Meet us at the starting line for the Silo District Marathon weekend in Waco, Texas! We’ve got a race for everyone, including our USATF-certified, Boston Marathon qualifying marathon. Whether your goal is to raise awareness for a cause, take the next step of a fitness journey, or to test your …
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Meet us at the starting line for the Silo District Marathon weekend in Waco, Texas! We’ve got a race for everyone, including our USATF-certified, Boston Marathon qualifying marathon. Whether your goal is to raise awareness for a cause, take the next step of a fitness journey, or to test your own limits, you’ve come to the right race.
The Silo District Marathon is an annual 5k, Half Marathon, and Marathon race hosted by Magnolia and held in Waco, Texas. Initially started in honor of Chip’s first marathon goal and heart for the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, this USATF certified race is a Boston Marathon qualifier, and is sure to challenge all participants. Race net profits will be directed to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation in support of rare cancer research and benefit cancer patients treated at the Baylor Scott & White McClinton Cancer Center in Waco.
This year’s course takes you down historic Austin Avenue, maintaining a flat elevation throughout the race. You’ll be cheered on by four different fan zones to help you finish strong.
Saturday: 5K + Kid’s Fun Run
Sunday: Half and Full Marathon
The Challenge: Run the 5K on Saturday and either the half or full marathon on Sunday. As a bonus, you’ll receive an exclusive long sleeve, dri-fit shirt.
Race Highlights:
– Live music and entertainment along the routes to keep you motivated
– Kickoff at the Silos
– Water and refuel stations throughout all courses
All runners receive:
– Finisher medal
– Participant T-shirt
– Post-race refreshment
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Hot and Hilly
This race as billed as "flat and fast" but it was "hot and hilly." It was SO HUMID the day I did the race. I could feel oppressive humidity at … MORE
This race as billed as “flat and fast” but it was “hot and hilly.” It was SO HUMID the day I did the race. I could feel oppressive humidity at 4:30 in the morning and it just got worse. The course was NOT flat. Very hilly throughout, and has an uphill finish. It should have been a pretty course (along the river) but the runners were in the road so we couldn’t even see the river. The aid station waters weren’t always working either.
That said, I love Magnolia and think it’s cool they do a race. They need help making it a better production though. It should be more of a party at the finish and they need more pre-race communication. The shirt and bag were cool. I thought the medal was plain.
A lot of effort by Silo staff.
Very professionally run. It’s the best run I have attended. Volunteer staff is knowledgeable and helpful at every turn. Not difficult terrain, longer distances are more scenic. 5k stays close … MORE
Very professionally run. It’s the best run I have attended. Volunteer staff is knowledgeable and helpful at every turn. Not difficult terrain, longer distances are more scenic. 5k stays close to town.
So cool for kids
Chip and Joanna make this a great experience for kids! The kids get treated like the main runners after finishing...they get chocolate milk and their goody bag, plus a really … MORE
Chip and Joanna make this a great experience for kids! The kids get treated like the main runners after finishing…they get chocolate milk and their goody bag, plus a really awesome legit medal. The course is just up and down a pavement strip but the finish was perfect.
HOT race, awesome swag
Pre-Race: I ran for the Inaugural Silo District Half, the race that Chip and Joanna Gaines hosted so that Chip could run his first full. Before the race, I would … MORE
Pre-Race: I ran for the Inaugural Silo District Half, the race that Chip and Joanna Gaines hosted so that Chip could run his first full. Before the race, I would say that it felt like an inaugural race. There were gaps in communication, frequent changes made, and sometimes, not enough communication, in my opinion. We were not made aware of the route until late March. We were not provided with the aid station options (specific gels and brands) until about 10 days ahead of race day. I was okay with this and expect it will be better next time, but it often felt like it was a little “wonky.”
Race Day: It was HOT. I am hopeful that their subsequent races will not be in May. It was up to 80 during the half and up to 90% humidity while I raced. I couldn’t imagine being Chip and running a full in that weather! While it was fun to see the Silos, I was racing there more because it was my college town. Had I not had more nostalgic things to see (like running through Baylor campus in the first 3 miles), I’m not sure there would be much to enjoy. Race started and ended at the Silos, but that is only the first and last couple of blocks. Aid stations were not always well-manned and I poured my own water from gallon jugs more than once. It also started 10 minutes late…which is a lot when waiting in the sun! Again, I think these are inaugural faux pax that would be fixed next time around!
Course: Flat except for a couple of bridges, including one at mile 12. All pavement, very little shade and trees because…Texas!
Swag: As you would expect from Magnolia, BEAUTIFUL medals, t-shirts, quotes along the route, exquisite graphic design. It is definitely my fave swag from any race! I also appreciated how, at the end, the volunteers were handing every single goodie to finishers: people handing out protein bars, different people handing out cookies from the Silo Baking Co., handing out water, handing out bananas… I found that very thoughtful and easier than waiting in long lines.
Overall, I’m happy for the experience and nostalgia and the great swag I brought home! I don’t plan to run this race again unless it is in a much colder time of the year.