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May 14, 2024

Big-D Texas Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Big-D Texas Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.4

Organization 3.2

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 173 [displaying comments 111 to 121]

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GandaMan V. from Fort Worth, Texas (4/2/2007) "good course, few fans, poor post-race organization" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big-D Texas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 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.
S. D. from Dallas Tx (4/2/2007) "Mr. Lewis needs training" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 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!
J. F. from Texas (4/2/2007) "Poorly Organized Event" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Big-D Texas Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 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.
P. F. from Waco, Texas (4/2/2007) "I thought the run was great..." (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Big-D Texas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.
J. C. from Wichita, Kansas (4/2/2007) "First-Timer" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.
M. G. from Abilene, TX (4/2/2007) "Fun... but could be better" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Big-D Texas Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 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!
B. S. from Dallas, Texas (4/1/2007) "Not great" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Big-D Texas Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 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.
D. A. from Dallas, Tx (4/1/2007) "Was just... OK" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 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.
P. F. from Dallas, TX (10/2/2006) "Fun times???" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Big-D Texas Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my first half marathon and I had a blast. It got pretty hot and there were some hills that were unexpected. I think starting earlier would help with the heat. Unfortunately, I did not think there were enough water stops along the way. Some of the scenery left a lot to be desired. Some neighborhoods were not very friendly. There were too many cars not stopping for participants. Since I walked as a participant with Team in Training, the moral support was absolutely great. I suggest that all runners/walkers put their names on the front of their shirts; this enables the crowd to call out your name as you approach. Next year, you might consider more police patrols and blocking off certain streets. Overall, I would do this marathon again in the future.
k. s. from Los Angeles, Ca (9/1/2006) "Poorly Organized" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The best part of the marathon was the fans at the finish. Other than that, it was unimpressive from beginning to end i.e. lack of an expo, nothing in the goodie bags, no finisher's shirts, confusion at some of the turns, and lack of recognition for the top finishers. My son won the marathon and he, along with the other top finishers, waited forever to receive his award (nothing more than a plaque)- they all finally asked for awards and left without any award ceremony. The organizers need to spend time at some of the better marathons to learn how to run a quality race. It would help to get more sponsors, and to put some of the entry fee back into the race. If you are looking for a first marathon, take this one off your list. There are a lot of other really good marathons out there that make it a wonderful experience.

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