The Buffalo Marathon was the 63rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 53rd largest in 2022.
This year 10.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 11.7% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Buffalo Marathon the 148th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 147th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.76 ranks it as the 247th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 9th fastest course in New York.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Buffalo Marathon a PR Score of 98.27. This PR Score ranks it as the 237th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 10th fastest in New York.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Buffalo Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 665 feet (202m) Min Elevation: 571 feet (174m)
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.
Race Tips
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.
Craig's review of 2018 Buffalo Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
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.
Race Tips
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.
Craig's review of 2018 Buffalo Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
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.
Race Tips
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.
Hjk's review of 2016 Buffalo Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Great course, great events, awesome speakers. Volunteers do a great job!
4.5 Stars from 4 Reviews
