Due to a nasty wreck on I-30, we missed the start of the race by an hour. There was no one around to even tell us where the starting line had been. We ran alone for the first 7 miles or so, until White Rock Lake, where we finally saw a few other racers. Only 1 aid station even had Accelerade or Clif Shots toward the end of the race (advertised on the website, so I didn't bring my own). There was no food left at the end, just empty pizza boxes and a few bananas. Even though we were late, there were still a ton of people finishing, and I am sure they were as disappointed as I was with the organization.

The 2007 Big D Marathon was my 2nd Marathon (first was Houston 2007). Before the race I had a few questions about what was going on, and the director was VERY quick to respond with answers and helpful links when I would email him. When I got into Dallas (I live in Austin), the day prior to the race, I drove right to where I thought the start line would be, and there was nothing to indicate that there was a race the next day (not even street closer signs)...made me a little nervous. We picked up our packets and went about our day.

Race day came and my family and I drove to again what we thought was the start line and followed others to the 'pre-race grouping' (directions were not great on where to go). When arriving in the building, they had breakfast set out (bagles, bananas, peanut butter, etc), which was good, as well as real bathrooms. Finally it was time to line up for the race.

The course took us through some random areas of Dallas. The roads were only closed on one side. There were times I was having to wait on cars to cross where I was running, or a car would be coming down my side of the road. Alot of the times I felt lost. There was no one around me and I would have NOO clue where to turn, or if I was supposed to turn. Some spots they had volunteers pointing you in the correct direction, but that faded out towards the end. There was not enough water stops (I heard they ran out of water in 2006), especially in the last few miles. Also, I never saw a first aid tent! This made me VERY nervous. When coming to the end of the race, you wind around alot and don't only face the finish line for like 100 yds.

The post race party was okay. They had the left over waters, bananas and bagles. They had pizza, but when I got there they were out (I finished in the top 100). They had breakfast tacos though, but they were VERY soggy.

All in all the course was tough, the weather was great. There is just things that need work (first aid, more water and directions to everything). I'll prob run it again, just to try to beat my time.

The course offered a different (although somewhat overlapping) perspective of Dallas than the White Rock marathon. The course had fewer fans than White Rock and lacked the organization of Dallas' premier marathon. But the aid stations were plentiful and well-stocked, and distances were marked every mile and every 5 km (a nice touch). Yes, it was hotter and hillier than White Rock, but it took place in April. My biggest beef was the poor post-race organization. The finish was anti-climatic. I was shuffled quickly through a short corral (where I actually had to ask for my finisher's medal), and hurriedly whisked into a warehouse where I was told I could get something to eat. Or not. Although I finished in the top 25% of marathoners, there was hardly any food left. Apparently, the organizers had put out all the post-race refreshments early and the 1/2 marathoners had proceeded to eat just about everything. Saving something for those who went the full 26.2 would've been nice. All in all, I will probably run this again b/c it's one of the few late spring marathons in area and it was a good training run. But I would have been very disappointed if this had been my first marathon.

I normally stay a way from any race that does not benefit anything like this one. It's a poor example of the Dallas running community. The run once you got away from the state fair was good and hilly. The beginning and ending were trashy. The shirts were a BIG LETDOWN! This might be good 5K, but at a marathon/half, you expect and should get way better than this!

Do not waste your time and money on this event. This was pathetic. After a car accident on I-30 blocked a good number of runners from arriving on time the organizers refused to delay the race. The water stations were ok, but just a little too spaced out... a slight improvement from last year but still only mediocre. Don't waste your time. I read a poor review about this race on another website but ignored it and ran.... Listen to me! I wouldnt waste my time writing this if it wasn't this bad.

I think some people are spoiled. The water stops were fine. I had heard that there wasn't enough traffic help in the past but I want to say the police did a great job. Traffic was never a problem. Good course. Weather was great. Quit whining.

This was my first race ever. I stayed at the host hotel and I think that was a great idea. The organization was great. I had no trouble getting my race information, getting to the race or getting home from the race. The hills were a little harder than expected, but nothing someone with good training could not handle. Overall it was a great first experience and I would do it again.

Even as a first-time half-marathoner, I knew this race left a lot to be desired. The hills were a surprising challenge, but not bad until about mile 7, where the water stations got disappointingly thin. By mile 12 I was dying for a drink of water and annoyed at all the people telling me the finish was "just around the corner," because the last mile - including the finish - was nothing BUT corners. Very confusing.
Also, no signs at registration, no explicit instructions, and cars running all over the course. The fine men and women of the Dallas PD did their best but they were no match for determined drivers.
The other runners and volunteers at the aid stations were great motivators, as were the same four spectators who kept popping up all over the course, but overall I was not impressed. Can't wait to try a better organized race!

Not a great run. I ran the 2007 half marathon. Water stations were too far apart - probably every 2 miles. Also, only the mile 11 station had Clif Shots - it would have been great to have them around 6 and 11. The course takes you through some lousy areas of Dallas and spectators were close to non-existent. I would definitely recommend taking extra gels and your own water.

This is my first time running this race. We ran Ft. Worth Cowtown last month, and in comparison, the Big D organizers have a lot to learn. The weather for the race was perfect. Started in the 50s; ended in the 60s. I actually really enjoyed the race; it was the organization of it that was rather annoying. We signed up on race day, and there were NO signs to speak of as to where to register. We just had to ask around. At the registration table, there were lines but no rhyme or reason as to which one to stand in.

Off to the race. The other runners and spectators had a very light-hearted air about them that did make for an enjoyable run. There were some hills, but much more downhill running then up. The end of the race is where I got upset the most, however. They seemed to corral you into a small alley maybe 30 yards after you crossed the finish line so they could get the timers off your feet. There were no chairs to sit in; I felt rushed, when I just wanted a minute to relax and catch my breath!! On top of that, no gift bags; it was just like, hey, go inside, get a banana, and see ya. Maybe I'm just too picky. BUT I would do it again.