The ThermoFisher Scientific

30th Annual Grand Island 1/2 Marathon

Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Beaver Island State Park

The RRCA New York State Half Marathon Championships

A Buffalo Runner of the Year Race

Celebrating 30 years, 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.

The Grand Island Half Marathon's principal beneficiary for this year's event is The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island, an all-volunteer organization that provides food assistance to in need residents of Grand Island. 

The Grand Island Half will also be making a contribution to Vision Niagara, Vision Niagara strives to create a thriving community that capitalizes on its waterfront location, international significance, rich heritage, and historic architecture.

Included in this year's race:

• RaceJoy  

  Free phone live tracking, progress alerts, and cheer sending.

• FREE Downloadable Photos!!!! Arranged by Bib number, Download your photos, Share them on social media, or even upload your own photos!! Photographers will be at the Start, Turnaround, and Finish line. You Deserve your Photo Finish                                                                                                                                                              
• First Time Half Marathons receive their medal with a distinct ribbon acknowledging their accomplishment, and will have the opportunity to take a picture in front of a first-time 1/2 Marathon placard
• Compete in the RRCA State Half Marathon Championships RRCA Championships are open to all runners of any nationality and ability and there are no requirements of membership in any organization.
• Team Competition Join a team of four. Either all male, all female or mixed gendered. Join for fun with friends, club members, or to compete for the overall awards,THIS IS NOT A RELAY. **Awards and Prizes will be determined by the amount of teams that sign up**
• Post Race Party held adjacent to the finish line with awards,Ben W-Tet Band, food, and refreshments.

EARN Cash Back by referring friends. Refer 3 or more participants and earn $20 back!  It's easy. Just share the special link you will receive in your registration confirmation email. Send the link to friends via email. Post the link on FB, Twitter, etc. You will earn cash back after 3 people register using your unique link!  

Race Fee: $80 for both in-person and virtual entries (plus $3.15 transaction fee at checkout) .  Virtual entries will receive their gear via US mail, mailing date TDB once we receive the race shirts from our vendor.  

Race day ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY.  NO REFUNDS.  Registrations may be deferred to the next scheduled Grand Island Half Marathon OR 10K until April 15.   You may transfer your registration to another runner at no charge.

Race fee includes:
-        chip timing, water and sports drinks at 6 hydration stations along the course 
-        post race party and beverages from 10:30AM - 12:30pm,   
​-        commemorative medal awarded to every Half Marathon finisher!
 
Half Marathon Awards:
The Overall male and female winners.
The Overall Masters male and female winners.
The Overall 19 and under male and female winners.
Top Three Finishers in each 5-year age division from 19 and under to 80+ 

RRCA Championship Awards,

• Open male and female
• 40+ male and female
• 50+ male and female
• 60+ male and female
• Open challenged athlete male and female

Team Awards : **Awards and Prizes will be determined by the amount of teams that sign up**

EVENT RECORDS: ( ENTRY FEE REFUNDED TO ANYONE BREAKING THE RECORD IN THEIR DIVISION)

Overall:
Joseph Whelan 1:05:55 in 2023 ............ Christine Cote 1:19:54 in 1998

​Masters:
David O'Keeffe 1:09:36  in 1999 .................Jenny Keenen 1:21:17 in  2023

​ 
Race Day Details and Amenities:
 
Saturday, May 4, 2023

7:30 am Bib Pickup in the main parking lot adjacent to the Start/Finish.

9:00AM start at Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island,NY (between Buffalo and Niagara Falls). The race starts and finishes in the main parking lot.

Medals and other race giveaways will be available at the finish line. 

The course is flat, out and back, along the scenic Niagara River.
More than 85% of the course is closed to traffic. There is no time limit to complete the course.

6 hydration stations along the course. Race Volunteers will place cups of water and Gatorade on tables for runners to pick up. Cups will not be handed to runners in order to reduce contact.  Runners may also carry their own water bottles to refill along the course.

8 portable toilet stations along the course plus additional in the start/finish area.

QUESTIONS? Send an email to greaterbuffalotrack@gmail.com