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Nov 15, 2024

Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) Runner Comments

Back to Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 3.9

Spectators 4.2

Number of comments: 338 [displaying comments 141 to 151]

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K. R. from Fort Smith, Arkansas (12/15/2008) "Great for first-time runners!!!" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the half. This was a really easy run; Dallas is a whole lot flatter than where I had been running. Also, I thought it was really cute how there were little kids standing in there front yards handing out candy and doughnuts and cheering for you. The last three miles were super straight and easy. Encourage your friends to be at the last three miles because there were not a lot of people in that area cheering. It was a really fun time and I will do this race again.
c. r. from fort worth, texas (12/15/2008) "too windy" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 4th in 8 weeks, and my 9th DWM, so I knew the course well. Plenty of fluids and porta-johns. Too many runners didn't get in their correct corrals, which slowed the pace of the start; then, by the time I could get into a natural stride, the wind started to take its toll. From mile 20, it was just a matter of finishing. There was no food as in past years. What's up with that? It wasn't my worst and it wasn't my best, but it was my 44th marathon.
M. A. from Atlanta, GA (12/15/2008) "Full and Half each have own finish line! Fabulous!" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 No one's fault, but wow, high winds and some humidity thrown in: not the day for a PR, which is what I flew to Dallas hoping for. However, despite the fact I didn't hit my time goal, White Rock puts on a good time! I stayed at the Hyatt at Reunion, the host hotel. They were absolutely wonderful! All of the staff was wearing White Rock shirts, and they had shuttles to both the expo and the race that ran as often as one could wish! They said every 15 minutes, but I think it was even more frequently! Check-out on race day was extended until 4 p.m., and they had massage therapists offering $30/30 min massages after the race in the ballroom downstairs. I showered, went downstairs, got my massage, and headed to the airport - it was perfect! As for the expo, t-shirt and bib pickup was smooth as could be! The volunteers cheered every time they handed out a first-timer marathon bib - that was cool! The pre-race pasta dinner - also at the Hyatt - rocked! Wonderful food, and a ton more than I expected for the price. It was very well worth it! The race day weather just didn't cooperate. Nothing can be done about that, and given the conditions, there were tons of spectators, and good aid stations! I ran the half and the out-and-back on mile 7/8 REALLY needs a chip mat at the turn around. I was so tempted to cut the course - I want a chip mat to record my honesty at the end of that turnaround. The finish down the KATY trail was nifty - and what was really slick - the half-ers got to finish on our own, and the fulls did too! The finisher's medal is the best I've ever gotten (after 3 fulls and 4 halves)! The ribbon has the race name on it and it's gold and so pretty! Love it! Volunteer put it around my neck, gave me my space blanket, and THEN! A TECHNICAL FINISHER'S SHIRT! For a half-marathon!? I thought you only got an extra shirt for the full - I had no clue it was coming - but that was super cool! And it's cute too - says, "Dallas Rocks" on the front and "Finisher" on the back. Very nice touch. The runners' food court was outside right past the finish line - there were lines, but what do you expect with 17,000 runners!? Got in, got my food, and got out easily, and then went over to watch the full finishers come in. This was really nice - all of the fulls got to come in on their own and have folks cheer for them - and the ones kicking it for their 3:10 Boston times didn't need to zigzag around half marathoners. They had a clear view of the clock and the chip mat, and we all cheered for them. The American Airlines Center had beer and water - the stairs really weren't that bad.... Elevators were available if you wanted them so no one had to do the stairs! Though, come on people, you have got to keep moving after the run, or you'll be sore tomorrow. It's not like you're running bleachers! Plus, it was warm inside, and there was a great band and beer! They were also posting results as they came in! Also, the chairs were open, so if you wanted to sit somewhere comfier than the ground, there you go! I really liked having it open before and after the race - nice, warm, clean place to congregate and stretch. I saw in previous years that there were comments about metal detectors; this year the didn't make us go through them, so no problems going in and out! Overall, well executed!
D. T. from Tulsa, OK (12/15/2008) "Great marathon but really windy" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my 6th marathon and first DWR. I thoroughly enjoyed the event from start to finish. The expo was typical as I expected. The marathon itself was great. I enjoyed the different parts of the course, and the lake was nice until the backside when the south wind howled at us all the way back. My time was around 15 minutes slower than my goal and I can mostly attribute it to the wind. (That's my excuse, anyway.) I have always heard about the Dolly Parton's but found that they really weren't that bad. The crowd support was amazing and the volunteers were great. The finish area wasn't congested until you left there and tried to find family members. All in all, I had a great time and it's probably my favorite course thus far.
