It's a shame. But the Buffalo marathon could be a real boon to this city if the organizers, city/county officials and local residents/businesses got their act together. The course is varied and relatively scenic. Not as flat at Washington's Marine Corps, so it's a little easier on the ITB sufferers of the world than would otherwise be imagined (by the organizer's billing of 'flat and fast'). A 42-year-old sports doctor won this year's race at 2:29. A good pace. The downside of the course was traffic management - but that may be due to lack of significant pre-race publicity in the (very) local Buffalo News and some lack of PR savvy generally among race organizers (the web site is meager). Buffalonians generally didn't know how to root for the local talent either (e.g., 'You look horrible,' a metro cop said to a friend near the 19-mile mark. The 'friend' lost it right there.) But with a bit of work on PR, traffic management and spectator savvy, the Buffalo marathon could be a real find for runners who may have missed out on Pittsburgh, or are looking to add another race or two to their Spring calendar.

Looking for a fast, flat course at the end of May, I came back to Buffalo for the first time in 10 years for a marathon. I was pleasantly surprised by the value{I am Canadian}, beatiful but winding course, and the finish area. The post-race was in a large gym, which was comfortable. This race has new sponsors and organizers, and they know what they are doing. Keep it in mind for a fast flat course.