Buffalo Marathon
BuffaloNew YorkUnited States
Next race
Sunday, 30 May 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Buffalo Marathon draws approximately 1,209 finishers each May on an urban road in Buffalo, United States. Western New York's signature Memorial Day marathon combines a flat course with strong local crowd support. The route passes Delaware Park, waterfront stretches along Lake Erie, and Buffalo neighborhoods on a flat urban loop. The course is very flat throughout.
Buffalo Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 1,209 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Buffalo Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Buffalo Marathon is a largely flat urban road course suited to steady pacing. Starts and finishes in downtown Buffalo on the Memorial Day weekend course. The route passes Delaware Park, waterfront stretches along Lake Erie, and Buffalo neighborhoods on a flat urban loop. Very flat throughout.
The Buffalo Marathon course is flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
- Elevation
Registration
Buffalo Marathon entry requirements
Buffalo Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://www.thebuffalomarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Getting there
Buffalo Marathon travel
Airports closest to Buffalo for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
13 km / 8 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Buffalo Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
- The Buffalo Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Buffalo Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
- What is the Buffalo Marathon elevation profile?
- The Buffalo Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Buffalo Marathon?
- The Buffalo Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in downtown Buffalo on the Memorial Day weekend course.
- What time does the Buffalo Marathon start?
- The 2027 Buffalo Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 30 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Buffalo Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in downtown Buffalo on the Memorial Day weekend course. Updated each year.
- When is the Buffalo Marathon and how do I register?
- Buffalo Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Buffalo Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Buffalo Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Buffalo Marathon pass?
- The course passes Delaware Park, lakefront roads, and downtown Buffalo on a flat urban loop.
- What weather should runners expect at Buffalo Marathon?
- Late May typically brings cool to mild spring weather with a chance of lake breezes off Erie.
Official resources
Buffalo Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Buffalo.
EriePennsylvaniaUnited States· 130 km away
Erie Marathon
The Erie Marathon draws approximately 1,300 finishers each September on a lakeside loop road in Erie, United States. Running almost entirely inside a state park gives it an unusually calm race-day feel for a fast marathon. The loop passes Lake Erie shoreline, wooded park roads, and wide open lake views with almost no climbing. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
ClevelandOhioUnited States· 279 km away
Cleveland Marathon
The Cleveland Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Cleveland, United States. The course starts and finishes in downtown Cleveland. The route crosses the Hope Memorial Bridge, passes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and follows the Lake Erie shoreline. Hilly with climbs on the Hope Memorial Bridge and through Ohio City.
Next race: Saturday, 15 May 2027
PittsburghPennsylvaniaUnited States· 287 km away
Pittsburgh Marathon
The Pittsburgh Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Pittsburgh, United States. The course starts and finishes at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The route crosses the city's three rivers via multiple bridges, passing PNC Park and Mount Washington. Hilly with repeated bridge climbs throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
AkronOhioUnited States· 296 km away
Akron Marathon
The Akron Marathon attracts approximately 1,500 finishers each September through the Rubber City on the Ohio & Erie Canal. The course passes Stan Hywet Hall, the Akron Art Museum, and the canal towpath on rolling northeast Ohio terrain. September's crisp Midwest autumn and the intimate community atmosphere make it one of Ohio's best-loved marathons.
Next race: Saturday, 25 September 2027
Planning guides
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