Frequently Asked Questions
1.
Are there hotels within walking distance of the
start/finish line?
No, the closest hotel is at least several miles away. You will need to drive to the Cotton Bowl. Our host hotel, The Radisson is 15 minutes away, but was chosen because it is within walking distance of our packet pickup location. The Cotton Bowl is just 5 minutes from downtown Dallas so any downtown hotel can be selected also. There is plenty of free parking within a block of our start/finish line at Fair Park and The Cotton Bowl.
2.
I am coming to the Big D Texas Marathon from another
city or state. Which packet pickup location should I choose if I dont want to
wait until race morning?
Unless you are familiar with the city, or have someone local you are staying with, your best choice would be Run-On Dallas. Please visit their web site, www.runontexas.com for directions.
3.
I noticed the start of the half and marathon is at 7:30
am. When would be best to arrive?
Because many of you will never have ventured to Fair Park before, please arrive 30 to 60 minutes in advance, as there is only one entrance open to the park this early on a Sunday morning. There is also a two-block walk from parking to the start/finish line and our host building. For those registering that morning or picking their packet up, please allow plenty of time
4.
What if I arrive late? Can I start and run the course
anyway?
Since the first several miles of the course may not be well marked, we cannot guarantee your ability to stay on course and receive police protection if you arrive and start late. We would not recommend starting more than several minutes after the start time.
5.
Can I register the day of the race?
Yes
6.
Is it possible to drive the course?
Its not entirely drivable. Miles 4 through 8 are on the east side of White Rock Lake and this road is not open to thru traffic. The remainder of the course is drivable.
7.
What happens if at some point of the marathon course I
decide I cannot finish?
We will have vehicles on the course to pick up those that feel they must quit. Although they will be roving the course, it will help if you look out for police or volunteers manning the course so they can radio your need for help.
8.
Is there medical help available on the course?
We will have medic bike teams roving the course to aid any medical needs. All police will have the ability to radio for ambulance assistance if needed.
9.
What sports drink will you be serving and is it
available at every water station?
Our sports drink is Gatorade and we will have it available at every water station.
10.
Will there be food items on the course?
We will have a variety of snack and food items at most stations. We will have Clif Shots (GU) at the last four stations on the course.
11.
Will there be port-o-lets on the course?
We will have a couple near every aid station at about 2 mile intervals.
12.
Is there a place for me to check extra clothing or
baggage?
Yes we will have a secure bag check area in our post event main hall, which is 100 feet from the finish line. If you drive to the event, there is an abundance of parking within a block of the start/finish line.
13.
Is there a charge for parking at the event?
We have free parking at Fair Park with plenty of spaces just a block or two from the event. There is just one entrance to the park event morning so allow extra time to arrive
14.
Will photos be taken along the course and at the
finish?
Yes, photography will be provided by Brightroom
15.
Once I register for the event, will I be sent
instructions about the event?
Once you register, if you provide an email address, we will have regular updates, as we will be constantly searching for ways to make your experience at The Big D Texas Marathon a special and unique one.
16.
If I sign up for the marathon and I later decide to
switch and just run the half or 5k, is this possible?
You can switch to the shorter distances. However, there will be no refunds made allowing for the lesser fees of the shorter distances.
17.
Is the course flat or hilly?
It has long stretches that are flat with some hills and most difficulty coming between mile 12 and 20. Please visit our map page as we have extensive details about our course. This will be the most beautiful marathon course you will ever run in a large city.
18.
What types of running surfaces are on the course?
You will be running entirely on city streets with some asphalt and some concrete.
19.
Can I run with a running stroller or with my dog?
That would be no. Neither will be allowed on the course of the half marathon and marathon. We will allow strollers in the 5k but again no dogs.
20.
What if I cannot attend and participate after entering?
There are no refunds. After the event if you will email the event, we will be happy to mail you your event shirt.
21.
Is this marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes.
22.
Spectator Points:
If your family and friends wish to cheer you on along the course, we would recommend the following:
a. The corner of Winsted Rd and Garland Road at about the 3-mile mark. The Marathon and Half Marathon split at this point. You can see people from both events.
b. Winfrey Point- 5-Mile Point Take Garland Road to Emerald Isle and take to house on top of road. You will see runners on the path nearby.
c. Mockingbird/Peavey Rd at Buckner Blvd 9-Mile point of the course. Once the runners leave the lake at Mockingbird, you will be able to even drive next to them for two miles.
d. Again at this same point when marathoners return from running through the neighborhood. This would be at the 15.5-mile point.
e. Mockingbird and East Lawther 17-mile mark
f. Tokalon & Winsted This the 20-mile point of the marathon and 7-mile point of the half marathon
g. LaVista & Swiss Avenue 21.6 mile of marathon and 8.6 of the half
h. Elm St & Good Latimore 24.4 miles of marathon and 11.6 of half
i. Finish Line