Niagara Falls Trivia

Marathon, Running Sub 4 hour marathon, Ultra Running, natural wonder, Running Blogger, Blogs, 26.2, 13.1, Runner, Four Hour, Over the falls in a barrell, Annie Taylor

Leading up to running my 11th marathon, The Niagara Falls Marathon, I thought I would treat my readers to some trivia.

2 Days Until The Niagara Falls Marathon

Question:
What is the meaning of the word Niagara?

Answer: The word “Onguiaahra” (pronounced on-ge-a-ra) appears on maps as early as 1641. It and the later version “Ongiara” are Indian words usually interpreted as “The Strait” or “Great Throat”, although the more romantic “Thunder of Waters” is sometimes given. By the time the first white man arrived at the Falls, the name in general use was “Niagara”.



3 Days Until The Niagara Falls Marathon

Question:
Has the water flowing over the American Falls ever stopped?

Answer: Yes. In 1969, an earthen dam was built across the head of the American Rapids, de-watering the American Falls. For six months, geologists and engineers studied the rock face and the effects of erosion. It was determined that it would be too costly to remove rock at the base of the American Falls, and that nature should take its course.


4 Days Until The Niagara Falls Marathon

Question:
Who was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel?

Answer: The first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel was a 63 year old schoolteacher from Michigan, named Annie Taylor, in 1901, and she survived.


5 Days Until The Niagara Falls Marathon

Question:
What Ocean does the water from Niagara River eventually flow into?

Answer:
Water that flows over the Falls at Niagara ends up in Lake Ontario - from there, water drains by way of the St. Lawrence River into the Atlantic Ocean.


6 Days Until The Niagara Falls Marathon

Question:
How many people visit Niagara Falls annually?

Answer: Approximately 20 million people visit the Falls annually. (August 2008).

The 2012 marathon had 1043 finishers, 567 males, 476 females with a winning time of 2:26:04 and 2:51:57.

If you have not visited Niagara Falls, a visit there sure deserves to be on your bucket list.  Truly on of the natural wonders of the world.