Course Details
Marathon Course
The Marathon course is a Boston Qualifier.
Click map to enlarge.
The Niagara Falls International Marathon starts by the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo N.Y. The first 6.5km (4 miles) of the race travel the majestic parkways of Buffalo before crossing the Peace Bridge into the historic old town of Fort Erie, Ontario. The route then follows the beautiful Niagara River Parkway and finishes at the magnificent Niagara Falls. See elevation map.
It is the only marathon in the world that starts in one country and finishes in another. The course is considered flat and fast and has hosted two USA men's Olympic marathon trials in 1980 and again in 1984, along with the World Veteran's Games marathon in 1995.
Marathon Relay Course (2 Person Relay)
Each runner runs 21.09 km of the Marathon course. Limited to the first 200 teams registered.
Relay bibs will be numbered along with a letter A or B. The first runner will wear bib A, and second runner bib B. Please affix the bibs to your front.
Runner A 2 PERSON RELAY
The Niagara Falls International Marathon Relay starts by the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo N.Y. The first 6.5km (4 miles) of the race travel the beautiful majestic parkways of Buffalo before crossing the Peace Bridge into the historic old town of Fort Erie, Ontario. The route then follows the beautiful Niagara River Parkway.
Runner B 2 PERSON RELAY
Your exchange point is at the 21.09 km mark at Cairnes Cresent in Fort Erie located at the half marathon start. The relay runners follow the beautiful Niagara River Parkway and finish at the same finish line as the Marathon, above the magnificent Niagara Falls.
Complete both portions of the marathon course back to back and receive an additional medal recognizing your achievement.
Half Marathon Course
The Half Marathon starts at the 21.09km (13.1 mile) point of the Full Marathon. The runners follow the Niagara River Parkway and finish at the same finish line of the Marathon, above the magnificent Niagara Falls. See elevation map.
The Half Marathon course is flat for the first 17.6km (11 miles) and has a 55 ft. drop over the remaining 3.36km (2.1 miles). It is considered one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country.
Both the men's and women's Canadian Masters records are on this course.
- Steve Boyd 1:05:42
- Paula Wiltse 1:18:22
10km Run Course
The 10km race is an "out and back" course that starts and finishes at the Marathon finish line.
5km Run Course
The 5km race is an "out and back" course that starts and finishes at the Marathon finish line.
Buses to Start
Marathon / Marathon Relay "A" Runner:
The Marathon and Marathon Relay both start at 10:00am.
Buses will transport participants in the Marathon and Marathon Relay A Runner to the start line. All Marathon and Marathon Relay buses will begin leaving from the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 7:00am with the last bus leaving at 7:45am. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes, and wait times at the start line range from an hour and a half to two hours depending on departure time from Niagara Falls. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery will be open before the race for all runners to come in, relax and stay warm.
Half Marathon Run and Walk / The Marathon Relay "B" Runner:
The Half Marathon Run and Walk will both start at 10:00am.
Buses will take the runners / walkers / Relay B runners to the start line located at the halfway mark of the full marathon. The buses will start leaving at 7:45am outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The last bus will leave at 8:30am. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes and wait times at the start line will range from an hour to one hour and fifty minutes depending on the departure time from the Crowne Plaza Hotel. There are warming tents at the start line.
The Relay buses will leave @ 8:30am from the Crowne Plaza Hotel with the second leg Relay B runners. The bus will drop you off at the 21.09km point for the exchange. The buses will stay until they are full for the return trip to the Finish Line.
There is no parking for those participants or guests who wish to transport themselves to the start line. A route map will be provided showing the route back to the Finish Parking Area for family and spectators. The Half Marathon starts at 10:00am.
NOTE: All runners wishing to take the bus must purchase a $10.00 Bus Ticket in advance and will be required to present the ticket prior to boarding.
On the Course
Runners will feel the excitement and enthusiasm of the many water station volunteers and spectators along the course, making them welcome to both the USA and Canada.
The Niagara Falls International Marathon will feature on the course:
WATER
Water will be provided at the start and finish lines as well as kilometre 3.2, 6.4, 9.6, and every 1.6km after (miles 2, 4, 6, and every mile after).
GATORADE
Gatorade is the official replacement drink of the Niagara Falls International Marathon and will be served at all 25 refreshment stations along the race route.
WASHROOMS
Toilets will be provided at the start and finish lines, as well as every 1.6km from 9.6km onward (every mile from Mile 6 onward).
MEDICAL
Medical units will be located at the start and finish, as well as mobile units along the race course. Official race vehicles, sponsored by GM Trucks, will also be used to transport runners who have dropped out of the race.
ChampionChip Timing
See Timing System FAQ's.
What Awaits You
After crossing the Finish Line at the brink of Niagara Falls, all participants will receive a medal, mylar blanket, water, Gatorade and food. Please take the opportunity to the visit the Official Race Apparel Tent.
Be sure to take advantage of the scenic backdrop of the finish line.
