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Buffalo Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Buffalo, NY, USA
- Race Date: 05/30/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Buffalo Marathon Description
The Buffalo Marathon loops through the heart of Buffalo, New York, starting and finishing downtown and taking in City Hall, the Erie Basin Marina, and stretches along the Buffalo River and waterfront. Held every May, the course is fast and largely flat, climbing only about 585 feet over the full 26.2 miles with an almost equal amount of descent, making it a popular Boston Qualifying attempt in late spring. Live music and local crowd support line much of the route. A half marathon, relay, and 5K run the same weekend for runners looking for a shorter distance.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Buffalo Marathon Additional Details:
Each finisher medal at the Buffalo Marathon is designed by local artist Caitlin Krumm, with distinct color variations for each race distance so marathoners, half marathoners, and relay teams all come away with a slightly different keepsake. Finishers also receive a hooded tech shirt rather than the usual short sleeve, a small upgrade regulars appreciate. Live bands set up every couple of miles along the course, and the genre mix ranges wildly from classical to punk rock to jazz, keeping things interesting mile after mile. A fully staffed medical area waits at the finish alongside coverage throughout the course, giving runners extra peace of mind on race day.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hours (full), 3 hours (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 1,150 to 1,250
Marathon: 1,150 to 1,250
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 585 ft
Elevation Loss: 585 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 57°F
- High: 76°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Full Marathon Training Plan
Structured plans for every experience level, from your first 26.2 to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Buffalo, NY, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Shopping
Elmwood Village
Browse the shops, cafes, and galleries of Elmwood Village, named one of America’s 10 best neighborhoods — an easy, flat, walkable district for a post-race stroll.
Outdoors & Trails
Buffalo River Trails
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore 264 acres of restored habitat along 5 miles of trails and boardwalks on the Buffalo River — a flat, low-impact outing.
Arts & Culture
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
See works by Andy Warhol, Arshile Gorky, and Jackson Pollock at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum’s world-renowned modern and contemporary collection — a relaxed, indoor rest-day visit.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Buffalo Zoo
Visit the Buffalo Zoo, home to exotic and endangered wildlife since 1875 — a flat, self-paced walk through the grounds that’s easy on tired legs after race weekend.
Landmark
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, one of seven Wright-designed structures in Buffalo, on a guided or self-paced walk — an easy, mostly-indoor stop for recovering legs.
Museums & History
Buffalo Museum of Science
Explore the Kellogg Observatory and National Geographic 3D Cinema at the Buffalo Museum of Science — an easy, air-conditioned, low-impact stop for recovering legs after race day.
Sports & Entertainment
Highmark Stadium
Catch a Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium and feel the fan energy this city is famous for — a relaxed, seated way to spend a Sunday.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Canalside
Stroll Canalside, Buffalo’s revitalized waterfront district, with skyline and lake views along a flat, easy path — a relaxed way to spend a rest day after race weekend.
Food & Drink
Anchor Bar
Try the original Buffalo wing recipe at Anchor Bar, birthplace of the dish, as part of the citywide Buffalo Wing Trail — a classic way to refuel.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Buffalo Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Buffalo Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
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Boston Qualifier: Yes