Niagara Falls International Marathon Photo Race Report

Niagara Falls International Marathon Photo Race Report

"The Marathon starts in Buffalo, NY at the world famous Albright-Knox Art Gallery which houses one of the finest collections of modern art in the world. All participants will have access inside to warm up and explore before the race.

One of few marathons in the world to start in one country and finish in another; the course is considered flat and fast and has hosted two USA men’s Olympic marathon trials, 1980 and 1984, along with the World Veteran’s Games marathon in 1995.

The first 5 miles of the race travel along the majestic parkway of Buffalo before crossing the Peace Bridge into the historic old town of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. The course loops around Fort Erie and doubles back into the town, passing along River Road, continuing on the scenic Niagara Parkway for the next 18 miles; voted one of the most scenic Marathon’s in Canada, #1 in Ontario!" (from web site)

Board school bus at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Niagara Falls. At the Canada-US border, our passports were collected. Shortly, our passports were returned. Then we had to exit the bus in order to have our passports scanned. Now boarding back onto bus to make trek to Buffalo. 

First 5 miles in Buffalo, New York.

View near start line.

Photo taken in front of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo.

The Art Gallery was open for us to keep warm and browse the art. The above oil on canvas is entitled "Winter" (1928) by Emile Pierre Branchard.

Start line. 1001 participants in the full marathon.

And we're off!

Overcast and windy. Fall colours.

Scenic view - note the statue.

2 mile mark.

A school. Maybe private??

Library.

D'Youville College. We get teacher candidates practice teaching from this college of education.

Almost at the Peace Bridge to enter Canada. 

Peace Bridge in the background. Nice scenery.

Peace Bridge! Approaching Canada.

On the Peace Bridge. 

Welcome to Canada.

5 miles completed.

Back-to-back.

Fort Erie.

10 K complete. The K markers were every 5 K. Every mile had a marker. 

Approaching 7 K. Man walking best friend.

Peace Bridge is now in the distant. 

8 miles.

30 K to go. 

Approaching the Peace Bridge. 

15 K done.

10 miles complete. Helpful volunteers at the fluid station.

This is a very low bridge!

Another great view.

Glad it didn't rain. Few spectators. Must be very cold winters with the Niagara River. 

12 miles.

20 K. Almost half way there!

Nice view approaching half way mark.

Woo Hoo! Half the marathon complete. Time is slow. Goal is to finish since I ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon last week.

15 miles complete. Fluid stations ran out of electrolyte drinks. No gels in this race - aargh!!! If only I knew I would have brought my own. Not good.

25 k complete.

Great view!

18 miles. Wind blowing at us throughout the race - why does the wind not blow to help us run?

30 K complete. 

35 K complete. Still no electrolyte drinks. Concerned for my hydration.

Chippawa Battlefield Park.

Getting closer Niagara Falls!

40 K complete. 2.2 K to go. 

25 miles. Fluid station deserted. Since the last 15 K fluid stations only giving out water, I stated, "This is a very dangerous course." Was given an apple. That really helped. I said to a runner, "Are there any gels in this course?" Her reply, "There is nothing." She gave me a gel shot - that really helped.

0.2 miles to go. Glad downhill run.

Finish line in sight.

Reached the finished line and took this photo from behind.

Niagara Falls!

Bud wearing the finisher's medal.

Here it is!!! Marathon #26 is now complete.

Thrilled to have run 2 marathons in past 2 weeks. Goal to finish has been met. Happy to have a time under 6 hours.

Gun Time = 5:52:29.2
Chip Time = 5:51:44.4
Pace = 8:23
Age Category Place = 167 out of 177
Gender Place = 554 out of 581
21.1 K split time = 2:44.44
Overall = 997 out of 1101