Pros:
- running over the Peace Bridge
- scenic course once in Canada
- nice race size for the full

Cons:
- what was up with the race jacket?!
- too many kids at the water stops
- website needs to give better (and correct) information
- no gels or bananas on course
- no water at some water stops

This was my first NFIM and my third full marathon. By far, this was my favorite! The course was incredible and the view was fantastic. The best part was the enthusiastic water stops. They really helped out for those last 6 miles! I, too, was upset about them running out of water about mile 22. It was getting hot at that point for me.

Will definitely run it again though!

Between the start and the six-mile mark there was one aid station. Although well staffed, it had only water! First sip of electrolyte replacement drink was one ounce at the six-mile mark. Got my first real cup at mile 7 and I wish I never did.

Cytomax is loaded with artificial sweetener and my stomach did not want to digest it. I couldn't find anybody who liked it.

The aid stations seemed to be running out of supplies and I was on a 3-hour pace. Couldn't imagine what was left behind me.

Love the course; please rectify the aid station problems so I can race here again. Never had these problems the last two times I ran here.

I echo the comments regarding the water: due to the warmer temps that day, they should not run out. I thoroughly enjoy the Niagara Marathon, though, and will return.

I was extremely disappointed in the jackets as were the comments of many other runners who may feel the same and not reply. It certainly was nice to see the increase in the numbers who raced, and the route is very enjoyable.

This was my first half. The course was nice and flat, but that was fatiguing. The weather was beautiful but not many spectators. There was no food after... just some lousy cookies and some fruit. Only 1 bottle of water allowed. The medal was nice, but they gave a very cheap, ugly, shiny, red rain jacket - with a zipper that didn't work! I was looking forward to a nice t-shirt, as was stated. So the jacket was too small. What a rip off. For what we got, all of us who ran felt it was way too expensive compared to other races and the nice things they give. I would not run it again and neither would the rest of the party. After $80 registration fee, they charged $10 for bus and $10 for pasta. Also, a parking fee to park and take the bus. It was all about the money!!

This was my first NFIM, and my 4th overall. The race was well organized, well run, and on a really nice course. We had perfect weather, in unlike previous years. If guaranteed the weather yesterday, I would run it every year. The sparse crowds are partly a function of the scenic highway, but those who attended were great.

I saw empty water stops from miles 14 through 18, then occasional water the rest of the way. They claimed that they would be providing water and Cyto at every mile after mile 3. The temps were warm and the sun popped out at one point. The runners needed fluids, especially after the half. There's one thing that can never happen in a marathon, and it happened here today. I won't run this marathon again.

Well organized race. Beautiful course. I Boston Qualified. The course definitely lends itself to a PR, but be prepared for miles of headwinds. Fortunately, we had runners willing to share the lead like a peloton in a bicycle race. But if you sign up for a fall marathon that races along the Niagara River, you've got to expect windy conditions. So no real complaints. Would run it again.

This was my first marathon. I've run many half marathons and they are all generally crowded and loud. I thought I liked and needed that to have a good race. This race proved that theory wrong. It was absolutely gorgeous - the trees were amazing, the route is very scenic, and the falls... well, they are one of the seven wonders of the world. Need I say more? It was peaceful, and yet at the same time exciting with the great anticipation of finally getting in front of the falls.

The race was very well organized, and the expo was small compared to bigger events but not too bad considering the size of the race. I loved the gym bag - very nice quality (Brooks bag with the logo on it). It was neat to see all of the runners at the airport on the way out of Buffalo and immediately recognize that they had also run the race because they were carrying the bag proudly.

I loved this race and I loved the Town of Niagara at this time of year. I plan to run this one again.

This was my third time registering for this marathon. Besides the great volunteers at the water stops, it's mostly a nice, peaceful run along the Niagara River. I guess some people need the constant noise of a big-city marathon. For me, though, I appreciate the calmness of this course. If you're feeling good, it can also be a fast course. The only real hill is the border crossing early on in the race.

The temperature was perfect this year. The side wind was nasty going over the Peace Bridge. Once you left the bridge, the wind was basically a non-factor even though there were headwind portions all the way to the Falls.

I liked the start at Delaware Park. The art gallery and lake offer pretty surroundings. I parked my car about a half-mile from the start. It's a no hassle, relaxing way to start a race. It was nice to have the mayor of Buffalo doing the official start. He made you feel appreciated for being a runner in the city.

Due to my own fault, I didn't have any GU to eat. It would have been a blessing to have them provided on the course. However, I knew going into the race not to expect anything but Gatorade and water at the stops.

I enjoy this race and may be back again next year.