BUFFALO, N.Y. — Thousands of runners started gathering at Niagara Square Sunday morning before the sun even rose for the Buffalo Marathon.

The Marathon is a qualifying event for the largest and most renowned marathons in the world. This event course covers scenic waterfront and downtown Buffalo scenes. 

Some athletes ran competitively and others just for fun, like John Gehrke of Derby, who says that it was his second time participating in the half marathon. He trained a few times a week all during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 “I’m doing it with my friends," Gehrke said. "It’s just a good time. We’ve missed a lot of races due to the coronavirus, so it’s nice to get out and see a lot of people and have a good time running.”

Nearly 3,000 people hit the pavement starting at 6 a.m. Sunday for the full and half marathons and the relay.

After being canceled in 2020, the event was expected to be virtual this year until recent COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

“It’s great to have race weekend return after 2020’s COVID-19 hiatus," Mayor Byron Brown said in a statement. "It’s also noteworthy that the Buffalo Marathon and its associated races will be the first large-scale running event in New York State since the pandemic was proclaimed in March of last year,” Mayor Brown said. “Good luck and God Speed to all participants.”

The marathon is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.