Summer Sizzler

32nd Annual Grand Island 1/2 Marathon

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, 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: Eight portable toilet stations along the course, plus additional facilities in the start/finish area.

Race Day Details: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

• 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)

Division Male Record Year Female Record Year

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

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

The Engineering Society of Buffalo 4 Mile Scholarship Race

Friday June 5 @ 7:00 pm.

The Engineering Society of Buffalo Scholarship Race is back again for 2026. This year the race returns to scenic Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island.

THERE IS NO PARKING FEE TO ENTER THE PARK.

OUR RACE COURSE IS CERTIFIED: NY24011JJ

Helping UB and Buffalo State students with scholarship $$$ for 44 yrs. 100% of the money stays right here in the Buffalo area! All the people associated with the race are volunteers!

St. Stephen School Welcome Back 5K

Beaver Island State Park, Lot #4, Grand Island, NY 14072

Sept 5 2025 @ 6:00pm

Join us for our fourth year at Beaver Island State Park! Experience beautiful waterfront views as you run the West River path on Grand Island.

All proceeds from this event benefit St. Stephen School on Grand Island. All funds raised go directly towards our Home School Association fundraising effort, which makes up a portion of our school budget. We thank you for supporting our school!

Holy Ghost Lutheran Church and School is hosting the Bergholz 5K (3.1 mile) road race and 1-mile Fun Run on Saturday, September 26th, 2026. Join us to promote health and wellness in our community with a 5K road race through residential streets of historic Bergholz. Participants will receive an official race t-shirt and be invited for fellowship at our Oktoberfest-themed post-race party with refreshments including soft pretzels (with cheese and mustard), bratwurst, hot dogs, sauerkraut, bananas and apples, water, beverages, and awards on the Holy Ghost School campus!

All proceeds will go to benefit the operations and facilities at Holy Ghost: Holy Ghost Lutheran School