Big D Texas Marathon & Half Marathon
Dallas, TX
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
EVENT DISCONTINUED. From race website: Mellew Productions – the producer of Big D is closed for business. The future productions of our events by others is under consideration. —– Big D – The name says it all! This is your opportunity to run one of the most scenic courses in … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Mar 18):
| 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| H (°F) | 65 | 82 | 65 | 69 | 82 |
| L (°F) | 50 | 64 | 55 | 58 | 49 |
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It's Big D Time in Texas
I am a repeat runner of this event. I ran it a couple of years ago and have run several events with this organizer. I ran this one again because … MORE
I am a repeat runner of this event. I ran it a couple of years ago and have run several events with this organizer. I ran this one again because I was looking for a run and I have completed their Four Seasons Challenge and now only pay $50 for half marathons so it is kind of a deal.
So they offer early packet pickup at several of the Academy Sporting Good stores in the area as well as race day pickup. This year I opted for race day. Easy pickup that morning. You get a tech shirt and a bib, pretty basic.
The race is held at Fair Park, the site of the State Fair of Texas. lots of old historic buildings and museums. Lots of free parking as long as you are there before 8:00 AM. They also have use of a building so you can sit inside before and after the run in case of weather issues (which has been the case for both times I ran this event). Pre race, plenty of restroom facilities inside and outside. There are a couple vendors set up inside giving away stuff and soliciting. This year it seemed smaller than the previous year.
We had some weather issues this year. Thunderstorms were in the area. Most other events held the same day cancelled due to the storms (Irving Marathon & Disco 5/10/15K are the two that I know). We had a weather hold for forty-five minute then the Dallas Police gave us the okay to run the half marathon, the full marathon with this event was cancelled and the full runners were allowed to run the half. It was stressed by the organizer that we were going to run and it was at your own risk due to storms. We started with a light drizzle and for me it stayed that way till at about mile 9 when it started raining and a few cracks of thunder and lightning made an appearance. But the organizer cant do anything about the weather and I know the risks.
So the course, it was mostly flat with a few small inclines that were really nothing but big enough to wake up your legs and get your heart rate up. You started in Fair Park and ran thru the local neighborhood then to the White Rock Lake Trail where most of the race was run until we returned to Fair Park. On course support was great. A water stop was located about every 1.75 miles, several police blocking streets as well as EMT stationed along the route. Not much in the way of spectator support (but it was raining). The finish area was nice as the Texas Star Ferris Wheel was in the back ground of event photos (along with the rain). Once you finish you went back into the building where they had a few snacks, water, and sports drink. A finisher medal was given to all finishers.
So this is a decent run, have run it twice and if I don’t have another option that is calling my name, I will do it again. As far as the weather, well they cant do anything about it and I was happy to be able to run. I know a lot have complained on social media about the run proceeding in the rain but we all wanted to run and know the risks. I am happy that after getting up early, driving 45 minutes to the event and then having a window to be able to run.
Well organized. So-so Scenery.
The organizers do a great job as usual, but this is one of my least favorite runs that they put on. The scenery is just OK. I would say the … MORE
The organizers do a great job as usual, but this is one of my least favorite runs that they put on. The scenery is just OK. I would say the best part is the quarter mile stretch along White Rock Lake. There are long straightaways that may seem daunting for those like me who prrfer winding routes.
nice view of lake nice trails
Since this also a Full marathon the water stations toward end of race tend to be understaffed. And there can be a wait for water, also since race splits around … MORE
Since this also a
Full marathon the water stations toward end of race tend to be understaffed. And there can be a wait for water, also since race splits around mile 7 it is important to see the half marathon turn around sign
Flat course nice scenery
We had trouble getting to our corral and actually ended up at very back of race to start. So had to weed through a lot of folks. Not sure how … MORE
We had trouble getting to our corral and actually ended up at very back of race to start. So had to weed through a lot of folks. Not sure how were supposed to get to correct starting position as fence was up entire way to start. Liked race but like Cowtown better.
Big D Great Run
Another Mellew Run and another in the Four Seasons Challenge Multiple Pre Race Packet pickup sites. LOTS of event parking. Race starts and ends in Fair Park where the State … MORE
Another Mellew Run and another in the Four Seasons Challenge
Multiple Pre Race Packet pickup sites.
LOTS of event parking.
Race starts and ends in Fair Park where the State Fair of Texas is held every September.
Pre-Race – room indoor to get out of the weather (it was raining).
Course – Great course mix of fast flat, inclines, and hills (I am told the took out some of the hills now).
Course runs through Fair Park, through an older neighborhood, by White Rock Lake, and back to Fair Park.
Swag – tech shirt, finisher medal.
Post Race – a few vendors handing out samples, great post race food for runners only (must have a bib to get in food line).
They also had showers available.
This run is a great small run. The also offer a full marathon distance.