In 1995 the Greater Buffalo Track Club started the Grand Island Half Marathon, conceptualized by coach Ken Hans. The course has changed over time and since 2006 is staged from Beaver Island State Park at the southern tip of Grand Island.

The race runs along the Niagara River (bordering the US and Canada) between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York. After starting in Beaver Island State
Park, the race follows West River Parkway for about 6 1/2 miles, turns back and continues along the same route back to Beaver Island. The course is flat making it perfect for racing a new personal best.

Beaver Island State Park is an almost 1000 acre park on Grand Island, NY with access to fishing, boating, golf, cycling and other activities. The race is easily commutable from points east such as Rochester and Syracuse. Also from the north from Toronto and St. Catherine's, ON.   The hotel closest to the race is the Radisson Hotel Grand Island.

As an all volunteer not-for-profit, the Greater Buffalo Track Club designates a primary beneficiary each year, allowing us to focus our resources, and provide a substantial donation. 

For 2026 we chose The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island and awarded their organization $4500.

The Neighbors Foundation of Grand Island is an all-volunteer organization providing confidential food assistance to our Grand Island Neighbors through the generosity of individuals, churches and other groups who donate funds and non-perishable goods.