Falling for Niagara: the International Marathon

For most people, Niagara Falls is known as awaters. For those that prefer their water a little
thunderous wonder of the world where millions ofwarmer, the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark offers
gallons of water cascade into the deep pool whichflumes, hot springs, a plunge pool and tidal wave pool,
sits on the border of Canada and the USA. Thean arcade, beach club and a Planet Hollywood
waterfall is one of the biggest natural attractions inrestaurant.
the world, drawing approximately 20 million visitorsFor those who'd prefer to stay dry, the Niagara
every year, but for athletes, Niagara is much moreVintage Wine Tour offers an insight into the Niagara
than 168,000 square meters of water pouring overwine region, deemed one of the best wineries in
the face of the falls every minute.Canada and famous for its brand of "ice wine". Here
Every year the town hosts the renowned Niagaraa variety of tours are on offer, ranging from the
Falls International Marathon. The 26 mile course beginsthree hour "Espersso" tour, to the evening "Wine and
by the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo N.Y, travellingDine tour".
along the majestic parkways of Buffalo and thenRunners and supporters of the marathon can find a
crossing the Peace Bridge into the historic town ofwide range of hotels in Niagara and the surrounding
Fort Erie, Ontario. Runners then follow the routearea, though it is advised that bookings are made
alongside the beautiful Niagara River Parkway beforewell in advance of the event, as accommodation
crossing the finish line at the Niagara Falls themselves.does fill up fast, with over 4000 runners from over
The Niagara Falls International Marathon is unique in30 countries all descending on Niagara for the race.
that it's the only marathon that starts in one countryHundreds of volunteers also line the course to
and finishes in another. The course is also fairly flatprovide runners with liquid refreshment, and
and therefore fast and has hosted two USA men'swashroom and medical units are stationed along the
Olympic trials (in 1980 and 1984) and also the Worldroute to assist anyone in need. In running circles the
Veteran's Games marathon in 1995.route is considered one of the easiest and most
Race supporters will find plenty to do aside fromenjoyable marathons in North America and is a
cheering; to get up close and personal with the fallsparticularly good marathon for those attempting their
themselves, take a boat trip on the Maid of the Mistfirst ever race.
which brings tourists very close to the pounding