A. M. from Arkasnsas (12/15/2008) "Half-marathon could use many improvements" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I did this half marathon in 2005 and loved it. I went back for the half this year, and although there were parts I enjoyed, there is DEFINITELY room to improve. Pros: (1) Really nice expo for a medium-size race (2) Technical finisher's shirt for the half racers!!! (3) Great course and good course support at the aid stations (4) Liked the new disposable timing system Cons: (1) Confusing starting line area that wasn't well marked. I asked at least ten people where the starting line was and no one seemed to know. I finally found it by accident. (2) Lack of port-a-potties at the start, there were some on the north side of AA Center (the start was on the south) and you could use the ones in the center, but they were BEYOND crowded. I couldn't even get IN the center it was so crowded. There needs to be portable toilets that are accessible near the start and MORE OF THEM. I stood in line for one for 45 minutes and ended up not going before the start. (3) Whoever designed the finish for the halfers needs to go back to the drawing board. I finished, was handed a medal and a shirt, and I asked for a cup of water. The volunteers just gave me blank looks, like they had no idea where the water was. Come to find out, the water/food was OUTSIDE of the runners' chute, so you had to walk out of the finish area into a huge crowd of runners/spectators all gathering at the opening, and there was one little table set up (which took me fifteen minutes to find) with some paper cups and a couple of jugs of water. Huh? Never saw the free beer that was advertised. I find it is usually best to have the finish line area with food/water fenced off only for the runners as they go through the finish they are lead through that area and can pick up what they need. Simplify things! (4) The start/finish all seemed way too congested, like the organizers were trying to fit too many people on streets that were too narrow. The finish especially was congested. (5) The weather (nothing the organizers could do about that) - it was unseasonably warm, humid, and there was 25-30 mph headwinds. Whew!
W. G. from California (5/24/2008) "One of the best marathons I've run" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first time running the Dallas Marathon, but my 25th overall marathon. Unlike comments from some first-timers with unrealistic expectations, I know what to expect from a race that's 26.2 miles long. There were a lot of people at the start, both runners and spectators. There was also a lot of excitement at the start and along the course. The aid stations were great, and the volunteers were very supportive. I saw about 15 bands along the course, and heard music at each aid station. Most of the aid stations had some sort of theme. Although the weather was less than ideal for spectators, the course had a fair number of people out watching the race. I heard that spectators and maybe some bands had left towards the later hours of the race, but I understand that after standing outside and watching the leaders and main pack going by, the slower runners may be a bit boring to watch. There were a lot of people out watching in downtown Dallas before we got to the finish line. The finish line provided me a heat sheet, removed my chip, and gave me my finisher's medallion and bottled water with no problems. I also received a cap for finishing. We were directed into the American Airlines Center (nice and warm, with clean bathrooms). I didn't feel like walking down the stairs, so I took the elevator (duh!). There was food, drink and entertainment inside. They started running low on food as I was leaving about an hour later, but I saw a number of runners taking food with them. I will do this race again, as it was one of the best marathons I have traveled to. We stayed in the Hyatt and were close to everything downtown. I like these big-city races and the excitement of running with 10,000+ other runners.
Tom Marek from Round Rock, TX (5/12/2008) "It didn't live up to all the hype..." (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I'm not sure why there are all of these glowing reviews. My experience in no way matched my expectation. Taking the weather out of the equation, the course was fine and the neighborhoods were beautiful. The expo was as expected for this size race but my first negative was going to the Academy booth to get my technical shirt only to be told they gave them all away by 11 a.m. Granted, not the fault of the race, but a negative still. Compared to other events (7 half marathons) this was a lonely race. Only a few of the promised bands showed up, and other than at the aid stations, spectators were comparatively few. The finish line was lacking. No water, no space blanket, no technical finisher's shirt... nothing except for the medal that I had to ask for. For post-race activities, who thought it would be a good idea to make runners walk down stairs for a cup of cold noodles and no water? Then we were hustled out because they were picking up tables at 5.5 hours after the start with runners still on the course. And let's not forget the walk back up the stairs! Walking to the bus, I saw a guy with a marathon hat. He told me you had to get them out of a box near the finish line near the water bottles. What water bottles? This was not what I expected for my first marathon. For those that think this was fun, take a road trip and attend one of the Rock and Roll events put on by Elite Racing. This group knows how to organize a race and make it feel like a huge party. I will not run The Rock again until management gets their act together. My sights are now on the Rock and Roll San Antonio Marathon to replace Dallas.
S. C. from DALLAS,TX (3/17/2008) "GREAT RACE" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Dallas White Rock Marathon is the best. The volunteers really help you to finish the race.
Gretchen Verhaalen from Salem, WI (1/28/2008) "Great race, great fans, BAD post-race party!!" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The course was great. Beautiful neighborhoods, beautiful lake, and no real hills to speak of. The dreaded Dolly Parton Hills are not bad - Paavo Nurmi, now THAT'S hilly! The fans were fantastic, as were the many water stops. We never wanted for water, Gatorade, or small snacks. Many fans set up their own "aid" stations. I loved the hat, and the medal was nice. The post party was AWFUL! I know I'm slow, but I couldn't believe it when I hobbled down 5 flights of stairs to find ALL the food was gone (except the dregs of the pasta salad and a few oranges). I mean not even one lousy banana or bagel was in sight! So I had to hobble back up the 5 flights of stairs to try and find my family, who were told they couldn't go into the AA Center. Kind of a bummer for 4 kids to wait around for 4+ hours to see their mom finish then not be able to find her. With all those great fans, what a bad deal that they can't mingle with the finishers. Have the party outside! And maybe start the 1/2 a lot later so they don't finish and scarf up all the food before the marathoners get there. All in all, a fun, fast race. I'd do it again if I'm in TX in December. Next stop: Green Bay!! Pros: Great course and race organization. Cons: No food for the slower racers; no family meeting area.
