Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon
Grand Island Half Marathon offers a scenic, fast course with a strong community feel.
Race Date
May 1, 2027
Location
Grand Island, NY
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, May 1, 2027
- Location
- Grand Island, New York
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 8,388
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its 33rd year, the Grand Island Half Marathon is a beloved Buffalo tradition first run in 1995. This USATF-certified course, held annually in May, boasts a flat profile and a net drop, making it a prime location for runners aiming for personal bests. The race typically sees around 360 finishers, drawing participants from about 13 states.
Runners can expect a well-supported race experience with six aid stations offering water and sports drinks, chip timing, and RaceJoy live tracking. The atmosphere is bolstered by a dedicated community, with about 21% of participants returning each year. The event culminates in a post-race party featuring awards, food, drinks, and music, ensuring a memorable celebration for all finishers, including a special medal for first-timers.
Race-provided description
33rd Annual Grand Island Half Marathon Saturday, May 1st, 2027, at Beaver Island State Park A Buffalo Runner of the Year Race A Buffalo tradition the Grand Island Half Marathon has been providing runners a quality running experience and giving back to the community since our inaugural race April 15th, 1995. What's Included in This Year's Race RaceJoy Live Tracking: Free phone live tracking, progress alerts, and cheer sending for all participants. FREE Downloadable Photos: Find your photos easily, arranged by bib number. Share them on social media or even upload your own! Photographers will be at the Start, on the course, and at the Finish line to capture your photo finish moment.
Commemorative Race Shirt and Medal: Every Half Marathon finisher receives a medal and high-quality shirt to remember your accomplishment.
First-Time Half Marathoners: Receive a medal with a distinct ribbon acknowledging your achievement and have a dedicated photo opportunity in front of a first-time 1/2 Marathon placard.
Post-Race Party: Held adjacent to the finish line with awards, food, drinks, and music from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Race Amenities and Logistics
Chip Timing: Included for all in-person runners.
Hydration Stations: Six stations along the course with race volunteers handing out water and sports drinks for runners, and runners are also welcome to carry their own bottles.
Restrooms: Portable toilet stations along the course, plus additional facilities in the start/finish area.
Race Day Details: Saturday, May 1st, 2027
Bib Pickup: 7:30 AM in the main parking lot adjacent to the Start/Finish.
Start Time: 9:00 AM.
Location: Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, NY (between Buffalo and Niagara Falls). The race starts and finishes in the main parking lot.
The Course: Flat, out-and-back, along the scenic Niagara River. More than 85% of the course is closed to traffic, and there is no time limit to complete the race.
Race Gear: Medals and other race giveaways will be available at the finish line.
Awards and Records Half Marathon Awards
Overall male and female winners.
Overall Masters male and female winners.
Overall 19 and Under male and female winners.
Top Three Finishers in each 5-year age division from 19 and under to 80+
Event Records (Entry fee refunded for anyone breaking a record in their division) DivisionMale RecordYearFemale RecordYearOverallJoseph Whelan 1:05:552023Christine Cote 1:19:541998MastersDavid O'Keeffe 1:09:361999Jenny Keenen 1:21:172023
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, May 1, 2027
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
Giveaway TBD
Start Location
Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, NY, 14072
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NY20016DNB · Grand Island Half Marathon - West River Parkway
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8527 years running
~469 finishers a year
shrinking
21% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources
runners from 13 states
winner 1:10:01
typical high 61°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
61°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 8,388 finishers actually crossed the line across 27 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
8,388
Median time
2:03:21
Latest turnout
360
States
36
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon?
The Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon is held on Saturday, May 1, 2027, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Grand Island, New York.
What distances does the Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles.
Is the Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 8,388 runners who have completed the Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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