Categories: Local

Best and Worst Road Races for Buffalo Runners in 2013

There is no place better than Buffalo for runners. After living in other parts of the country, I have profound appreciation for the Buffalo Area Running Community. Each weekend several road races are available. Whether you compete hard, or just run for fun, one thing is certain; people in Buffalo know how to party. Any Western New York runner should not miss these upcoming races in 2013.

The Shamrock Run

On the first Saturday of March runners flock to South Buffalo’s Old First Ward to take place in the Shamrock Run. The 8K race is limited to 5,500 runners. This year everyone is guaranteed to receive a jacket. Last year the race course was altered, after the race started, because of wind damage obstructing the course. No matter the weather, in South Buffalo everyone is Irish on the first Saturday in March. The Shamrock Run is a great race with a great post-race party.

The Buffalo Marathon and Buffalo Half-Marathon

Always on the last Sunday in May, running in the Buffalo Marathon or the Buffalo Half-Marathon is a wonderful way to see Buffalo’s waterfront and its parks. At the Buffalo Marathon Expo, running apparel is available with plenty of vendors offering discounted items. The entry fee includes a free pasta dinner the night before the race. The awards and post-race party take place at the Buffalo Convention Center. There is food, beverages and music for all.

Shea’s 5k Run for the Arts

I love this event. Shea’s promotes the run with an Early Bird Special. Last year the registration fee was $9 if registered by the end of August. The race is always in September. Runners receive a t-shirt and a fabulous post-race party held at Theatre Place, right next to Shea’s Performing Arts Center. The party offers Sahlen’s hot dogs, Meeting Place Sausage, Cohen’s Rolls and Molson beer. This quick 5K Run begins and ends at Shea’s in the heart of the Buffalo Theater District.

Super-Kwik Half-Marathon

Just south of the New York State Line is Warren, Pennsylvania and Kinzua Dam. Each October the Warren County YMCA offers the SuperKwik Half-Marathon. The entry fee is $15. That’s right $15. Runners are transported by bus to the Allegheny National Forest approximately four miles above Kinzua Dam. Runners then run down to the dam, across it, and then over challenging rolling hills into the Borough of Warren along Hemlock Avenue. The fall foliage is indescribably beautiful. The air is crisp with sun, rain, or snow. There is no post-race party, but for the cost of $15 to run a half-marathon, this event should be on everyone’s list.

The Strider Glider Quarter-Marathon

This race is scheduled for October 26, 2013 at Westwood Park in Lancaster, NY. The Lancaster Striders put on a great race, with tables of raffle baskets, and endless food and beer. It’s refreshing to add a race of this distance to the calendar.

Buffalo Runners 10K

Last year the race took place on the first Saturday in November. The cost is $10. No t-shirts are available, but for those of us that run several races a year the last thing we need is another t-shirt. This course runs through Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park. A few significant hills make this a challenging run. The post-race party is excellent, as runners bring their own food and beverages for this no-frills event. With multiple 5K events offered both weekend days throughout the year. Runners enjoy taking advantage of the 10K events.

In my opinion, the above road races are some of the best in the area. Runners should use the opportunity to be part of these events which provide great times, for great causes, at a reasonable price.

There also are some races that I have learned to avoid. The following races, in my opinion, are not worth the time or the money. For a variety of reasons these races are either poorly organized, have exorbitant fees or a combination of both.

The Penguin Run

This January race has implemented a dramatic price increase, $35 for race day registration! This race is a 5K and you have to pay for the beer. I think their numbers may be down considerably this year.

The Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club Run in the Mist

This June 5K takes place on Goat Island on a week-night. Getting to the race, at that time of day is horrible, because of traffic. The food is lousy. You receive a ticket for one free beer, but they absolutely will not give you that beer without a photo ID. No kidding, your race bib can show your age in the eighties, but you’ve got to leave the party area, walk to your car in the parking lot to get your ID. This is a good race to skip.

The NCCC Thunderwolves 5K

This Niagara County Community College race is in July, and if it is anything like last year, do yourself a favor and stay home. This is the worst organized race I have ever attended. The people registering the runners were completely clueless. The course is boring, the runner receives a ticket for food, but no one received any food, because it took well over an hour of standing in line to get it.

The Mighty Niagara Half Marathon and Hospice 5K

What a disappointment. With all of the hype promoted I was expecting more. The fees are exorbitant and the food was bad at the post-race party. The price for this year’s race started increasing immediately upon completion of last year’s event in September. It seems as if I get an email, at least once a week from the race director, reminding me not to miss the ‘terrific’ event. Please. If you wait until the week before the race the cost is $95. All I can say is, no way.

In the last few years many of the race directors are taking advantage of what seems to be the ever increasing number of runners, particularly in the 5K races. Runners must decide whether a fee of more than $25 for a 5K race is worth it. I look forward to magnificent year of running in 2013.