Beast of Burden - Summer

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Buffalo Marathon Weekend. Come out and enjoy a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, the Buffalo Marathon 5K, 5K Walk, Kids Mini-Marathon, Diaper Dash or The Ruffalo. This is a fast, scenic Boston Marathon qualifier that takes you through the best streets, parks and waterways in Buffalo. Registration changes (deferrals, race transfers, participant transfers) close April 30, 2026.

Please be Aware There are No Refunds.

Please understand to provide you with the best event possible we need to plan, budget and control our costs based on our registration numbers. We do realize life does happen and things do come up that may prevent you from participating. With that in mind we are providing several options in the unfortunate event you cannot make the race.

Protect Your Race Registration

Registration insurance is available for the nominal charge of 7.5% of the registration cost including processing fee (minimum charge is $8.99). Register with peace of mind knowing you can recover 100% of your registration cost plus fees If you cannot attend the race for a number of reasons, including covered injury, illness, traffic accidents, and more.

The 38th annual - Don McMaster Memorial

12 Mile Creek Trail Half Marathon & 7k

The half marathon (21 km) race follows a historic route which includes the first Welland Canal and the 12 Mile Creek Trail. The first leg of the race includes the Merritt Trail towards downtown St.Catharines, then heads back to the trails behind Brock University, but only after you have confronted the beastial Hydro Hill and then descend the Niagara escarpment to the finish. The half marathon field is limited to 175 runners and has sold out for the last two years.

The 7 km race, for those that would prefer a shorter distance, is a challenging trail section which incorporates the last part of the half marathon. The field is limited to 100 runners and sold out quickly last year.

The half marathon walker division (21km) uses the same route as the running division and starts 90 minutes earlier.

June 20, 2026

The 32nd running of the Niagara Ultra Races. 80 km, 50 km, Marathon, Half Marathon & 10 km foot race (on traffic-free asphalt footpath) following the Niagara River Parkway from Niagara-on-the-Lake past Fort George and on to Niagara Falls and back. In continuous sight of the Great Niagara River and turning around at the Falls, this fast course offers you the opportunity to run on a very scenic course steeped in Canadian and American history. This is will be an official event in the 2026 Ontario Ultra & Trail Race Series.

A presentation of the St. Catharines Roadrunners and Walkers.

Walkers are welcome in each division except for the 80 km (in applicable years), as long as they can meet the time limit. To be recognized as walkers contestants must voluntarily adhere to competitive walking rules.

Sweatshirt to all participants registered by March 31, 2026.