Nothing can simultaneously promote a healthy lifestyle and unite citizens better than marathons. They are held throughout the year, attracting both professional athletes and ordinary Dallasites. Each of these sports events is dedicated to certain holidays, circumstances or even people. The winners of the marathon are not always determined. Sometimes, the most important thing is simply participation. Read more on i-dallas.
BMW Dallas Marathon Festival
The BMW Dallas Marathon was founded by Tal Morrison in 1971. He placed an advertisement on the Runner’s World website, urging all American runners to come to Dallas.
The first race was held on March 6, 1971, near the city’s White Rock Lake. A total of 82 athletes took part in the event, 61 of them managed to cross the finish line. The following year, the number of BMW Dallas Marathon participants increased to several hundred runners.
Gradually, the marathon became interesting not only for participants but also for spectators and volunteers. It turned into a large-scale entertainment event with an award ceremony, a banquet, exhibitions and other programs.
Since 1997, part of the funds collected at the marathon have been donated to charity. The primary beneficiary of the BMW Dallas Marathon remains the hospital Scottish Rite for Children, to which more than $4 million has already been donated.
We must also mention the winners of this marathon. The BMW Dallas Marathon has already been won twice by local resident Joseph Hale. The first time it happened in 2021 and the second time in 2023. The most interesting thing is that the last time the athlete won in Dallas after overcoming the California International Marathon.
Fall Funky 4K Fun Run
Another popular marathon among Dallasites is called the Fall Funky 4K Fun Run. It takes place in autumn in Casa Linda Park. Its main goal is to unite citizens with the help of light and simple physical exercises in the fresh air.
The program of this marathon almost does not include congratulation for the winners. There is not even a clearly defined time for overcoming the distance. Participants can run, simply walk or stroll. Three participants who reach the finish line first receive symbolic gifts from the marathon organizers. Anyone can participate, from small children accompanied by their parents to the elderly. Friendly families are especially welcome here.
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
The traditional Dallas Thanksgiving Marathon is held in late November. It’s called the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot. It was first held in 1968 near White Rock Lake. However, since the number of participants increased rapidly every year, the route of the race was moved closer to the city center. According to The Dallas Morning News, the event peaked in 2011. Then, 36,830 participants registered for the marathon.
The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot was created to bring not only individuals together but also families on the eve of the big holiday. All funds collected at the event are directed to various charitable programs, such as nutrition lessons, swimming lessons for children, involvement of citizens in physical activity, etc. In addition, the traditional programs of the marathon include assistance to families struggling with obesity, a day camp and sponsorship of various sports initiatives.
The peculiarity of this marathon is that not individual people win in it, but teams. According to the organizers of the event, this approach should contribute to a new level of sociability and responsibility. However, before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, each of the winners was determined separately. They did it by article. In 2019, Eric Hamer, Chavez Martin and Grant Laselle took the first three places among men. As for the women, Adoette Vaughan, Ella Madden and Abby Perone were the first to cross the finish line. In order to win, men needed an average of 15 minutes and women required 18 minutes.
Texas Quad
The Dallas Texas Quad Marathon is held annually at Bachman Lake. All the activities provided for in the framework of the marathon last for four days. However, each participant independently chooses how many days they plan to take part in. Texas Quad also offers several options that include programs for full marathoners and half marathoners.
The race is on a flat, fast course with small climbs near the dam and the finish line. There are 8 laps for the full marathon and 4 for the half-marathon.
Since the events take place not far from a significant number of transport stops and hotels, not only Dallas residents but also numerous guests of the city take part in it. Among them, you can meet athletes, volunteers and active people.
Participants receive medals for each run to the finish line. In 2020, the winners of the marathon were 50-year-old Paul Roberts, 19-year-old Calix Fattmann and 30-year-old Samuel Colegrove. Each of them covered a total distance of more than 13 000 miles and received the long-awaited award.
Halloween 5K and 1M Fun Run & Dog Walk
Almost nothing is known about the history of the Halloween 5K and 1M Fun Run & Dog Walk. The initiators want to keep the details a secret. However, it is clear that such a marathon is held every year specifically to support the festive mood on the eve of Halloween. A special feature of this event is that even pets are involved in the process. The date and place of the marathon are constantly changing. The organizers advise participants to find out about them in advance. In 2024, the venue was chosen to be the Santa Fe Trail.
The Halloween 5K and 1M Fun Run & Dog Walk includes a run of various distances, as well as a dog walk. Participants of this marathon wear bright and festive costumes to create a unique Halloween atmosphere. Most of the funds collected during the marathon are directed to help homeless animals.
Bigfoot Classic
Last in this list of city marathons is the Bigfoot Classic, a sports event that has long since turned into a real festival.
This marathon is held every year, with distances ranging from 1 mile to a grueling 15 kilometers. All routes for participants are designed in such a way that they observe the most beautiful views of Dallas. Still, the athletes assure that no view pleases them as much as the view of the finish line.
At the end of the race, a real show awaits all participants with live tunes from DJ Sasquatch, a noisy crowd, trophies and awards, etc.
Every year, the names of the winners of the Bigfoot Classic Marathon are published on the official website of the RunSignup organization, which deals with registration for various sports events. This marathon is no exception. According to RunSignup, the winners of the 2024 Winter Marathon were Brayden Willett, Dallin West and Peter MacDonough. Athletes needed 19, 20 and 22 minutes, respectively, to reach the finish line. Residents of Dallas also participated in the event. Eli Hickman took 24th place, taking just over 32 minutes to cover the distance.