Couldn't ask for better weather for a road race. The first half was excellent. I enjoyed the run along the waterfront, down to Tifft Farm and back to the city. The course then went through the quaint north Buffalo streets, around Delaware Park and back down into the city. Good support all along the way.

However, to create a more fun party atmosphere, the half and full finish lines and post-race party would be better placed in close proximity to each other and down in the streets rather than the 2nd floor of the convention center away from the action. I didn't enjoy climbing down two flights of stairs after running 26.2 miles.

After reading comments about previous years, I was very nervous about getting off-course along the way. I am happy to say the volunteers/police were great at every turn and intersection. The first couple of water stations were not prepared for the runners, but after that they were great. There were not a lot of spectators and about 1/3 of them were not even clapping, but in their defense, I am not fast (4:49) so they may have been clapping as long as I had been running and they had the option to stop (I didn't). :) Overall, it was a good experience and it looks like they have made great improvements. The apples at the finish line are not enough, but I only had a 10-minute car ride home, so it was fine for me. I just felt bad for people who had to hurry to check out of a hotel and travel without anything more than an apple. Thanks to all the volunteers for the support along the way!

Smallish race with about 750 marathoners and 2,500 half marathoners. The 2008 course was beautiful, with a good number of miles next to Lake Erie and the marina, as well as stretches in downtown and through some good parks. Water and Gatorade were reliably provided and adequate in quantity. Technical T-shirt provided was EXCELLENT. Weather was great. Results were accurate and made available on time.

However, this race was not friendly for slower runners. While I was lucky to have finished before 5 hours, those that finished after had to run in traffic. Prize distribution was after 4:30, which did not give enough time for many runners to even complete. Results were not recorded after 6 hours of start.

Crowd support and general awareness about the race was limited.

Overall, quite a good marathon.

This is a well-run small marathon. Cheap entrance fee includes 2 shirts (1 technical shirt) if you sign up before April 1st, pasta dinner, pizza, beer, pop, assortment of chips and water at the post-race party. For some reason, this year they only had water and apples at the finish, but the post-race party is right next to the finish line, so no big deal. My first Buffalo on the new course. Liked it, but it was lonely after the half is done, as with many small marathons. Not a lot of crowd support but the people that were out were great and the volunteers were excellent. Lots of room at the post-race party, which was also great - no lines to get anything. Weather was perfect this year; I loved the switch to 7:00 start. Wanted to run a little better, but still PR'd, so it's a good course for a PR. I'll continue to run it for as long as my legs allow. Super course for a fast 1/2, or if it's your 1st half, with much more crowd support than the full.

This was my second time running Buffalo, and again I wasn't disappointed. What drew me in the first year was the low entry fee. But other factors have also contributed to me coming back. A nice flat course, small size, and easy entry to and exit from downtown added to my favorable experience. Packet pick up, though small, was well organized and to the point. Also, the free pasta dinner a few blocks away from the Hyatt was appreciated. The day of the race brought perfect weather with light winds and temps in the 50's, I believe. The course was well manned and marked and course monitors kept cars at bay while we were running. Hats off to the Buffalo police for their balancing of runners' and citizens' needs. And this year key turns were manned. The finish was nice, with your name announced and medals presented as you finished. The party at the convention center featured good music, refreshment, and good awards ceremony. As a seasoned marathoner I recommend this race over the mega city races such as New York, Boston, and Chicago. The low entry fee, ease of logistics, and good organization make Buffalo a great choice for a spring marathon. I will be back in 2009, and I have to say emphatically, "Thanks, Buffalo!."

My only complaint is that I wish they would do something different at the start. The first 3 miles are congested with halfers and full marathoners. I would love to see them start the half 20 minutes after the full.

Overall, good experience. The host hotel, Hyatt, was great - they allowed for late check-out and were literally feet away from the finish line. The course was VERY flat - maybe you could call the area around mile 7-10 a "hill," but that was it. Fast and flat, and you could PR at this one. Shirt was nice - a simple tech shirt with "Buffalo Marathon" on the corner, and nothing else. I like that. Kudos to the race director - I registered and was unable to run in 2007; he graciously let me defer my registration to 2008. Thank you, John!

Small marathon, so no big crowds, which I personally like. Running alongside of Lake Erie was cool. You couldn't ask for better weather. To the guy at mile 21.5 - thank you for the oranges! And for offering to drop off my gloves and broken waist fanny pack until after the race - that was nice!

My only complaint was that this is NOT a race that is mentioned much in the papers, TV, etc. The papers didn't say boo about it the day before. Around mile 15, I was along the race course and was honked from behind by a car. This older lady was asking me to stand aside so she could drive by - AND THIS WAS ALONG THE RACE COURSE!!! I shouted, "I am running a marathon! Get off the course!" Anyway, she passed me and a race volunteer got her before she honked at anyone else.

If you are looking for a no-frills, get-the-state-of-NY-out-of-the-way (for the 50-staters), this was great. I enjoyed it.

Great spectators throughout the entire course, well-staffed water stations with enthusiastic volunteers, race well-organized, beautiful weather, excellent course!

Course is pancake flat and scenic. Adequate support on the course for fluids, though absolutely no extras (one stand had oranges - period). Course well marked; volunteers/police helpful. Worst finish-line nutrition I have seen in 15 marathons... water, weak Gatorade and apples. Nice shirt; decent medal. Once and done for me, though it was an overall positive experience for the price.

Perfect weather, flat course, and the waterfront scenery is great nearly the entire course. Really liked having markers at every mile. Appreciated encouraging cheering people scattered throughout. Two complaints: not enough port-a-johns - only 7 or 8 at start for 1,600 people, and maybe 4 on the 1/2-marathon course. Also 2 water stations closed before I got to them. Hey people, the walkers might not be as fast as runners, but they cover the same distance.