S. S. from Ft. Collins, Colorado (1/23/2008) "Big Props for Big D" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Race morning was a cold, windy, and rainy day. Just the day before the temperature was 70, and it was humid. Sunday it was 45 and ominous. Better temperature at least. The Hyatt had shuttle buses transporting people the mile to the starting area, but we decide to hoof it down there on foot. My race bib is personalized with my name in capital letters. Nice touch! The race starts and finishes at a place downtown called Victory Park. It's some sort of upscale urban renaissance area. It's nice, but very crowded and chaotic. The lines to get into the sports arena bathrooms were massive, but moved quickly. We had to go through a metal detector and past security to get in. We made our way to the entrance of the starting line area. I got pretty close to my 3:30 balloons but I couldn't squeeze my way up all the way to them. It was really crowded in there, which was actually kind of nice since it helped keep me warm. Someone was singing the national anthem over the PA system so I knew the moment is near. Then it started. I crossed the actual starting line about one minute after the race started, and I started my watch. As the race finally began, it was still very crowded and I couldn't run my normal pace. At mile 2, we reached the first aid station. Tables containing water and high endurance-formula Gatorade. There would be one of these every two miles or so. It was still very crowded at mile 2. The runners got clotted up as runners slowed down to grab cups of water. To avoid the mess, I got behind the aid station and ran on the sidewalk. They had pretty good crowd support. There were several live bands playing for the runners as well. Around this point I saw a garage band literally playing in the garage of a house, which was an amusing touch. Later on I would see an African drumming ensemble. Around mile 10 I reached the lake. There was still no rain yet, but a rather stiff breeze was coming out of the North, which was tough. The course around the lake went by some of the nicest, ritziest houses I'd ever seen. Dallas is a nice city and clearly has some money, and the course certainly shows that off. I'm sure the city has some rotten neighborhoods as well, but we mainly steered clear of those bits. Fast-forward to mile 19; apparently mile 19 is the place to watch the Dallas Marathon. There was a rocking band, people drinking beer and offering us the same, and Hooters girls passing out water and Gatorade. After mile 19, I made an attempt at the Dolly Parton Hills, which separate me from the long, slow descent to the finish starting at mile 21. Near the top of the first hill, spectators have set up an impromptu aid station. As I approached I realized that it was staffed entirely by dudes dressed in drag, sporting rather generous, uh, attachments in honor of the hills' namesake. Brilliant! After the 21 mile-mark, the course turned onto Swiss, a tree-lined parkway that trended gently downhill. There was a gentleman carrying a platter with bananas, cut up candy bars, and orange slices. I made a feeble grab at candy, and spilled several bits on to the ground whilst getting nothing attached to my hand. "Sorry," I said, as I kept moving. After mile 23, the course flattened out. I redoubled my efforts, as the course left Swiss and wound through an industrial wasteland boarding downtown proper. Here the course also hooked up with the half marathoners. This added a lot of chaos to the last two miles of the run. Simply put, there were loads of them, and they're SLOW. No disrespect, but I was trying to finish my race, so if you wouldn't mind not clogging up the entire street, that'd be great. Thanks! We made a final turn on to Houston Street. There was the finish line, in sight. Spectators lined both sides of the street. They cheered a little, not going crazy though. Didn't they know I was setting a personal record? Come on, folks! With my left hand in the air I crossed the finish line, and then stopped my watch and looked. 3:25:26. About 5 minutes off my previous best. I had finally broken 3:30. I start to get cold very quickly; the temperature was still in the 40s. I untied my warm-up shirt from my waist and put it on and I grabbed one of those space-blanket Kevlar sheets and wrapped it loosely around my shoulders. I walk further back where the finisher's medals were all piled up on tables, wrapped up in little plastic bags. All the marathons I've been to have volunteers the will put the medal around your neck. It's a nice bit of tradition, if nothing else. I heard that in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. a real-live marine does it. In Dallas they point you to a long table and instruct you to take one, lovingly wrapped in a plastic bag. Not much for tradition in big D, I suppose. No matter; I'm capable of putting a medal around my neck. I did it. MEEEEEE. As marathon finisher medals go, Dallas has a good one. It's the only marathon medal I own that displays the race name on the band. The medal is about average-sized, and has a fanciful relief of the Dallas skyline, wreathed by a victorious circle of olive leaves. In the center of the medal is displayed the year (2007), and the full formal name of the marathon: Dallas White Rock Marathon. Next item of business: refreshment. I spied a vast supply of bottled water, and grabbed one to drink. I never did end up going back into the area for the post-race party. I just went directly back to the Hyatt. Very good race, all in all.

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