the half twice and the marathon twice, still debating on 2019.
The past few races have been warm and sunny, which makes things rough when you spend all winter training, so plan on hydrating well before the race. Watch out for some smaller craters in the pavement, winters can be tough on the roads and you don't want any foot/ankle injuries.
Plenty of free parking on at Mohawk Parking Ramp (between Washington and Ellicott Street), but the walks provide a fair warmup - arrive at least an hour before the race as you never know what roads will be closed for roadwork or due to the race. Check the website for hotel discounts.
Great course, great events, awesome speakers. Volunteers do a great job!
Arrive early for parking.