Yes, I am a Marathoner! Looking forward to saying that at an upcoming cocktail parties. It was not easy!!!
Participated in the 2013 Buffalo FULL Marathon, all 26.2 miles of it!
The starting corral was limited to runners only due to heightened security. It was actually nice as you could easily navigate to you pace area. Also there was no bag check which is fine as we stayed a hotel across street from start line. Overall a well organized and on time start.
First half of the course was relatively flat, industrial section is kinda boring but water front was nice. Out and backs got kinda congestion in parts because of narrow paths/roads.
Second half started kind of confusing as it passes finish line so after volunteer points you toward full course it got quiet than chaotic as ½ marathoners & guest kept walking in road. once you hit mile 14 crowds and runners die down and you are greeted with great residents, awesome volunteers & cool building architecture.
Finish & Post Race celebration were great. This was the biggest post race party I’ve been too that was for runners & their family. It included pizza, beer and all the standard post race runner food. Though I finished late there was plenty of food & it was nice as crowds died down.
A couple observations
- I thanked as many volunteers & Officers as I could. The surprise is they were thanking me! During the last mile it was the Police officers that were encouraging me to keep going, never had that happen before.
- Plentiful water stops and course support! Before I even though about hydration I ran into a water/gatorade stop.
- An injury started at mile 19 which caused me to walk alot. So I got a little stressed out about hitting the 6 hour cutoff. I made it with 25 mins to spare.
All in all and excellent life experience. Not rushing to sign up for next one.
Stats:
Overall Place:189
Gun Time:5:38:21
Gender Place: 698/ 841
Age Place: 101/ 119
Overall Pace: 12:55
Chip Time: 5:38:01