Frequently Asked Questions

What time do the various races start?

Start Times

Marathon – 10:00am
Marathon Relay – 10:00am
Hand-Crank Marathon – 9:55am
Half-Marathon Run – 10:00am
Half-Marathon Walk – 10:00am
10km Run – 8:30am (starts at Marathon Finish Line)
5km Run – 9:30am (starts at Marathon Finish Line)
Schools Marathon Challenge – 10:15am

Is this the "Skylon" Marathon route?

YES — This route also hosted the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Trials. The course is a full marathon distance, measured and certified.

Where do I get the bus to the marathon, half-marathon starting line?

Buses for the marathon, half-marathon run, and half-marathon walk will leave from the Crowne Plaza Hotel (near the statue of the Canadian Mountie across from the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge on Falls Ave.).

What time do buses depart for the marathon, half-marathon starting line?

Marathon: Marathon buses will begin leaving from the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 7:00 a.m. with the last bus leaving at 7:45 a.m. 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.

All runners 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 (the same ID used to get your bib number).

Half-Marathon: Buses will take the runners to the start line located at the halfway mark of the full marathon. The half marathon buses will start leaving at 7:45 a.m. outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The last bus will leave at 8:30 a.m. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes and wait times at the start line will range from an hour to one and a half hours, depending on departure time from the Crowne Plaza Hotel. There are warming buses and tents at the start line.

Half-Marathon Walk: Buses will take the walkers to the start line located at the halfway mark of the full marathon. The half-marathon walk buses will start leaving at 7:45 a.m. outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The last bus will leave at 8:30 a.m. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes and wait times at the start line range from an hour to one and a half hours, depending on departure time from the Crowne Plaza Hotel. There are warming buses and tents at the start line.

What proof of citizenship (ID) must I bring to board the bus to the marathon start?

All participants in the full marathon race must provide personal identification in the form of a valid passport, Nexus card or Fast card. All runners other than Canadian and American citizens must have a valid VISA for both Canada and the United States of American and a valid passport. Some countries do not require a VISA – please check with the consulate in your country to find out what is required.

Can my ID documents be safely stored during the race?

Documents will be safely secured on the baggage buses for eventual pick-up at the finish line. If you prefer, you may carry your ID during the race.

Is there a shuttle bus from the Fallsview Casino Resort to the bus boarding area?

Is the bus boarding area within walking distance from the Fallsview Casino Resort?

Yes. It is a 2.1 Km (1.26 mile) walk from the Fallsview — about a 3 minute drive. (See map)

Where can I park my car at the bus boarding area?

Paid parking is available at various parking lots/garages near the bus boarding area, including indoor parking at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Will baggage buses be provided for both races?

Yes, secured buses will be available for both the full and half-marathons.

If I drive my own vehicle to the start line in the US, will transportation be provided back to the start line area after I finish the marathon?

My family/a friend will drive me to the start line in the US. How do I get there?

See instructions provided.

Where can my family watch me run during the marathon?

At various sites along the Niagara Parkway accessed via the QEW (see map).

Will shelter be provided at the marathon starting line?

Yes. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery will be open before the race for all runners and spectators to come in, relax and stay warm. Water and toilets will be available near the starting line. Tents and warming buses will be available at the half-marathon start.

If my family drives me to the marathon starting line, will there be adequate parking?

Yes, they will be directed as to where to park.

I'm registered in the marathon. Can I change to the half-marathon?

Yes. See Marc Roy at the computer scoring booth in the number pick-up area to make this change.

I'm registered in the half-marathon. Can I change to the full marathon?

No. For security purposes, all registered marathoners were cleared through Customs two weeks ago.

Where can I purchase tickets for the pasta dinner?

Tickets for the pasta dinner are available for purchase at the Expo.

Where is the finish line?

Both the full and half-marathons finish near the Table Rock area at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls.

Where can spectators park at the finish line?

Free parking is available at the People Mover parking lot, about half a mile south of the finish line. Private paid parking across from the finish line is also available.

Can spectators buy food and beverages near the finish line?

Food and beverages may be purchased in the various restaurants in the Table Rock area. Washroom facilities are also available.

Where is the awards ceremony for the half & full marathon? For the 5 & 10 km races?

Half & Full Marathon: There will be no post-race award ceremony. Cash awards will be presented at the finish line stage when results are available. Age group awards must be picked up at the Finish Line, they will not be mailed.

5 & 10 km Races: Awards will be presented at the finish line at 10:30am. Age group winners will have their certificates mailed to them.

I want to drive to the starting line for the half marathon. What exit do I take off the QEW to get there?

Exit 7 – Bowen Road (See map)

Is parking available at the starting line of the half marathon?

There is no parking for those runners or guests who wish to transport themselves to the start line. A route map will be provided showing the route back to the finish line/finish line parking area for family and spectators.

Where do the 5 & 10 km races start and end?

The 5 & 10 km races are out and back courses that begin and end at the marathon finish line (Table Rock area near the brink of the Horse Shoe Falls).

Can my family drive on the Parkway to watch the race?

No, the Parkway will be closed to all vehicular traffic. The Parkway can be accessed via the QEW at various spectator spots (see map).

Is there a shuttle bus from the finish line back to the hotel area?

Yes, shuttle buses will transport finishers back to the Sheraton on the Falls. Pickup location is just beyond the baggage buses.

Shuttle buses will be available starting at 12:30pm and will run on a regular basis.

Can family members ride the shuttle bus?

Yes

Top