Picture This: You’re running alongside the Niagara River, through the historic villages of Lewiston and Youngstown. Invigorated by the beat of the band you just passed, you feel the cheers of the spectators pushing you forward. You’re counting the miles, but at the same time you’re not, because the views …
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Picture This: You’re running alongside the Niagara River, through the historic villages of Lewiston and Youngstown. Invigorated by the beat of the band you just passed, you feel the cheers of the spectators pushing you forward. You’re counting the miles, but at the same time you’re not, because the views are literally (and physically) breathtaking along the down-hill course. You see the famous French Castle, the lighthouse and Historic Old Fort Niagara’s compound after you emerge from the forest of Fort Niagara State Park. Running by the beach, you’re enjoying the views of Lake Ontario and the live entertainment at every mile as you continue on to Four Mile State Park. Just a few yards to go. Your friends and family cheer you on as you cross the finish line at Porter-on-the-Lake Park. You are Mighty! You just finished the Mighty Niagara Half Marathon!
The Mighty Niagara Half Marathon starts at Artpark State Park in historic Lewiston, New York and finishes at Porter-on-the-Lake Park in Youngstown, New York. The USATF certified course offers scenic views of two historic villages, four state parks, the Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, Canada and the Toronto skyline!
The Hospice Dash 5K starts and finishes at Porter-on-the-Lake Park in Youngstown, New YorK. The USATF certified course takes runners along Lake Road and through Four Mile State Park before returning back to Porter-on-the-Lake Park.
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Mighty good race!
Flew into BUF for the first time, and it’s an easy airport to travel. Rental car place attached to terminal. Rented a Buick for the first time ever. Drive to … MORE
Flew into BUF for the first time, and it’s an easy airport to travel. Rental car place attached to terminal. Rented a Buick for the first time ever. Drive to Sheraton Hotel in downtown NF was 35 minutes, no traffic at 6pm on a Wednesday. Toured NF on both the Canadian and US side before race. Picked up packet from Crunch Fitness about 15 minutes from downtown. East peasy; swag was a decent red shirt and bib. Damn Buick broke down in the middle of the street at an intersection in downtown Lewiston. Borrowed race cones to direct traffic until tow truck arrived. Rental company assigned us an Uber that reeked of cigarettes to take us all the way back to BUF to get a new rental. Finally made it back to hotel to carbo load for the night. Rode 7:30 complimentary race shuttle to start. A bit early but used it for the bathroom and stretching. Race began on time at 9:15 am and most of the course was downhill with great views of the Niagara River. Last couple of miles were mostly a slight uphill with no shade. Finish line had bagels, water, coffee, fruit, hotdogs, and veggie burgers, beer, and live music. Also about seven booths of local businesses. Grabbed food and enjoyed some live music before heading back to hotel to shower and pack up. Drive to BUF was easy as we came, and so was rental drop off and bag checking and security. On the flight now to connect in ATL. I would definitely recommend this race because the race staff is very helpful, friendly, and responsive to questions. I had to defer this race from previous year due to weather travel delay at JFK. Allison of the race staff graciously took care of me to ensure I made it to this year’s race, along with assisting with other issues that arose since last year. On top of that, the course had magnificent views and motivating crowd support throughout. Water/electrolyte stations were staffed and stocked, and there was even a special stop around mile 8 that offered their famous beer, bagels, and donuts! I highly suggest you sign up for this race if you need to knock out NY, or just want to visit the beautiful Niagara Falls. I’m so glad I chose this race to finish my 50 States goal!
Fast, Friendly, Phenomenal Race
Mighty Niagara was my first half marathon and things could not have been more perfect - a great race for a novice half marathoner. There were multiple options for early … MORE
Mighty Niagara was my first half marathon and things could not have been more perfect – a great race for a novice half marathoner. There were multiple options for early packet pickup. I had signed up too late to officially get a shirt, but to my pleasant surprise, they had boxes full of extra shirts from previous years – I got to trade up my drawstring bag for a purple heathered tech shirt with the “Are You Mighty?” motto on the back (love it!). There was plenty of parking at the start (Art Park in Lewiston) and a lot of space to stretch out and prepare. The course was generally flat with some minor inclines more towards the end. I loved the variety of scenery as it always makes the miles elapse effortlessly. You get to run on route 18F along the river as well as through a couple small towns (Lewiston and Youngstown), through Old Fort Niagara park, and more rustic fields towards the end. Trees were mostly still green, but there was a delightful smattering of yellows and oranges along the route. Lots of crowd support up until mile 8-9, then things get quiet. Among the attractions, I recall an “unofficial bacon and beer stop” in Youngstown, brass bands, dancers, etc. There was a great energy even on the more sparsely populated sections of the course. The finish takes you to a gorgeous park on Lake Ontario. I could not believe I attained my sub 2-hour goal on my first try! The post-race party ticked all the boxes. Great music, the best variety of food I’ve ever seen (bagels, hot dogs, burgers, chocolate milk, fruit, yogurt…), and craft beer from a local brewery. Taking the shuttle back to the start was a breeze. Not only would I recommend this race to others, but even as a notorious novelty-seeker, I would participate again!
Nostalgic run
Fun relaxing in lake ontario post race. Great organization. Nice post race and sufficient transportation. Fast -150 ft elevation. ………………….. MORE
Fun relaxing in lake ontario post race. Great organization. Nice post race and sufficient transportation. Fast -150 ft elevation. …………………..
Nice and Flat
Along the water, the weather is always kind of iffy. I had heard from other runners that in 2014 it was brutally hot. This year, though thunderstorms were on the … MORE
Along the water, the weather is always kind of iffy. I had heard from other runners that in 2014 it was brutally hot. This year, though thunderstorms were on the forecast, the rain was limited to a light and refreshing mist and we ran comfortably under a cloudy sky. You along the water the whole time, though you cannot always see it. Around mile 10 I believe you get to run right along the lake, which is beautiful. On a clear day you can see across the lake to Toronto. The post-race celebration was great–food trucks, lots and lots of free food for runners, and you get to hang out on the water. Awesome medal too! Great race. I would recommend this to a first-time half marathoner.
PR Half with beautiful scenery
Downhill race first few miles then essentially flat, nice for PR. Very scenic with Niagara River close by and run through State Park. Well set up/run. Definite do again. MORE
Downhill race first few miles then essentially flat, nice for PR. Very scenic with Niagara River close by and run through State Park. Well set up/run. Definite do again.