International, Historic, Scenic:

The Niagara Falls International Marathon celebrated its inaugural running in 1974. Back then, (and for the first several years) the race was known as the Skylon Marathon.  Beginning during the first wave of the North American running boom, it quickly became a favourite as it was, and still is, the only marathon in the world that starts in one country and finishes in another.

Crossing an international border provides the runners with an experience of a lifetime, that they take back to their respective Countries, Provinces and States. In 1976, the Skylon Marathon attracted more than 3,000 runners, surpassing that year’s New York City and Boston marathons.

In 1980 and 1984, the course was host to the U.S. men’s Olympic marathon trials; in fact the men’s course record of 2:10:19 was set by Anthony Sandoval during the 1984 trial. In 1998, Casino Niagara became the title sponsor of the race and helped to bring the race up to the “world class” level that it is at today.

The race has many unique features from the start at the Albright Knox Art Gallery, running the Olmstead Parkways of Buffalo, crossing the International Peace Bridge into Canada, looping historic Fort Erie and travelling north on the scenic Niagara River Parkway, passing the sites of historic skirmishes during the War of 1812, and finishing at the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

A Truly Unique Experience…

Did You Know:

Niagara Falls International Marathon garners recognition and high honours on the world running stage. Your interest with the Marathon demonstrates a desire to be associated with a truly world-class event. The Marathon has one of the highest economic impacts of any event in Niagara and has an audience that grows year over year. The Marathon attracts an affluent group of consumers who are interested in premium products and services and have travelled to the Niagara Falls International Marathon from every province and state in North America. The Niagara Falls International Marathon is one of only a handful of races in the Southern Ontario/ Western New York area to be certified by the Association of International Marathons and Road Races, deeming it a world renowned event.