Kristin Giddens's Staging Area

This is my 4th time to participate in Dallas marathon and/or half and every time I swear I will never go back but somehow I get talked into returning. Race production and organization is some of the very best I’ve seen in 10 years of running races. Aide stations are more than sufficient in quantity however I would recommend offering pickle juice or salt at least the last 7-9 miles as people were dropping like flys with cramps. The route is a psychological whip as you spend 9 or 10 miles running around White Rock Lake, looking back at the Dallas skyline seemingly 100miles away. Also, mile 20 starts up a good size hill, mind you this is also your mile 10 mark running out so you KNOW that when you come back around you will be going UP. The first corral doesn’t start until 8:30am which feels super late especially when you are going to be running for 3-4 hours and the temps will change drastically in that time (thank you Texas weather). They did a good job on the swag as both shirts are wearable and good looking. The exit to the race/finish line is well thought out as you take a long stroll in a “safe space” around a bend with all the vendors nicely laid out, to find family and friends (after the blood has returned to your brain). Dallas – you do a lot of things right but you’re just not the course for me.

I’ve only done 4 full marathons but several more half marathons and by far the BCS is my favorite. This is my 2nd year to run the full. The course is well laid out with some neighborhoods, rolling hills (mostly in the first half), and then a tour of the A&M campus. There are water stations at EVERY mile and aid stations are almost as frequent and fully stocked. The cheer stations are legit and it’s just a great atmosphere, start to finish. The opportunity to partner with such a great cause, Mercy Project, is the icing on the cake. When you round the last corner and see faces of children who have known agony far beyond what we are experiencing in running 26 miles, it’s a memorable moment.