Back to Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) Information & Reviews
M. M. from Kentucky, USA
(1/1/2004)
"A GREAT First Marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 After much research, I selected White Rock for my first attempt at a marathon, and couldn't be more happy that I did. The weather was perfect, a great (mostly flat) course, and despite some of the other comments, I never went more than a couple of hundred yards without being cheered on or entertained by the live bands. The stations were easy to navigate and never too far apart. If I had to offer one criticism, it would be the pre-race organization. The (completely unnecessary) security check made it very slow going to get in and out of the arena. Finally, it was kind of a guess where to go when lining up for the start. The chip timing makes it less significant, but it was a little stressful as a first timer not to know if I was in the right place. EXCELLENT RACE! | |
G. T. from Austin, TX
(12/26/2003)
"Fast One" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 My 7th marathon, including Houston and Chicago -- I honestly think this might be the fastest one (my PR by 4 minutes). The last 5 miles are slight downhill the whole way, which is a great way to finish. Organization kinda sucks, especially the bag dropoff, and having to walk down the stairs for finisher's food. Spectators are pretty sparse. But it's a faaaaast course. Highly recommended for a BQ. | |
C. T. from Dallas, TX
(12/22/2003)
"I will never do this one again" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The good stuff: the flyover at the beginning was great, the water stops were well stocked and the volunteers were great. The bad stuff: the organization at the start was non-existent, the expo was a nightmare (small, laid-out poorly, a handful of vendors were horribly rude - mostly to the volunteers generous with their time to staff the event), there were NO spectators the first 6 miles of the race other than a couple of folks here and there and they didn't clap, cheer, smile, anything. The course was nice. The hills were minimal and the scenery was good, though it would've been much better had there been the crowds there that are usually out for this race. I've run the relays for this race in the past and the crowd support was great. However, it never could compare to the crowds in Chicago, New York, DC or Portland. The crowd was even bigger and more boisterous in Dublin a few years ago in really crummy weather. I hope the new organizers work out some of the kinks with the expo next year and I hope they order enough medals (they ran out of medals for the folks running the half marathon). If they really want to make this a premier marathon and draw folks from all over the country, the organizers have some serious work ahead of them. | |
K. S. from Wichita, KS
(12/19/2003)
"Best Experience Of My Life" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Running in the Dallas White Rock Marathon was one of the best experiences of my life. This was my first marathon and I really enjoyed every minute of it. I think it is a great idea to give ?first-timers? a different bib color, so that spectators know that this is their first marathon. I received so much crowd support, it was truly unbelievable! I not only completed this marathon but I even qualified for the Boston Marathon! Thanks so much and keep of the great work! I will definitely try and run this one again next year! | |
J. F. from Tulsa, Oklahoma
(12/18/2003)
"1st-timer is satisfied" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 It was everything I anticipated and I came in below my 4:00 goal. The flyover at the end of the National Anthem was something I will never forget and it sent a vibe through the crowd that got everyone ready to run. The hills are very manageable, just be ready for miles 19-21. The crowd was great, but somewhat sparse towards the very end when you come back into downtown. Many, though, seemed to recognize the 1st-timer bib and direct their encouragement which was very nice. I would not hesitate to do this run again. | |
L. W. from Birmingham, Alabama
(12/17/2003)
"Great Event" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 5th marathon and, behind the Country Music Marathon, the best one I've run. Relatively flat course, great support along the way (nice job getting the Hooters crew to man a mile!), a great T-shirt (2 actually) and a nice medal. I didn't have the energy to attend the post-race party but I hear it's topnotch. I'll definitely make this an annual event. | |
G. M. from Seattle
(12/16/2003)
"Some growing pains, but overall a great event" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Perfect weather with a hint of morning frost and light winds. Having done 18 marathons, this is by far and away the most enthusiastic and well attended spectator support I've witnessed. A vocal crowd at every street corner and numerous bands playing on front lawns as the race was mostly through older and stately residential areas. Even a hairy-legged Dolly to urge us up the famous Parton Hills. Quite crowded at the start but not everwhelming as the chip system insures no rush to get going. I was able to run at my desired pace from the start, but any bigger and this race is going to have to stagger starting times, like sending the half marathoners off earlier. Good pre-run pasta feed and a good post-race beer and pasta refueling on the floor of the AA Center to finish things off. The aid stations were well organized and frequent with many great attendants insuring absolutely no runner crowding. Scottish Rite Hospital is a very worthy beneficiary of this race. Do it!! | |
S. B. from Kemah, TX
(12/15/2003)
"Great race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great race. The crowd support was fantastic, great bands on the course, police support was great, course was great. Post-race food (beer, chili, pasta, beer) was great!! I highly recommend the race. | |
Edward Pine from Fort Worth, Texas
(12/15/2003)
"The White Rock was Great!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My previous two marathons were in San Francisco and Chicago. This was organized as well as Chicago and just as fun. It was nice to run a great marathon so close to home and not have the expense of flying and hotel. Great start with the fighter jet fly-by and fireworks. Great crowds for all except miles 24-25. People from Fort Worth do not easily compliment their eastern neighbor, so please take these compliments very seriously. | |
N. P. from Austin, TX
(12/15/2003)
"Good, well organized marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Course had a few hills but overall was relatively flat and fast. There was some wind blowing off of White Rock Lake, which is the major body of water that runners run around. I was impressed with the fireworks and Air Force jets that flew over the runners prior to the race beginning. Water stations were adequately stocked and were well-placed. Overall I would give this marathon a 'thumbs up.' |
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