Buffalo Marathon

I chose this race because there were good reviews and I had never visited the city. I also needed New York for my 50th state, and I prefer smaller races. I have to say, it was awesome. This marathon is one of the best organized and best supported runs I have done. As with most races, there are more half-marathoners, so the field thins at the 13 mile point. But the course has lots of spectators and support at every mile on the back half. Aid stations are very well stocked and staffed by many volunteers. While the day began cool in 2023, temperatures quickly rose. Late mile stations offered ice as well as sponges soaked in ice water, something that was extremely helpful to me! There were bike-mounted course marshals checking on runners too as the heat rose. Spectators were plentiful along the route, and volunteers were gracious. The announcers made a big deal about my 50th state as I crossed the finish line... not too long after, I also got to see a proposal at the finish line, so that was super exciting. Bottom line: great race, lovely city on Lake Erie, lots of fun things to do, and great people. Put this one on your list!

A very well-run race on a fairly flat course. Absolutely worth doing if you want a mid-sized marathon in a decent town to visit. Crowd was thin this year but that was mostly due to covid.