Marathon Course
Click map to enlarge.
The Niagara Falls International Marathon 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 and finishes at the magnificent Niagara Falls. See elevation map.
We are 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.
The Marathon course is a Boston Qualifier.
Half Marathon Course
The Half Marathon starts at the 21.09km (13.1mile) point of the full Marathon. The runners follow the beautiful 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 foot drop over the remaining 3.36km (2.1 miles). It is considered one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country.
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:
Buses will be used to transport participants in the Marathon to the start line. All Marathon buses will begin leaving from the Brock 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 Half Marathon Run and Walk will both start at 10:00am.
Buses will take the runners/walkers to the start line located at the halfway mark of the full marathon. The Half marathon buses will start leaving at 7:45am. outside the Brock 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 departure time from the Brock Plaza. There are warming buses and tents at the start 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.
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. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW ID WHEN YOU BOARD THE BUS.
On the Course
Runners will feel the excitement and enthusiasm of the many 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 as well as mobile units along the race course. Official Race Vehicles, sponsored by GM Trucks will also be used to transport runners to the finish line who have dropped out of the race.
ChampionChip Timing
See Timing System FAQ's.
What Awaits You
Upon crossing the Finish Line, all participants will receive a medal, mylar blanket, water, Gatorade and food. Please take the opportunity to visit the Official Race Apparel Tent.