• 
  • Register information
  • Check your registration
  • Download application
  • Elite Runners
• 
  • Expo
    • Participating vendors
    • Directions
    • How to become a vendor
  • Hotels and travel
  • Schedule of events
  • Pasta dinner
  • Post Race Party
  • Race day parking
  • Spectator’s Guide
  • Area Sights & Attractions
  • Where to eat
• 
  • Registration
  • Event Details
  • Course Map
  • Course Support
  • Training Information
  • Pace Teams
  • Race Rules
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Awards
  • Results
  • Picture Gallery
• 
  • Registration
  • Event Details
  • Course Map
  • Course Support
  • Training Information
  • Pace Teams
  • Race Rules
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Awards
  • Results
  • Picture Gallery
• 
  • Registration
  • Event Details
  • Course Map
  • Course Support
  • Training Information
  • Race Rules
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Awards
  • Results
  • Picture Gallery
• 
  • Become a Volunteer
• 
  • Official race sponsors
  • How to become a sponsor
  • Buffalo Marathon charities
• 

Full Marathon Event Details

The same course as last year. The marathon, half marathon and relay teams all start and finish in the same location. Our course is fast and scenic, showcasing the beauty of Western New York's waterfront. It highlights some of our friendliest neighborhoods, finest architecture and famous Olmsted parks. If you are attempting a personal best, or qualifying for the Boston Marathon, this is the race. The race course is certified NY-09017JG.

All Marathon, Half Marathon and relay team runners will receive the official Buffalo Marathon technical shirt along with a race packet filled with free products and valuable coupons.

All marathon runners who finish under six hours will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal designed after the Buffalo nickel.

Fruit and refreshments will be provided for all runners at the finish line. An award ceremony and post-race party will be held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. A location map will be included in your race packet.

Start Times

All participants in the Buffalo Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay Team should plan to be at the starting line at least 30 minutes before the start of the race.

The announcer will go over important race details that you will need to know. Also, you will need time to use the facilities and find the appropriate place in the starting corral based on your anticipated finish time. Port-o-Johns will be available near the starting line on Chippewa Street and at relay check points.

7 a.m. – Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay Teams

Race begins on Pearl Street, one block north of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Two Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY, 14202. The race finishes in front of the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, which is located one block west of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Marathon - 26.2 Miles

The Buffalo Marathon features a relatively flat and fast course, great volunteer support and a scenic view of downtown’s waterfront and its major landmarks. The course has been designed for our athletes to enjoy views of Lake Erie, LaSalle Park, HSBC Arena - Home of the Buffalo Sabres, Forest Lawn Cemetery, parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and many other Buffalo highlights.

Get ready to experience works by Frank Lloyd Wright (including the Darwin D. Martin House Complex, the finest example of his Prairie Style), Louis Sullivan’s ornate Guaranty Building, Edward B. Green’s Greek revival structure that became the permanent home for the Albright Art Gallery, the only permanent building erected for the Pan-American Exposition, the Buffalo Historical Society, the graceful lines of Eliel and Eero Saarinen’s Kleinhans Music Hall, a system of parks and parkways designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Official times of the 26.2-mile competitive foot race are maintained for 6 hours.

All marathon runners will receive the official Buffalo Marathon technical shirt, along with a race packet filled with free products and valuable coupons.

Ideal Weather

Our weather is one of our most desirable features. Buffalo is very moderate at this time of year, making for ideal marathon running conditions. The average temperature for May 27 is 61ºF/16ºC. The average high is 70ºF/21ºC. The average low is 51ºF/10ºC.

Course Closure

Course will be closed for traffic for 3 hours at the half way point. Any participants planning to take longer than 6 hours for the marathon should bring a course map and hydration with them and finish on the sidewalks.

Entry Fee

$70 through January 1, 2012
$75 through May 1, 2012
$85 through May 26, 2012
$100 at expo on May 26, 2012
$110 on race day between 5:30 am - 6:30 am

Register by February 1, receive a free I’m-Training for the Buffalo Marathon Shirt.

Registration

Packet pickup for pre-registered runners, late registering runners and all relay teams will be held at the Buffalo Marathon Expo, at the Buffalo Convention Center, on Saturday, May 26, from 9 am thru 4 pm.

Registration will also be held on race day at the Buffalo Convention Center, Sunday, May 27, from 5:30 am until 6:30 am.

The disposable ChampionChip

Same day accurate results will be available using the disposable ChampionChip® for timing. This simple system will make your finish line experience easy. Cross the finish line - keep your chip - head for the post race celebration. Each runner can now dispose of their own chip, or keep it as a souvenir of that new personal best time. Results will be posted during the free post race party in the Buffalo Convention Center and later online at http://score-this.com/results.html.

Marathoner will receive splits at the half marathon and every 10K. Relay teams will receive splits for each relay leg.