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 very 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, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.thebuffalomarathon.com/ 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 course maps are published at https://www.thebuffalomarathon.com/ each year.

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.

Buffalo Marathon

Buffalo, New York, United States

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.

Buffalo Marathon 2027 race day

The next Buffalo Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.

Buffalo Marathon course route

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.

Buffalo Marathon elevation profile

The Buffalo Marathon course is very 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 very 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, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.thebuffalomarathon.com/ 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 course maps are published at https://www.thebuffalomarathon.com/ each year.
When is the Buffalo Marathon and how do I register?: 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.
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.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Buffalo.

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada· 89 km away

Road2Hope Hamilton Marathon

The Road2Hope Hamilton Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May on an urban road in Hamilton, Canada. Ontario's premier spring marathon links Hamilton's escarpment city with a Boston-qualifier certified course. The loop passes the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton waterfront, and the city's industrial heritage corridors. The route is net downhill overall.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Toronto, Ontario, Canada· 100 km away

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The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers on an urban road in Toronto, Canada. The course starts and finishes at Nathan Phillips Square. The route follows the Lake Ontario waterfront through the Beaches, High Park, and downtown Toronto. Mostly flat with minor rises leaving the lakeshore.

Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026

Erie, Pennsylvania, United 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, 6 September 2026

Cleveland, Ohio, United States· 279 km away

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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.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United 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.