Niagara Marathon

This is a super race if you're into a nice, relaxed small town experience. The course if fabulous, following a bike path most of the way along a gorge with plenty of shade. The only problem is there are a few road crossings and if you have bad luck you may have to stop for a car (this happened to me one time and I had to stop for about 1 second, no big deal). The course is well marked in terms of making sure you don't get lost, but, there are very few km/mile markers which is fine if you've got a GPS watch. There's one big hill but it's at the perfect spot, about 11kms into the race, making it perfect for a nice downhill on the return. If you want a break from the big city marathons and you don't want crowds this is a great option. I was worried it would be too hot, but the temp was perfect in 2014. If you've got a spouse or friend cheering you on they can follow alongside the course by car or bike and meet up with you as much as you want. I PB'd and BQ'd, so how could I complain. Happy race hunting!

I live in the US, across the Niagara River from where this race starts and ends, so I admit that I am a little biased. However, the Niagara Ultra is a very well run race. Low on the hype, and big on the friendly atmosphere. The only '4' I gave it was for the spectators, and that is simply because there are none, apart from the tourists at the Falls, the very cool people at the aid stations, and the family and friends and other-particpants' peoples at the finish line. But seriously - who runs ultra's so they can get cheered? No one I know - that's not the vibe / culture. Today's race was the fifth time I have run this race, and my 6th Ultra. The featured schwag is a fleece hoodie - great bragging material, and nice and warm for our chilly (read: bloody freezing!!!) winters. My mates in my local running club - Bonds Lake AC over in Niagara County, NY - have been running it for years and we always have a great picnic afterwards every year. I mention this because the start / finish is in a location and has a vibe where you WANT to hang around for a good while afterwards. I had a question for the RD, Henri, a year or so ago, and he was most helpful in his e-mails to and fro. I can't speak highly enough of this race. If you've never run an ultra this is the perfect race. Especially of it isn't a hot day, which can occur in June. Even around here.

My wife and I celebrated our 30th anniversary in Canada. I was blessed that there was a 50k the same time I was in the area. Great organization by great folks. I felt welcomed and everyone I met showed great hiospitality. The first time I saw the falls was during the race. I am not sure the folks around me enjoyed my Wow!!, Dang, Awesome comments every few secs..lol. At every aid station, the volunteers wanted to know what they could do for us. The start and finish was cool. The food was good, it was a family reunion atmosphere at the finish and most folks hung around for a while and enjoyed each other's company. I did not have a good day running, probably from hiking the trails the day before...standing by a rapid 6 was special. I would do this one again. It is one that I will remember.