Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K
Frisco, TX
- Half Marathon, 5K, 1 Miler
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Join North Texas’ premier charity running event, Frisco’s annual Texas Big Star Half Marathon and 5K! The race starts at Collin College Preston Ridge Campus and ends with an entertaining post-race Finisher Fest. The event benefits local charity partners; it’s your chance to be a part of something bigger! #RunBigStar … MORE
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My first half marathon
The swag from this race was awesome, one of the best shirts I've gotten and I've worn multiple times since. The course itself was hilly but the roads were nice … MORE
The swag from this race was awesome, one of the best shirts I’ve gotten and I’ve worn multiple times since. The course itself was hilly but the roads were nice and even, I wouldn’t say it’s very scenic though. Lots of pace groups to choose from. The after-party was okay, I feel like it could be a little more upbeat. There were not as many water stations along the course but thankfully I was prepared with my water. Overall it was good, I like the legacy medals they are doing, pushes me to want to run it again this year.
Overall good race
I would recommend to race at least once especially if you live in the area. Race swag was good and has good virtual package after race. The course is flat. MORE
I would recommend to race at least once especially if you live in the area. Race swag was good and has good virtual package after race. The course is flat.
Fundamental Problems
The organizer screwed up the 5k route. It was actually just over 4.5k (2.83 miles). That's unacceptable for any 'real' race. Even worse, people who ran the half marathon reported … MORE
The organizer screwed up the 5k route. It was actually just over 4.5k (2.83 miles). That’s unacceptable for any ‘real’ race. Even worse, people who ran the half marathon reported that not all roads were properly shut down. Runners were forced to stop at traffic lights which destroyed their finish times.
The race organizer has since apologized for the short measurement in the 5k but I haven’t heard any explanation for the half marathon issues.
Despite that, I did win my division in the (almost) 5k.
Need To Work Out The Boring Kinks
Swag: White short sleeve tech tee. Race logo on front, with sponsors on the back. Medal was the race logo with sublimated ribbon. No date on the front of the … MORE
Swag:
White short sleeve tech tee. Race logo on front, with sponsors on the back. Medal was the race logo with sublimated ribbon. No date on the front of the medal, but the date was embossed on the back. Packet pickup had lots of area restaurant coupons. Great if you’re local or staying in the area. Not so great if you travelled to the race.
Course:
This was a very boring course. A large loop through some of the most non scenic areas of Frisco. Starts and ends at Toyota Stadium where FC Dallas play. The start leaves the stadium heading north. Travels east through an industrial area, followed by some residential streets with brick walls on either side. Come out of the residential area to FM 289 aka Preston Road. The right lane of southbound traffic is blocked off for northbound running. But with Preston having a 45mph speed limit, traffic was buzzing past. After a few miles of northbound, it was a left to west on Rock Hill road which has been newly completed. No cars to contend with, just the bridge over the railroad tracks. Continue on Rock Hill under the Dallas North Tollway until it dead ends, then U turn and back to northbound service road of the tollway. Miles and miles south on the boring service road until a left turn at the Rudy’s BBQ. Side note: The service road north of Eldorado parkway was completely shut down. South of Eldorado all the way to Rudy’s the service road had one lane of traffic at a stand still open. There will probably be complaints from residents. You’re smelling the BBQ, and at this point you can see the stadium, hear the music, see some spectators. But all for nothing. A little past mile 11, a right turn to go south towards the stadium, only to U turn and head north, past the soccer field complex, ALL THE WAY UP AND AROUND the fields over to Frisco street. Then a straight shot south back towards the stadium. Then a final right turn to end facing the east gate of the stadium.
Water/Powerade Stops:
The stops were well manned and the volunteers were very enthusiastic and helpful. The stops were NOT well supplied. 2 stops that were supposed to have everything were out of water but had plenty of blue powerade, while 2 other stops had no powerade, but plenty of water.
Course Support:
Other races, there will be on course support in the form of runner medical, or local EMT or fire services with a gator patrolling the course. Nothing for this one. I had a motorcycle police officer pass me on the service road of the tollway around mile 7. That was it.
Pacers:
Luke’s Locker provided the pacing team. I am a consistent 2:45 to 2:55 runner. The 3:00 pace team started after me and was consistently in front of me most of the course. Even after telling them several times that my estimated finish was 2:50 (according to my Garmin which is always fairly accurate) we still bounced ahead and behind each other (I run intervals). Then in the last mile, they slowed WAY down to actually finish at the correct timing.
Post Race:
I finished, grabbed my medal, water, banana, and granola bar. All great and plentiful. Volunteers were great. Inside Toyota stadium were vendor booths and the Emerald City Band. I could hear them earlier before the mile 11 turn around. When I made into the stadium the band had stopped and they were announcing awards. Some of the area restaurants were giving out samples of their food which was nice for a quick protein and carb reload.
Overall thoughts: For an inaugural year run, I expected hiccups. I did not expect to be sorely disappointed but I was. If a race director reads this, please change the course. You have a beautiful city, full of historic charm, and grand homes. Those views alone would be worth the admission price and quite possibly less elevation gain. Right now it’s a one and done race. But we’ll see.
Big Star Half Marathon - Inagural Run
Ran the half marathon. Registered early, reasonable entry fees. Packet pickup at Lukes, easy. Lots of ads in bag and a few freebies, Tech Shirt, and race bib. Race site … MORE
Ran the half marathon.
Registered early, reasonable entry fees.
Packet pickup at Lukes, easy. Lots of ads in bag and a few freebies, Tech Shirt, and race bib.
Race site is at Toyota Stadium (home field for FC Dallas soccer).
lots of free parking on site. Several port o johns as well as the restrooms inside the stadium were open for use.
There were two distances to run, the half marathon and 5K, total of about 1600 runners. Half starts 15 minutes before 5K.
Course was not very scenic. There were several inclines and one that seemed like was a mile long, nothing too steep but you will notice them.
Very few on course spectators. There was one kids rock band on the course which was cool but no other on course entertainment. The water stops were well staffed and they seemed energetic about helping. The standard water/sports drink was available.
Finish line was at the stadium. You get a medal for either distance (the same medal). Water, sports drink, bananas, granola bars, snack mixes, and gold fish were all available. There were several vendors inside the stadium giving away samples (sports drinks, beer, sun block, chocolate milk, doughnuts, chicken, and more). There was a band playing after the run. Nice first year effort for this event.