Overall Rating
Overall Rating (185 Reviews)
4.6
(185 Ratings)  (185 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.1
SCENERY
4.1
PRODUCTION
4.5
SWAG
4.3
Whether you’re new to running or you’ve been running your whole life, the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival really does have a race for everyone. The BMW Dallas Marathon, Half Marathon and 50K Ultra Marathon courses begin and end in Downtown Dallas and highlight the best areas of the city. Along … MORE
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Recent reviews

    marzia.cari REPEAT RUNNER '22

    I'm italian and this is my second time participating in the Dallas Half Marathon, a beautiful setting and a perfectly organized race. The race course is simple and fascinating, allowing … MORE

    I’m italian and this is my second time participating in the Dallas Half Marathon, a beautiful setting and a perfectly organized race. The race course is simple and fascinating, allowing to every runner to fully enjoy the race. I recommend everyone to have this experience once in their life. Enjoy run!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    CodyNewberry REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Always a well organized event with lots of support along the course! The start & finish of this race help make the overall experience a lot of fun for everyone! … MORE

    Always a well organized event with lots of support along the course! The start & finish of this race help make the overall experience a lot of fun for everyone! Be sure and add some hills to your training plan because there are a few on the course. Overall, this is a really fun race and the finisher medals always have a cool look & design!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    [email protected] REPEAT RUNNER '22

    What can I say, I love this race. I'm so lucky to have such a race in my backyard. It definitely gives a big city race vibe but on a … MORE

    What can I say, I love this race. I’m so lucky to have such a race in my backyard. It definitely gives a big city race vibe but on a smaller scale. The support, and running through the neighborhoods is unforgettable. There are certain spots that are iconic , and I look forward to seeing them every year. I do wish that the expo was a bit bigger, but it is what it is. It’s such a small part of the whole experience that it’s not a deal breaker for me.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    huakh REPEAT RUNNER '22

    I realize I can't compare BMW Dallas race against Boston or Houston, but it's not even close to comparison with OKC Run to Remember, which pleasantly surprised me with its … MORE

    I realize I can’t compare BMW Dallas race against Boston or Houston, but it’s not even close to comparison with OKC Run to Remember, which pleasantly surprised me with its fantastic organization, race course scenery, expo swag and email communication leading up to race weekend.

    My pet peeve with this race is the guaranteed start in Corral A with purchasing a runners lounge pass. I can agree to other benefits of runners lounge, but starting in corral A should be for time qualified runners as it’s a safety issue with slow runners/walkers 2-3 abreast blocking faster runners who have been training for months to PR’s or BQ. One year I was seeded in Corral B even though I averaged 8 min mile half marathon races. I came upon a wall of walkers from Corral A at mile 2 and then spent next 5 miles weaving around slow runners until I was in the clear on Greenville. Dallas should use same mullet haircut philosophy as my local races: business in the front and party in the back. Again for me it’s a safety issue as I had almost taken down a slower runner in front of me because I clipped his heel on Turtle Creek.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    2
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    2

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    bayatxrunner REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Dallas is a very unique Race. You share the course with half marathoners, ultra marathoners, and relay teams, which makes for and interesting and difficult experience for determining pace. Running … MORE

    Dallas is a very unique Race. You share the course with half marathoners, ultra marathoners, and relay teams, which makes for and interesting and difficult experience for determining pace. Running through Uptown Dallas along Turtle Creek into Highland Park is a blast, but when the half and full split, the full goes around White Rock Lake, where the Crowds die down and it feels like you are in the middle of a Scenic Sunday Long Run, and it can be a mental battle to continue to push through. Going out of White Rock Lake, go back up the hill you came, seems to take a piece out of you. The course takes you through some nice neighborhoods in Dallas with beautiful homes. It is more hilly than people realize, especially considering Dallas is where the Great Plaines begin, but does provide a more interesting course experience, and chances to pick up speed on down hills. Crowd support good outside of White Rock Lake area. One gripe I have about how the event is executed is that the course only has a display clock at the half, not at every mile or every 5 kilometers like other races, which makes pacing difficult if you don’t have a watch. One thing about the finish line, the Relay teams like to reunited and cross the finish line together. There is a good strech for a sprint and it is a blast to complete the race and you can watch yourself on a big video board cross the finish

    BMW sponsorship makes this event special, with BMWs lining the finish line, and BMW producing a pump up video to begin the race to get everyone’s engine revving. Swag having BMW logos is nice. Finish Line Festival is a great experience with great post race area to celebrate and get photos, even with some nice BMWs.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    runnerdustin REPEAT RUNNER '22

    This is my second year (in a row) participating in the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival. This year, I did the half marathon course. The course itself is a lot of … MORE

    This is my second year (in a row) participating in the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival. This year, I did the half marathon course.

