Niagara Falls Marathon
The Lowdown
The Niagara Falls Marathon is a long-running regional marathon that celebrates the natural wonder of the Niagara region and the local running community. First organized as a community event in the late 20th century, the race has grown into a marquee fall destination for recreational and competitive runners across Canada and the northeastern United States. Held on October 25, 2026, the event combines a competitive road-race environment with festival-style race weekend activities, supporting local charities and tourism initiatives and drawing a mix of elite athletes, age-group competitors, and social runners. The course showcases some of the most scenic stretches of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Parkway and the riverfront, with panoramic views of the Niagara River, historic parks and vine-covered escarpments. Runners enjoy a primarily flat to gently rolling route with several picturesque sections along the water and through landscaped parkways, making it both a visually rewarding and fast course for many. The atmosphere is friendly and community-driven—cheering spectators, local bands, and volunteer aid stations create an energetic yet welcoming experience from start to finish. The course is certified by AIMS and Athletics Canada and is recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifying course, ensuring accurate distance measurement and eligibility for those chasing BQ standards.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Niagara Falls Marathon Announces 2025 Race Date and Enhanced Course
Dec 15, 2024Organizers confirm the popular marathon will return October 25, 2026, featuring scenic views along the Niagara Parkway and improved runner amenities including additional water stations and post-race celebrations.
Record International Participation Expected for Niagara Falls Marathon
Jan 8, 2025Early registration numbers show a 25% increase in international runners, with participants from over 30 countries already signed up to experience the iconic course alongside the world-famous waterfalls.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Horseshoe Falls
Runners pass alongside the iconic Horseshoe Falls with panoramic views of the cascading water
Queen Victoria Park
The course runs through the landscaped Queen Victoria Park, a central spectator and photo spot
Table Rock Welcome Centre
Near the start/finish area, the Table Rock centre offers close-up views of the brink of the falls
Niagara Parkway
A scenic stretch along the Niagara River used for much of the route with river and gorge vistas
Clifton Hill
The race route skirts Clifton Hill, the lively entertainment district popular with visitors
Rainbow Bridge
The marathon passes near the Rainbow Bridge, offering vistas across the river toward the USA
Niagara Glen
A portion of the course runs adjacent to the Niagara Glen conservation area, known for its riverside trails and rapids
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
CA
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old on race day to enter the marathon
- Runners aged 16–17 may participate only with a consenting parent or legal guardian and written parental consent
- All entrants must complete online registration and have their entry fee paid and confirmed prior to race day
- All participants must sign the race waiver and release of liability during registration
- Runners are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to race; medical clearance is recommended for those with pre-existing conditions
- Participants must wear their official race bib visibly on the front for the entire event
- Runners must meet published cutoff times and pace requirements; those unable to maintain required pace may be removed from the course
- Wheelchair athletes must register in the designated wheelchair category and provide proof of classification/appropriate racing equipment
Required Documents
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Proof of Age (passport or birth certificate)
- Signed Race Waiver/Consent Form
- Medical Certificate (if requested for competitive/elite entry)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Group/Corporate Entries
- Elite/Invitational
- Virtual Race
- Late/On-site Registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Full refund (minus $10 processing fee) until 60 days before race (until 2026-08-26)
50% refund until 30 days before race (until 2026-09-25)
Deferral to the 2027 Niagara Falls Marathon available until 14 days before race (until 2026-10-11) for a $20 deferral fee
Bib transfer to another registered runner allowed until 14 days before race with a $15 administration fee; new runner must submit registration information
No refunds or deferrals within 14 days of race (from 2026-10-11 onward)
If the event is canceled by organizers due to public health orders or severe weather, registrants will be offered a full refund or deferred entry to the 2027 race
The course runs along the Niagara River and the Niagara Gorge with multiple scenic views of the Falls and surrounding parklands, including a finish area close to the falls viewpoint.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, and a generous post-race food zone with hot options and local beverages is provided.
The race weekend includes an expo with packet pick-up, a pre-race pasta dinner available for purchase, and a kids' fun run on race morning.
Aid stations are located roughly every 3–4 km with water, sports drink and gels at key points, and medical support is available throughout the course; some sections along the river can be exposed and windy, so dress accordingly.
The marathon is held on a certified course and offers overall and age-group awards, with spectator-friendly viewing areas near major landmarks and shuttle parking available from central lots.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.