The GBTC Grand Island 1/2 Marathon
- Date Sat 2nd May 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Grand Island, New York
- Price $62.55 - $103.75
- Races 3 races
- Distances Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 32nd Annual Grand Island Half Marathon, taking place on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at the picturesque Beaver Island State Park in Grand Island, Erie. This beloved Buffalo tradition invites runners of all levels to experience a memorable race that has been celebrating community and athleticism since its inaugural event in 1995. Participants will take on a flat, scenic out-and-back course along the stunning Niagara River, with over 85% of the route being closed to traffic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Runners can look forward to a host of exciting features, including chip timing, hydration stations, and live tracking through RaceJoy, allowing friends and family to cheer you on in real-time. Each finisher will receive a commemorative medal and a high-quality race shirt, while first-time half marathoners will enjoy a special recognition medal. The festivities continue after the race with a lively post-race party, complete with awards, food, and music from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a cherished event that not only challenges your limits but also fosters community spirit—mark your calendars for May 2nd,
Runners can look forward to a host of exciting features, including chip timing, hydration stations, and live tracking through RaceJoy, allowing friends and family to cheer you on in real-time. Each finisher will receive a commemorative medal and a high-quality race shirt, while first-time half marathoners will enjoy a special recognition medal. The festivities continue after the race with a lively post-race party, complete with awards, food, and music from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a cherished event that not only challenges your limits but also fosters community spirit—mark your calendars for May 2nd,
Organiser's Description
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 155
2023
Christine Cote 154
1998
MASTERS
David O'Keeffe 136
1999
Jenny Keenen 117
2023
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 155
2023
Christine Cote 154
1998
MASTERS
David O'Keeffe 136
1999
Jenny Keenen 117
2023
Races
-
Half Marathon (In-Person)
Incl. $2.55 Fee & to Be Announced
Sat 2nd May 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$62.55
-
Virtual Half Marathon
Incl. $2.55 Fee & to Be Announced
$62.55
Runners must log their 13.1 miles in RaceJoy between 4/26 and 5/11 We will provide a pick-up location for your Shirt and Medal -
Duo Division Team 1/2 Marathon Run
Incl. $3.75 Fee & to Be Announced
Sat 2nd May 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$103.75
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Beaver Island State Park, 2136 W Oakfield Rd, Grand Island, 14072, NY, United States
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The GBTC Grand Island 1/2 Marathon
