Runners set for Sunday’s Buffalo Marathon

Buffalo, New York (WBEN) – Memorial Day weekend marks the return of the Buffalo Marathon. As thousands of runners hit the downtown course early Sunday morning, local drivers will need to be aware of road closures in effect during the race.

Executive director Greg Weber says it’s not just about Sunday’s 26.2-mile race.

“It starts with happy hour in Soho and fireworks Friday night,” Weber said in an interview with WBEN.

There will also be a 5k run/walk on Saturday, a kids’ run and a baby diaper run that day. Weber says there will also be a plogging event on Saturday.

“It’s an idea where runners will go out and walk or jog, and they will beautify the area,” Weber explained.

Weber says 7,000 runners registered from the first event to the last.

“These numbers are just below pre-pandemic numbers. We’re thrilled to have sold out the first event in February and a half about four weeks ago,” he said.

With a road race through the streets of downtown Buffalo, drivers will face detours. Buffalo Police Capt. Marcus Rogowski said there would be gradual, intermittent closures starting at 4 a.m. ET Sunday.

“Most of the route goes through downtown heading north toward Delaware Park,” said WBEN’s Rogowski.

Rogowski says the closures will begin in the immediate departure and arrival area, which is closest to the Convention Center.

“It will not interfere with the Chippewa entertainment area,” Rogowski said, because many people will leave bars and nightclubs at 4 a.m. closing time.

Rogowski says drivers don’t mind detours for an event like this.

“We have great cooperation from the neighborhood during the race, thanks to great cooperation from our partners, law enforcement and all the volunteers,” he added.

A post-race party is planned for Sunday at the Buffalo Convention Center.