    The course itself is a lot of fun which is why I did this one again. Out of the corrals in downtown Dallas can be a bit frustrating because there are a lot of runners and the streets are a bit more narrow. It took me the first two miles to get to a spot where I found a comfortable pace.

    I love this course for the people! When you get into the Highland Park neighborhood, the residence there are amazing motivators to keep you going! Donuts, shots, candy, hot chocolate, they do not disappoint! Overall the run is through very pretty areas of town up until about mile 11.

    The Swag! That was the other reason I’ve done this race twice now. For the money, you get more swag than any other race I’ve been a part of. They offer a fall fun run that you can participate in as part of your training that is incorporated in several areas around town. I’ve done the Grapevine run twice and it was a great experience both times.

    The finishers area has some great food options to refuel post race and is a great area to reconnect with friends and family.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    aruddell FIRST-TIMER '22

    This seemed to be a quiet little marathon, because anywhere I went, I hardly saw any runners until race morning at the start line. As far as merch, there was … MORE

    This seemed to be a quiet little marathon, because anywhere I went, I hardly saw any runners until race morning at the start line. As far as merch, there was no ultramarathon merch, which was kind of a bummer because that was probably my first and only ultra. It wasn’t very hyped up but still glad I did it.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    1

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    brasilera1900 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    From the start to the moment I finish ; had an incredible experience; everyone was very helpful; easy to find the location ; - so much support ; love the … MORE

    From the start to the moment I finish ; had an incredible experience; everyone was very helpful; easy to find the location ; – so much support ; love the atmosphere ; incredible support from our community; overall very well organized

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    katyrobe18 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Selected the Dallas BMW Marathon as my first marathon because I wanted the classy swag - little did I know that the entire race experience would be classy as well!! … MORE

    Selected the Dallas BMW Marathon as my first marathon because I wanted the classy swag – little did I know that the entire race experience would be classy as well!! Loved the entire experience!! Very well organized race!! The Expo was great, the actual pre-race corrals did not feel chaotic despite multiple thousand half, full, and ultra participants. I loved the course – running through Dallas neighborhoods and landmarks decorated for Christmas was a dream! Water stops were very well staffed. Volunteers were fantastic!!! Some describe this course as rolling hills – but it still felt fairly flat to me. With 3,000 other full marathoners, I was never alone on the course.
    Perhaps the reason I want to shout this race’s praises from the rooftops:::: I was a little out of it after I finished and grabbed a Men’s Marathon Finisher shirt. I didn’t realize it until I was home! I contacted runDallas, knowing it was a long shot – and they responded that they would mail me a Women’s Marathon Finisher Shirt!!!!!! And they did!!! I received it 3 days after they mailed it!!!! This made my Christmas 2022 – was really all I wanted for Christmas LOL!!!! I signed up for the Dallas BMW Marathon because I wanted the sweet swag as I mentioned above, but that desire was only increased after finishing the race because it will remind me of the experience. As I type this review, I am 9 days post-marathon and still on such a high. Have worn the beautiful medallion for several days now :). Thank you runDallas for the wonderful experience!!!!! I am so glad I chose this as my first marathon!!!! Highly, highly recommend!!!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    cynthiaurteaga FIRST-TIMER '22

    I had a great experience at the BMW Dallas Marathon. It was very well organized. The music and the public were organized. The scenes when running were very nice and … MORE

    I had a great experience at the BMW Dallas Marathon. It was very well organized. The music and the public were organized. The scenes when running were very nice and it was motivating to see some houses decorated for Christmas. The rest stations were organized. For next year more restrooms should be available. Overall it was a good race for me. The weather was really nice too.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    [email protected] REPEAT RUNNER '22

