Back to Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon) Information & Reviews
A Runner from St. Paul, MN
(12/11/2001)
"Great course, all else so, so" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I had a great time at the marathon (I set a PR by 7 minutes) so it is hard to complain too much. The course was very nice, taking us through the nicest parts of Dallas--through beautiful neighborhoods--around a lake--and then through more beautiful neighborhoods. However, the organization, especially at the start could have been better. They started us at the new Hockey/Basketball arena but did not want us to go inside to keep warm--what would have happened had it been raining? Race packets did not include maps of the starting area or race day instructions. At the end of the race, they handed you your medal (in its plastic wrap) rather than put it around your neck. Maybe next time? Not very much fan support (I've previously run the Twin Cities, Chicago and Boston, so maybe I expect too much), but with such a fun course it didn't matter. All and all, I had a fun experience and hope the organization gets better. | |
A Runner from Corpus Christi, TX
(10/2/2001)
"a 1st timers perspective" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 2000 was my 1st. I enjoyed the course, mainly flat, with elevation from 20-23. Crowd was supportive throughout, certainly not wall to wall, but rarely any stretch without people. Only complaint, few bathroom stops, so plan accordingly. | |
A Runner from Dallas
(7/23/2001)
"Unpredictable weather can be a challenge..." (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 In Dallas this time of year. I ran the marathon in '97 when it was 40 degrees and a driving rain. The last 3 years I have run in the relay and the weather has varied from teens to 60s last year. It can be a challenge, so bring both warm and cold weather gear! Lots of aid stations, some themed and quite funny! Crowd support along the course is pretty sparse, but don't let that get you down. It's a good course for 1st timers, with only a few small hills. | |
A Runner from Uvalde, TX
(12/12/2000)
"Great place for a first timer" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ran my first half marathon as part of the two man relay. Weather perfect, cool start, warming to 60's at finish. Not a huge crowd (approx 5000?) so not overwhelmed in the crush. Great support in the residential areas, home owners providing water etc. Markers and timers at every mile. Good support at the water stops, some with music. Second half of course flat until about mile 20 then 2 mile hill (not too steep). Gentle down hill from mile 22 to finish. Will certainly go back. Host hotel let us check out by 3pm, thus allowing time for showers etc. | |
A Runner from Dallas, TX
(10/13/2000)
"Good one but ..." (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the WR marathon in 98 and 99. The weather in 98 was perfect. The temp was around mid- to upper 30s at the beginning of the race and sunny. Although it?s about the same temp in 99, it was quite windy ? about 20 mph around White Rock Lake. The course is relatively flat. Esp. around the lake from mile 10 ?19. A few rolling hills between mile 5-6 in Highland Park area and later between mile 20-21 in Lakewood area. After that it?s flat all the way to the finish line at the City Hall Plaza. Expect some detours this year. The race organizer rerouted the course and abandoned Mockingbird Ln (mile 6-9) - one of my favourite sections. Instead of running straightforward to Williamson (mile 9), runners will have to zigzag through some residential area which, in my view, is NOT the best running neighborhood. You may find significant amounts of potholes, cracking surfaces along the way. | |
A Runner from IL
(7/4/2000)
"Nice marathon" (about: 1996)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I loved this race. Smaller in stature compared to Chicago, Boston, etc. The packet pick-up was in a mall. Very small but organized and prices were great. In fact, prices in the Dallas area were great! Food, hotel, etc. The course was pretty at times, stirring when running by the JFK memorial and right where he was shot, and the White Rock Park was my favorite. I would definitely come back to this...one of my favorites. | |
Sandy from Belize/Honduras/PR this month - Louisiana is home
(5/15/2000)
"Heck of a first marathon for a former long jumper!" (about: 1997)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Why would a 53 year old former long jumper want to run a marathon? I still don't know. After running a 1:45 pace first half (2:01 actual counting pottie breaks) and the rain started, I realized all the weeks of training would have been better utilized had I started a little bit slower. Too late, Jack! After leaving White Rock Lake at mile 18 or so, the climb began until the 'real' hill at 22, and I learned a lot about myself. I'm not sure I can verbalize it, but I hope I wasn't talking out loud...had I been, I'm sure the men in white coats would've met me at the finish line 2-1/2 hours later. Anybody else been there? Haven't had a drink in 17 years, but at about 20 miles at the beer table, I was tempted. However, I just smiled and plodded on. Did the remaining miles alternating run/crawl according to the cramp schedule, and finished the last mile in 7:15 due to hearing the PA system in the distance. I'm not sure it's a good 'race' for the beginner, but it's there, and my 4:30:26 will forever be etched in memory. Torn PCL in late 1998 prevented my running much distance in 98/99, and working/running in Belize this year has spurred me on to greater dreams. Why not try something a little different....Dallas got me hooked. Now I'm training for the Comrades in South Africa...and the rubber room awaits.... |
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