#9 Course Review with Al Longo

The Buffalo Marathon is one of the most welcoming races on the late-spring calendar, and nobody knows the course better than the man who designs it. In this episode, Steve Gonser of RunSmart, sits down with Buffalo Marathon Course Director Al Longo for a complete walkthrough of race weekend — from what to expect when you wake up Sunday morning, to every mile of the course, to where to find your people at the finish. Whether you're toeing the line for your first marathon or chasing a PR on a course you've run before, Al's insider perspective will change how you approach the day. What we cover Race morning logistics: parking, gear check, porta-potty strategy, and the smartest way to get to the start corrals without burning energy The start line logistics A full mile-by-mile breakdown of the course — where it gives, where it takes, and the spots that quietly decide your race The neighborhoods you'll run through and why Buffalo's crowd support punches above its weight Tips for first-time marathoners: pacing the early miles, fueling, and the mental moments to prepare for Tips for experienced runners chasing a time: where the course is genuinely fast, where it can fool you, and how to play the wind off the lake Aid station spacing, fuel options on course, and what to carry vs. what to grab The finish line, post-race food and recovery setup, and how to find friends and family afterward Key takeaways Buffalo is a fast course, but "fast" doesn't mean "easy" — respecting the early miles is the difference between a strong finish and a survival shuffle The course rewards runners who know it: a few specific turns and exposure points are worth scouting in advance Race morning runs more smoothly than most big-city marathons, but a few small decisions (where you park, when you leave your hotel) buy you a calmer start GuestAl Longo, Course Director, Buffalo Marathon