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, Half Marathon Walk and 50K Ultra Marathon courses begin and end in Downtown Dallas and highlight the best areas of …
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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, Half Marathon Walk and 50K Ultra Marathon courses begin and end in Downtown Dallas and highlight the best areas of the city. Along the way, participants will pass through various popular neighborhoods with exciting cheer stations and on-course entertainment before finishing the race in downtown!
Other race options include a 5-person marathon relay and a 2-person half marathon relay. The concept is simple and a lot of fun: a half or full marathon relay, run by teams of runners. This race is perfect for team building or for those wishing to participate in race weekend at a shorter distance!
Saturday’s events will include a 10K, 5K, 5K Team Challenge, 5K Walk and a 100-meter dash for kids! Part of the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival, all Saturday events will start & finish in Downtown Dallas, providing great views of the city. Whether a shakeout run for Sunday or to experience the joy of participating in Marathon Weekend at a shorter distance, these events are the perfect way to start the weekend off right.
And for those looking for an extra challenge, participants can choose any combination of events across two days to complete the BMW Weekend Series! This will include the 10K, 5K, or 5K Walk on Saturday and then either the Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Walk or 50K Ultra Marathon on Sunday. Finishers of this series will receive a bonus medal and custom Asics finisher jacket! *Please note, registration for the BMW Weekend Series is limited and must be done in advance by selecting the series option during online registration.
The Dallas Marathon is a nonprofit organization with a focus on promoting health and physical fitness through running events and related activities. Established in 1971, the history of the organization encompasses tremendous growth and produces what has become Dallas’ largest and Texas’ longest running marathon, the BMW Dallas Marathon.
Running the marathon in Dallas highlights the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, entertainment districts and iconic Dallas landmarks. Hundreds of thousands of spectators join in BMW Dallas Marathon Day – the second Sunday of December – lining the streets and neighborhoods to cheer on participants in a race that is recognized as the official marathon of the City of Dallas.
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High production, great energy
Ran my fastest half marathon in this race. It was my first time running it. I will say it’s the most crowded race I’ve ever done but that’s really the … MORE
Ran my fastest half marathon in this race. It was my first time running it. I will say it’s the most crowded race I’ve ever done but that’s really the only negative. Sure there’s some hills throughout the run but nothing too discouraging. The production was the best I’ve seen for any race. It really does feel like you’re part of an event! The swag was good. The expo was fun. The post run support was top notch. I would easily run my next marathon for this one.
Large, busy race with great swag
This is my second year running BMW Dallas, but my first year running the half. I like this run because you get a lot for your money. The swag is … MORE
This is my second year running BMW Dallas, but my first year running the half. I like this run because you get a lot for your money. The swag is good, the expo has a lot of vendors, the post run goodies are great (this year we got tacos in addition to the regular post run snacks), and in addition to the half/full marathon you also get free entry to one of the fall fun runs (including a shirt) that they have throughout the metroplex prior to the race in December.
The spectators along the course are a lot of fun. It’s like running through a giant block party. The race is very large, which makes it a fun race but also makes it hard to set any records because there are so many runners and the first couple miles are pretty slow because it is crowded and hard to pass people. Also, the streets in downtown Dallas are pretty curved so it is best to try and stay towards the center of the road if possible to avoid sore joints later along the course.
The race is very organized and they do a great job of managing so many runners. However, the post run party got extremely crowded because it is such a small area. (I did not experience this when I ran the full marathon last year because the crowds had thinned by the time I finished.)
Best out of 26 marathons so far!
What a well executed race weekend. A run for everyone. I did the Friday night 1 mile, the 5k on Saturday, and the marathon on Sunday. Plenty of Porta potties … MORE
What a well executed race weekend. A run for everyone. I did the Friday night 1 mile, the 5k on Saturday, and the marathon on Sunday. Plenty of Porta potties and food at the finish lines.
Beautiful city to run through
Production was top notch. City course was beautiful even though the weather was dreary but great to see the different parts of the city. Not crazy inclines but there was … MORE
Production was top notch. City course was beautiful even though the weather was dreary but great to see the different parts of the city. Not crazy inclines but there was a stretch of steady incline for a couple of miles and I always felt I was running up vs down hill
Wonderfull experience
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!
Great race from start to finish!
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!
Love It
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.
Least fave race overall
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.
Dallas, as Glitzy as the BMW
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.
One of my favorites!
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.
Great marathon to convert to 1st ultra
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.
This race it’s getting better and better
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
Classy and Fun Full Marathon - My First!
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!!!!
It was amazing. Totally recommend it.
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.
Great Race
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.
Great Scenery - Hills
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.
Amazing Dallas race
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!!
GREAT RACE OF A BIG CITY
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
BMW Dallas Marathon 10K run!
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!
Nice local race
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