More than 4,000 runners cross the finish line in all races combined each year at the Buffalo Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay — including 3,000 or more in the half marathon alone — which takes runners on an out-and-back course that shows off the city’s picturesque waterfront areas overlooking Lake Erie.
Buffalo Marathon & Half Marathon
Date
May 24, 2026
Starting Time
6:30 AM
Course
Road
Fees
$85+
Location
Buffalo
Participants
1,000-10,000
Terrain
Fast & Flat
Environment
Park Run
Temperature
High: 70°
/ Low: 52°
Overview
Course Description
From the starting line on Franklin Street near Chippewa Street, the course for the half marathon takes runners along what organizers describe as a “fast, flat and scenic” route through the heart of the city, along Dar Drive through LaSalle Park and Buffalo Naval Park, part of Frederick Law Olmstead’s famous linear parks along the city’s lakefront areas.
City fathers call Buffalo the “city of trees” for its abundance of municipal parks, and the Olmstead linear parks (also seen in other cities such as Atlanta) form the centerpiece of its city park system, made up of 6 major parks and 8 parkway/roadways.
Along the half-marathon race course, runners are also treated to views of Conway Park, Seymour Knox Plaza and the city’s HSBC Arena, before returning to the finish line at the Buffalo Convention Center.
As for changes in elevation, the course for the half features only minimal hills. The course crosses two harbors so runners should expect some rises and falls in elevation over these stretches, but outside of these areas the race is largely fast and flat, as organizers attest.
Past Results
