I arrived at the Expo/Packet Pickup right at 2:00 on Friday, it was easy to park and get in, but small venue.
There were only a few vendors, but I didn't do any shopping, so it was quick and easy.

The shirts/swag are ok. I wish there was a little more color, but loved seeing Bibrave on the back. Otherwise, there really wasn't any other swag.

My boyfriend went to the start line with me, and we had no problem at all parking a few blocks from the start an hour before race. I love that with small races. There were plenty of port o johns, so very limited wait time.

I loved the stocked aid stations every 2 miles. They had water, gatorade, GU blocks and bananas at all stations. I had to stop and take a picture at mile 18 where they had the Marathon Shoe repair :)
The volunteers were very friendly and enthusiastic.

I was fighting a chest and head cold, so thank goodness for the beautiful scenery which took my mind away from how I was feeling. I took it easy and slow, and had a fabulous day! Yes, there's hills, but I'm used to them being from Worcester, MA. we have no flats. I took walk breaks second half so, I had no muscle soreness the next day, which paid off to enjoy some hiking the next few days. Did I mention the gorgeous views? OMG.... amazing

I have to say I was a few blocks from the finish line, but there was no signage at the 4 way stop and I waited as I was unsure which way to go, once I had a runner catch up we both were confused and decided to go up the hill, and others behind were yelling to us, unsure? Otherwise, the course was well marked.

I loved the enthusiasm at the finish line! The announcer had trouble pronouncing Worcester :) and was happy to see someone travel so far to join them.

I have to say my only disappointment was at the finish line we only received a bottle of water and a small sample size of cliff bar? No salty or protein foods. There's usually always some type of food box or post food at finish lines with that distance. As I was reviewing the race, I figured well maybe their FREE post party that they advertised in the paper and online, would have pizza etc... We went to the 4pm party at Old Sedona Pub, but when we walked over to check-in, the volunteer said "sorry but its for volunteers only, you can go to the bar where there's runners". We walked to the other room but it was just a dark bar, with people drinking, so we went upstairs to the deck and there were only 2 other runners at a table eating. I was starving as I didn't eat all day, so we stayed and I ordered a veggie dish and beer. I was starting to feel blah again and coughing so didn't finish my beer, and took the food to go, it was ok. So I wouldn't really suggest the Old Sedona Post party for runners if they have it next year.

I would love to go back again next year! I did spend 5 nights in Sedona and loved every minute, need to go back.

I highly recommend this race.

Spring Time Sizzler in Buffalo!

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.

First of all registration was very easy. I registered online, and they also had same day registration. I was looking forward to adding this new destination to my list! :) The pre race email was very helpful with directions, parking and packet pick up information. I live an hour away in MA, so I arrived Sat. morning. Packet pick-up was very quick as they had volunteers going in line to get your shirts while you waited for the bibs.

No race Expo as it was a small local race. I loved the fact volunteers went out a week before the race to inform the neighbors about the race and hand out cow bells. It was so nice to see the people out cheering for us on the course with more cow bells :)

All runners received a tech shirt with the Willimantic Classic logo on it, along with a bag of coupons for local shops and a chia bar, deck of cards, etc. The half marathon finishers medal was a nice touch with the logo and frog.

Pre-race/Start: I loved the fact that they had so many ports-johns that there was no waiting lines. Parking was a breeze, and everything was so nice and quick. I also liked the fact they let the walkers start 1 hour early, which makes it nice for all levels. The announcer was very motivating and enthusiastic from start to finish.

Course: I loved the course! The first 3 miles or so was on paved and groomed flat Airline trail, which was beautiful. There was some nice inclines, but I'm used to hills and prefer, so enjoyed them. The weather was perfect and the support and water stations were very friendly and enthusiastic. They had 6 aid stations with water and Gatorade, and 2 GU locations. I didn't carry a bottle as they were very accommodating with the aid stations.

Due to the fact it was a small race and as I was approaching the finish line, I asked my daughter to run in with me, since there wasn't any other runners. I was so happy with the response of the announcer and those at the finish line, my daughter was so excited to accept the medal! :) I really loved the friendly atmosphere of the day.

Post celebration was perfect! The weather was wonderful, music playing, ice cream, Chocolate milk, massage and more! My friends and daughter had such a wonderful time cheering and supporting for several hours.

We walked a few blocks to Willimantic Brewery afterwards for lunch, which was full of runners :)

I highly recommend this small friendly race! I'll be back next year.