    BMW Dallas Marathon is a great race. I have been running this race since 2015. I have ran 10k (1), half (3), full (1), and relay (2). The energy is … MORE

    BMW Dallas Marathon is a great race. I have been running this race since 2015. I have ran 10k (1), half (3), full (1), and relay (2). The energy is always high on race day. The sights are awesome along the route. I love the complimentary BMW Fall Fun Run that comes your registration.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    etbaseball10 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Great scenery and fan support. Big hill at mile 20 that took everything out of me. Overall, a great race / course. It was my first marathon. MORE

    Great scenery and fan support. Big hill at mile 20 that took everything out of me. Overall, a great race / course. It was my first marathon.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    pchandoo REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Very good race for Dallas especially during this weather. The start is awesome, I love how each wave has the same excitement. Love the spectators along the way, all of … MORE

    Very good race for Dallas especially during this weather. The start is awesome, I love how each wave has the same excitement. Love the spectators along the way, all of the positive signs, very inspiring!!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    JSANTIAGOAXTEL REPEAT RUNNER '22

    When you run the Dallas marathon you think of the city of sports, the city of my cowboys, its amusement parks, shopping, food and its people. The race started and … MORE

    When you run the Dallas marathon you think of the city of sports, the city of my cowboys, its amusement parks, shopping, food and its people.
    The race started and ended at Dallas City Hall Plaza, going through East Dallas, all the way around White Rock Lake, and back to downtown
    Its people cheering from the streets, the Texan music putting rhythm to my legs, and breathing the air of the city with each step, is incomparable!!
    Reaching the finish line, the festivity and the great organization responsible for BMW make me come back the following year. see you 2023 BMW DALLAS

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    dmorante REPEAT RUNNER '22

    A memorable weekend to participate in the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival for the Scottish Rite Foundation. 🙂 So much fun to experience it!! Provide me with opportunities to reach new … MORE

    A memorable weekend to participate in the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival for the Scottish Rite Foundation. 🙂 So much fun to experience it!!
    Provide me with opportunities to reach new limits and gain new experiences!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    softball350 FIRST-TIMER '22

    This race was well run and had plenty of water stations. The 9 miles around White Rock Lake are beautiful, but the hill at mile 20 is a killer, but … MORE

    This race was well run and had plenty of water stations. The 9 miles around White Rock Lake are beautiful, but the hill at mile 20 is a killer, but it is practically the only incline . I did not PR, but I felt the best after this marathon

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5
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    liz_patterson REPEAT RUNNER '22

    The BMW Dallas Marathon was my first official race in 2018 and I've ran it each year except 2019. The race course is filled with cheering spectators and hydration stations … MORE

    The BMW Dallas Marathon was my first official race in 2018 and I’ve ran it each year except 2019. The race course is filled with cheering spectators and hydration stations aplenty, this year was my first full in person marathon and I couldn’t have picked a better race to cross that finish line as a marathoner!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Mark_Ausburne FIRST-TIMER '22

    This is a great race. Great support all along the course. Great scenery throughout the whole race. Definitely should be on your bucket list. MORE

    This is a great race. Great support all along the course. Great scenery throughout the whole race. Definitely should be on your bucket list.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    meganspurr REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Bummer to see support/aid stations being taken down by volunteers along the course. Best practice is to support all runners, even back of the pack. It’s demotivating to see this … MORE

    Bummer to see support/aid stations being taken down by volunteers along the course. Best practice is to support all runners, even back of the pack. It’s demotivating to see this happen. The race field isn’t massive, so please ask the staff/volunteers to support everyone.

    Expo seemed very small this year. There used to be an overwhelming number of vendors and it’s really dwindled. Wonder what’s going on?

    Also – missed the Biofreeze station around mile 18 this year. Hope they come back next year.

    I will continue to run it because it’s “home” and I know the course well but it doesn’t compare to the excitement and support of races in similarly sized cities.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    gideonluck FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was a great race for my first marathon. The hills in the second half provided a significant challenge. The race was well organized and the swag was as good … MORE

    This was a great race for my first marathon. The hills in the second half provided a significant challenge. The race was well organized and the swag was as good as I’ve seen for other races I’ve participated in.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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