Nissan Buffalo Marathon
Buffalo, New York
http://www.buffalomarathon.com
John Beishline, Race Director
716-694-5154
Race held on Sunday, end of May
The Nissan Buffalo Marathon is a race with a wonderful course and nice weather, a great way to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. In 2004, there were about 700 marathoners. In addition to the marathon, there is also a half marathon event. The full marathon starts in downtown Buffalo by the race hotel at 7:30 am. Half marathoners take a free bus provided by the race organizers to their start line located at the halfway point of the full marathon course and start at 8:15 am. The time limit for the full marathon is 5 ½ hours. Race chips were provided but only the finish time was recorded. The race also had a wheelchair race division.
Course and Weather Conditions
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The race website says average low temperature is 52 F and average high temperature is 71F. In 2004, the weather in Buffalo was a little cooler at the start, more like mid-40’s, but it warmed up to about 70 degrees by noon and the shade provided by trees and buildings was welcomed by runners.
Support
Aid stations with water and sports drinks were located about 2 miles apart starting at mile 3, a little late for most but runners knew that ahead of time. I thought the volunteers manning the aid stations did a great job both handling out fluids and cheering runners on, but I heard from other slower runners (5+ hour finishers) that some had abandoned their stations, which is not good. For a good sized city, the crowd support was surprisingly small. Only small pockets of spectators were along the course. Most of the spectators were congregated at the finish line but still not what one would expect for a city of Buffalo’s size.
Bathrooms were conveniently located in the race hotel near where the race started and finished. Port-a-potties were also located around the 10K and 20K points. The course and mile markers were clearly marked with plenty of course marshals and police on hand to help direct runners and control traffic.
Other
The only thing I didn’t like about this race was the fact that there was no food at the finish line, only fluids. The post-race food was located a short walk away in the convention center where the awards ceremony was to be held, but not where I was heading after my race. The race cost, which included the pasta dinner, is one of the lowest around. The expo was good for a race of its size. Runners received an average looking short-sleeved cotton T-shirt and medal. Of special note, the race director was kind enough to mail trophies to those who could not attend the ceremony after the race free of charge. First-time visitors to the area should take a day to explore Niagara Falls, which is less than an hour’s drive from Buffalo.