I was impressed by the pre-race emails for several months prior to the race, made logistics very smooth. You could download training plans, ask questions regarding training and more. There was an app to download, which had everything you needed to know for the 3 day weekend. Most social media was posted to the FB page, but for those who don't want to search for social media, it was all sent to you directly by email and you could download app and go to the website.

Pre- Race festivities: I participated in the SlowRoll Pedal Party on Friday night, or there was FREE yoga in the park, which it was a tough decision to decide on which to attend. But, I was so happy to go to the Pedal Party and post celebration with live Music and food/beverages. I tried the Mile 27 draft early :) The bike was a nice way to see half the course and walk around the Marina and Memorials.

Sat. morning I went to cheer on the 5k Runners, and was impressed with how smoothly things went, and the wonderful post run refreshments. Pizza, greek yogurt, fruit, bagels with cream cheese and ALMOND BUTTER :), Dunkin Donuts coffee and bagels, soda and more. They also had a free kids run, also with lots of post refreshments and medals.

EXPO: The layout was very easy to get around, and made packet pick up very fast. Volunteers were very pleasant and asked if I had any questions, and shirt was already in bag with the right size. It's a very nice quality zippered long sleeve technical shirt with embroidered stitching. Since the temps were so high, I didn't wear it yet, but highest quality of shirt than most marathons. They had local vendors, games and I won a Dunkin Donut gift card :) They expo really had everything you needed if you forgot to pack anything for a long run, and great deals.

Race Course: The start and finish is in downtown Buffalo in front of the convention center and heads southwest through some very nice neighborhoods, including a number of houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. From there, runs through La Salle Park and along Lake Erie, which was my favorite section.Believe them when they say flat and fast, there wasn't even an incline lol I actually, missed my hills. The scenery and neighborhoods were nice, and a great way to see the city. The neighborhoods were so amazing, so many people had their hoses out, passing out popsicles, ice, sponges, fruit and more! I was impressed with all the support. I really love the small races as you never felt crowded, no long lines, and a nice hometown feeling.

I was so impressed with the Buffalo Marathon RD, for going above and beyond for several days prior to the weekend, as he was watching the weather and took action! They took a number of additional steps due to the abnormal high temperature. An email went out saying they doubled the water stations, added 6,000 lbs of ice, sponges, washcloths, and more Gatorade. They had volunteers on bikes asking runners if they were ok and hydrating, and also being very positive and cheering everyone on. They had asked the local residents to help out, and they came out full force :)

When crossing the finish line the volunteers were so enthusiastic, handing us our water, medal and key chain! I had my Pizza and Beer and cheered the last official finisher at 6:30:00! I thought everything would get taken down, but everyone stayed there cheering other runners in announcing them with just as much enthusiasm, giving them the same items... It was so thoughtful, and they stayed until the last runner which was over 8 hours.

In a Thank you email the race director Greg Weber sent out the next day, he mentioned that the medical tents were no busier this year than in previous years!!! I have friends who were running the marathon in VT and it was shut down early and a few degrees cooler. I believe it shows how well organized the race was run and people taking it easy versus trying to PR.

Overall, I thought Buffalo Marathon was an awesome event and extremely well organized. Amazing crowd support, great swag, nice flat course, and scenery changes for variety. I will go back again for sure, and highly recommend adding this to your list.

I also camped for 3 nights 15 minutes away, and 15 minutes from Niagara Falls where I also visited and enjoyed.

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