History

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In 1995 the Greater Buffalo Track Club started the Grand Island Half Marathon, conceptualized by coach Ken Hans. The course has changed over time and since 2006 is staged from Beaver Island State Park at the southern tip of Grand Island.

The race runs along the Niagara River (bordering the US and Canada) between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York. After starting in Beaver Island State
Park, the race follows West River Parkway for about 6 1/2 miles, turns back and continues along the same route back to Beaver Island. The course is flat making it perfect for racing a new personal best.

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Beaver Island State Park is an almost 1000 acre park on Grand Island, NY with access to fishing, boating, golf, cycling and other activities. The race is easily commutable from points east such as Rochester and Syracuse. Also from the north from Toronto and St. Catherine's, ON.   The hotel closest to the race is the Radisson Hotel Grand Island.

 

Event records:

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

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Masters:
David O'Keeffe 1:09:36  in 1999

Jenny Keenen 1:21:17 in  2023

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