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☰
Buffalo Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Buffalo Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 3.8 
Spectators 3.3
Number of comments: 315 [displaying comments 241 to 251]
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L. K. from Miami, Fl
(6/2/2004)
 "Great course, great weather, good traffic control" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The course was fairly flat and well thought out with a slight downhill the last 2 miles. The traffic control was excellent. The only problem was the host hotel (Hyatt) seemed to be surprised that they had a crowd that weekend. Rooms weren't ready and had to stand in line 3 times 45 min each before I got a room that I reserved months ago. The start line was immediately outside the hotel, which was nice. I enjoyed the historical tour of the cemetery while running through courtesy of the volunteers. Crowd support sparse but enthusiastic. For the entry fee, this one's a keeper. | |
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N. D. from Yardley, PA
(6/2/2004)
 "Perfect weather, nice course, no fans" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Buffalo is definitely a good value for the entry fee. For $25 early registration, you get 2 t-shirts, a free pasta dinner, and a post-race party wtih free beer! The course was nice, although it got a little bit boring through miles 14-19 in the local neighborhoods. I loved the marina, downtown and cemetary sections. I have to agree with the previous poster about lack or organization for the slower runners. I was having an off day and suffering from dehydration and had a tough time finding an aid station. It seems like a lot of the volunteers packed up and left early. Also, I wish the race would switch to another race drink other than Powerade. I will probably run this marathon again next year. | |
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L. T. from New Jersey
(6/2/2004)
"I Agree - NOT FOR SLOWER RUNNERS" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon and I finished in 5:48. I've only been running for a few months and wanted to prove something to myself (and visit the Falls). I was very pleased with the course itself - nice and easy, no huge ups and downs. Very scenic and pleasant - great weather too! My only complaint was that after the halfway mark (2:37 at the half), there was little support for those of us not yet finished with the entire race (even though our times were well within the limits). A handfull of us got lost in the residential area (Uclid) as there were absolutely NO markings on the road or at street corners - we had to rely on the kindness of residents to tell us which way to go. We ended up going several blocks out of the way and had to double back to get back on course. I don't want to complain as much as suggest that next year you put chalk marks on the street to point the way for the slower runners. The residents shouldn't mind as it will wash off quickly. We would not expect the volunteers to stand on street corners forever, so just some sort of markings would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, it was a great event. Easy to pick up numbers, nice shirt, nice after party, terric volunteers, beautiful course. With a few more improvements, Buffalo will definitely be a choice destination for any marathon (or half-marathon) runner!!! Thanks for a great event! | |
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J. M. from Pittsburgh,PA
(6/2/2004)
"Nice, well-organized race " (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 1st year to run the Nissan Buffalo Marathon. I thought the course was nice and scenic and a good course for anyone attempting a PR. The weather was ideal for a marathon so I think the time of year was appropriate. The people support wasn't too bad for a marathon with under 1000 participants. The post-race party was decent, however, I would like to see more goodies... ie., cookies, ice cream. The Molson was a nice addition to the beverage lineup. All in all, it was a nice experience and I would consider doing it again, especially when you can do Buffalo in a fraction of the cost of Boston. Nice job!!! | |
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M. D. from Rhode Island
(6/2/2004)
 "Glad I shuffled off..." (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 ...to Buffalo for this one. This was the best course I've run so far out of 6. True, there were few spectators, but the volunteers and police did an excellent job and the day was perfect. If I'd have slept more than 1 hour the night before, I'm sure I would have PR'd. The course was very beautiful and very flat. The serenity of the park and cemetary and waterfront were ideal, and I loved the straightaways down the street, too. My in-laws are from Buffalo, so I had some insight into what to expect. I liked the city and for $35 the race was a real bargain. Nice shirt, medal, and goodie bag. Parking was abundant not more than 75 yards from the starting line ($4 parking garage, but definitely worth every penny). Water/Powerade stations were well staffed and there was Carb-Boom provided at points, as I recall. Overall, this marathon exceeded my every expectation - I'll be back next year hopefully to improve on my time and enjoy this great city in which to marathon. | |
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R. R. from Buffalo
(6/2/2004)
 "Volunteers" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Buffalo Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 As for the previous comment and being one of the volunteers we were instructed by the race officials that we could leave from our 19-mile mark at about 4:15. We stuck around for about 5 hours and even left Powerade there in cups for anyone else who was after that. I think what could help the runners in his situation would involve actually marking the course other than the map that was given out and the mile markers. We had several runners coming through our aid station asking where they go after they leave us. Next year if we run the 19 mile water stop again we are going to print maps to hand out to the runners towards the back of the pack. As for having to run on the sidewalks, that isn't the first time I have seen this. | |
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S. F. from Monroe, Georgia
(6/1/2004)
"Flat course, great volunteers" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A great value. The course is flat and surprisingly scenic for a run around a metropolitan area. Even the pasta dinner was great. I cannot say enough good things about the volunteers. They were always helpful and unfailingly polite. The expo wasn't much but that is about the only negative I can think of. Overall a topnotch course with a superb organization. Well done Buffalo and thank you! | |
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J. B. from Washington, DC
(6/1/2004)
"Great race for experienced runners" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I picked Buffalo because I wanted to train in spring weather, but the race to not be too warm. So north I went, and Buffalo complied with 60 degrees and sunshine. I would absolutely recommend it if you are an experienced marathoner and want to improve your PR or qualify for Boston. Course is beautiful, flat, and not packed with tons of other runners. If you know Buffalo or architecture, you'll recognize 5 or 6 world famous buildings (Wright, Sullivan, Richardson) on the course. Pre- and post-race goodies are on par with major races, despite the tiny entry fee ($35, including pasta dinner). The negatives: -not enough runners to provide good pace groups for an inexperienced runner--I followed a faster group, burned out, and had to slow way down. Volunteer support dwindled for the slower runners. -not enough PR in the city--we had lots of angry motorists and confused neighbors--'what is this race?' -Very, very few spectators These are small things, though. If you're a faster runner (<4:00), trust your own pace, and are self-motivated than this is definitely one for you. | |
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J. C. from New York City
(6/1/2004)
"Empty City... Enjoyable Run" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon, and the conditions for the race were perfect: beautiful day, nice breeze, flat, scenic course. The race was well-organized, and started almost right on time. However, the City of Buffalo left much to be desired--the downtown was like a ghost town. Almost no restaurants were open. In fact, my girlfriend and I were so bored that we headed back to the airport 4 hours before our flight in hopes of a place serving food! For anyone looking for a great race (but not the best city), run here. | |
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J. S. from Oak Forest, IL
(6/1/2004)
"Nice course, however other things need improvement" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Buffalo Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The course starts and finishes downtown. It takes you by the waterfront and through some nice neighborhoods, however the course out from downtown has a gradual incline that you feel later. The last 2 miles are the same into downtown, which is a decline that helps. Running through a cemetery was different, and Delaware Park is nice. Having to run underneath the finish barrier at the 10K mark is cruel and course should be moved off Franklin St for that block Positives: -numerous hotels close to start -post-race food in convention center -results posted quickly -cost $35, included dinner poster nice t-short decent medal -free kids race -good course control by volunteers? police Negatives: -poor course map with no mile markers -a major foul up was newspaper and race website had wrong location of start -pasta dinner ran out of bread and salad -massage area totally disorganized was 2nd in line and still no massage after: 15 minutes -only water at finish, no Powerade, bagels, oranges etc... and I was in the top 10%. Overall decent race, worth the money, however race staff should look at other cities close by i.e. Hartford, Cleveland, Philadelphia to improve. Needs more city/community support. This race has great potential. B- |
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