calendar icon May 14, 2024

Big-D Texas Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Big-D Texas Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.2 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.8 
 
 
Number of comments: 173 [displaying comments 151 to 161]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 > ]

 

S. K. from North Texas (4/4/2005)
"Texas Marathon has Arrived!" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


This course is somewhat challenging but beautiful. The hills are quite manageable. The race was well organized and the race director and his staff made a very serious effort to personally address individual needs and to make this experience comfortable for all. Water stops were well stocked, porta-potties were available and not crowded... Great food at the finish, excellent hi-tech running shirt that I'll wear in the future (no cheesy $1.00 cotton shirts). The only downside is that there is no crowd support, but I personally felt that this race was one of the most serene races I've run due to the scenery, small number of entrants and wonderful neighborhoods, White Rock Lake, and the kind folks at the aid stations.
 

Thirsty Runner from Dallas, Texas (4/3/2005)
"Mickey Mouse" (about: 2005)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 1


This is a poorly organized, poorly attended event. Those not from Dallas should think twice before entering this event. I ran the half marathon and water was simply not available beween miles 4 and 12. Furthermore, the pre-race organization and distribution of chips was pathetic.
 

Mary Young from Coopersburg, PA (10/7/2004)
"The Big D and the 3 H's" (about: 2004)

2 previous marathons | 1 Big-D Texas Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I think it was a very well run race for an inaugural event. The heat, humidity and hills made the marathon a difficult one for me. The people at the water stations were wonderful. Having the start and finish at the Cotton Bowl was very convenient. It was easy to get to and park, you didn't have to worry about checking a gear bag and shuttling back to your car. I couldn't understand why the chips weren't given out with the shirts and bibs though. It was one more thing to take care of the morning of the race. The breakfast burritos after the race were delicious.

It was a very good effort for an inaugural race. I will run it again if I have the occasion to travel to that part of the country.
 

s. D. from dallas, TX (9/30/2004)
"A bit of a disappointment" (about: 2004)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Big-D Texas Marathon
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


The course wasn't to bad and the weather for Texas was as usual. However, it did end up a little humid. My major beefs were that the crowd support was just out right sad. The aid station were well stocked, but there weren't many people to run them. Some of the course could have been altered to a few better areas of Dallas. Also, a few areas of the course has some pretty bad road such as the area by flag pole hill. I may run it again this year just to see if it is any better. I hope all it was was just the kinks from a first time event.
 

A Runner from Dallas, TX (6/22/2004)
"The hills were the biggest surprise..." (about: 2004)

3 previous marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


I think the hills were the biggest surprise of this race. The elevation map did not do it justice. The hills were gradual and continued from mile 15 to the finish. I did not expect them, so I did not train properly, though my time was only minimally affected.

As far as the crowds, they were small. The ones that were there, however, were great. They could easily cheer us on by name since names were posted on our bib #'s. This was a bonus.

The water stops were stocked enough, but the volunteers at most of them may need a little coaching in the future. I found very few that were shouting 'water' or 'Powerade'. I actually had to shout 'who has water?!' at almost every stop. Right past midway point, I shouted this and they just stared at me. By the time someone answered, I had missed the grab altogether. Not impressive.

The pre/post area being indoors was wonderful. A little humid for Dallas on race day too, though this was somewhat abnormal for the area.

Glad I ran the inaugural event, but may not do it again. Too may other races that already have the kinks worked out.
 

D. M. from Austin, Texas (6/21/2004)
"Very Professional for 1st Time Marathon" (about: 2004)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Big-D Texas Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


For a 1st-time marathon, I thought it was great, with excellent organization, facilities, food and drink and police support. Start and finish location well suited with lots of room indoors and outdoors and parking right there. Food and drinks varied and abundant. Crowd small and enthuastic. Route was pleasant and I did not think the 'hills' were as noticeable as others have commented. I entered this marathon race morning with a remote 'hope' of achieving two goals; namely my 1st negative split and a personal best (previously Motorola Austin '04). I kept the pace for most of it but the heat and humidity finally got to me (and it seems most others) but still felt great about being part of this inaugural event. With right conditions, you could do a PR here but the Motorola (now Freescale) Austin Marathon is a safer bet. All in all, an event that I'm sure will grow and prosper and the organizers should be proud of their achievement.
 

Barry Oliphant from near Albuquerque, New Mexico (6/18/2004)
"Great race - Challenging course" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Big-D Texas Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my second marathon. I entered with the specific goal of qualifying for Boston (2005, not 2004) and was not disappointed. I live in New Mexico and run hills all the time (alt. 6,800 ft.) so the hills were not an issue, and the lower altitude made up for the increase in humidity. The lakefront and all the neighborhoods were beautiful and the fans were supportive. Some of the water stops were a little scary, especially the guy in the cowboy hat, speedo, and cowboy boots. I laughed so hard I almost choked on the Powerade. It was my first ever age-group win, so this may be my favorite road race for a long time. I'll pass in 2005 (too close to Boston), but I plan to run it again. Good job!
 

Loy Triana from Burkburnett, Texas (5/11/2004)
"Very hilly, tough course, & humid conditions." (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Big-D Texas Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon, so I have nothing to compare it to. I do know that as far the conditions, the organizers have nothing to do with it. I know this was the inaugural run & I felt that it was very organized. A buddy of mine and I had no problems with registration or packet & chip pick-up. Plenty of water stations and the post-run amenities were great. It was a great experience for my first time; I look forward to running again.
 

Sam Balandran from Bedford, Texas (5/4/2004)
"I Liked It!" (about: 2004)

50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


I will run this marathon again! Although, the course had a lot of turns and several slight inclines, I enjoyed it. Thanks!
 

tom loftis from dallas.tx. (4/18/2004)
"Overall, a very good first marathon" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Big-D Texas Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


First, I?d have to say the race was very enjoyable. This was my first race so I didn't know what to expect. Thought the race was well organized and the course was beautiful. The only problems were the heat (unpredictable) and the hills! The water stations were well-staffed and stocked. The spectators were enthusiastic - but sparse in some spots. The shirt I received for early entry was very nice. Might be an idea to give to all finishers. Also a first class medal was nice. Overall, well-run especially for a first time event, and would recommend it to anyone looking to run a spring marathon.
 

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