This was actually my second marathon, but my wife's first. Course is relatively flat (with a few exceptions). Run around White Rock Lake is beautiful, EXCEPT, the city remains the same distance for about 9 to 10 miles on the skyline - you don't feel like you are getting anywhere. BUT, the people were great, spectators were great at cheering us on, and overall, it was a pretty darn good time.

I, like a huge majority of runners, enter races for the pure enjoyment of the experience. I like the atmosphere of big races, but the hassles often detract from the overall experience (traffic, parking, lines, insufficient bathrooms, running 12-minute miles for the first 5K, full-contact scrum at aid stations, etc.). And small races, while logistically simple, can be boring. I consider White Rock to be a medium-sized race and, true to form, it delivered the best of both worlds. At least for me. Not quite perfect, but close.

Pre-race: Entry wasn't overpriced, website was good, course description (with profile) was very helpful. Race hotel (Hyatt) was very nice, cheap ($90), but crowded. Expo was busy, but lines were short. The pasta dinner was very good. The shuttles to the start were shockingly efficient and quick (no lines). Having access to the AA Arena bathrooms pre-race was a nice thought, but the lines to enter were extremely long. As was the line for the bag drop (hundreds of people). Lots of frustrated, anxious people. With 10 minutes to spare, I easily made my way to the 3:30 pace group. Flyover before the start was great.

Race: It only took me 8 or 10 seconds to get to the starting line after the gun (compared to 12 minutes in Paris). And within 100 yards, I was running my own pace without crowds to block me. Weather was perfect. The course out to the lake wound through neighborhoods, with lots of crowd support. There was a gradual incline from Mile 4 to 7, but I didn't really feel those hills. The section between Miles 9 and 19 is a flat circle around the lake. Very nice place to run. Support only at the aid stations. As we reentered the neighborhoods, I was feeling great. But the hill from 20 to 21 is tougher than it looks, it never seemed to stop, and it wiped me out (or it could have just been Mile 21 that wiped me out, or a combo). The last 3 miles are flat/slightly downhill, but the crowds were largely absent, and it was a struggle - at least for me - to finish. The volunteers were great, there was plenty to eat and drink, and the course was safe and well-controlled.

Post-race: Finish line was great. Very wide, lots of spectators. I had tons of refreshments right there, but I was one of the first 250 to get there, so it was probably a different story for those behind. Because I had read the website, gone to the expo, and read the race guide, I knew that the post-race party was in the AA Arena. Not sure how anyone could have missed it. Sure, we had to walk down stairs into the arena floor, but it was a small price for a great party. Free beer, lots of food, music, 20,000 seats. Couldn't find the massage, but again, there was beer. Shuttle back to the hotel was just as efficient and easy. Results were up almost immediately. Came away with two nice shirts. Can't wait to return.

It was harder than I expected... but then I did a lot of things wrong. I started off faster than I trained (so much for the negative split)... ate too late (1 hour before... if only I had read that Hal Higdon book earlier... dang), and used some gels when they always make me sick. I broke the rule, "Run how you train." Anyway, the weather was perfect, and the run was through some very nice areas. Crowd turn-out was good... but I must admit Houston has better support - but not better parking. All of the folks at the aid stations were exceptional. It's now a local race for me, so I'll beat those Dollies next year.

This was the first marathon I have ever run. Very nice, good course, scenic running around White Rock Lake. If it had more spectators and runners, then it would have to be in the running to be a top-10 marathon.

I ran this after a five-year absence, and enjoyed it the most of any I've run.

Excellent organization of a stellar event! Well marked and the police were very helpful.

The host hotel had great rates and I would recommend you stay there especially if you are from out of town. It was a great course, kept you from being bored running the same terrain. And I loved seeing the Dollies, just wish I had a picture of them! Great aid stations and crowd support. The Clif Bar pace team I ran with was a great boost and Leesa kept us going. I kept trying to figure out how she could run with that 'cowboy' hat on and not sweat! Thanks Leesa for your support.

I was extremely disappointed in the AAC. First you had to stand in line to go through a metal detector that no one seemed to care if it went off or not so just what was the purpose. Then after getting inside I was told the baggage check was outside and around the other side. The line for the baggage check was ridiculously long. I did see the F/A-18 flyer over, but didn't realize there was a horse and cowboy starting the race. I also had trouble getting to the Clif Bar pace team leader since other runners didn't want to let me through. Suggest they use the left side next time since it's easier to get through.

After finishing the race I didn't see any food or drinks other than water. No signs to direct you to where there was food and drinks. I also didn't appreciate the cones in the road for no apparent reason and saw several people stumble over them. Overall it's a great marathon and hopefully the organizers will fix the start and finish line problems.

Here are my comments and suggestions (many of these based on comparisons with previously run marathons).

Thumbs up:
-Beautiful run around the lake.
-Lots of helpful volunteers.
-The Dallas Police Dept.
-Frequent and fun water/PowerAde stops.
-Great medal and t-shirts.
-Wonderful weather.
-The Dolly Parton 'Dollys'
-Use of AA Arena

Room for Improvement...
-Please post no-parking signs along ALL streets... parked cars caused for some botttlenecks and stride-busting moments.
-More complete race packet... safety pins (I heard many people mention they missed them at check in), maps, garment bag.
-Stagger half start and full start... again, caused for several bottlenecks during the many sharp turns through first few miles (Grandma's Marathon in Duluth is good example of handling this).

Overall a very good experience. Thanks folks of Dallas!

OK, all the previous commentators are correct when it comes to the placement of food. The reason it didn't affect me as much is that I had absolutely no soreness at all despite one of my better times (3:09), thus walking down and then up the steps to get food was not an issue. And there was A TON OF FOOD! AND FREE BEER! HELLO PEOPLE! So limp your way down and enjoy!! But alas it is true - you had to find out where/and how to get there. I didn't see food signs, and as a race director for 16 events in CT, I was being really observant. I agree that immediate food of some sort should be available as close to the finish as logistically possible for those who truly need it.

Now, take that away and it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to come up with another negative! Geez the course was terrific and not anything like the course profile might have indicated. Hills were not that difficult and the ones at 19-20 a friend warned me about were rather mild. After that, a terrific last 5 miles are downhill and flat.... Can you ask for anything more? This course had all the elements and reminded me of Philly, Vermont, & N'Awlins. ONE minor suggestion: I personally like the water AFTER the PowerAde so as to flush the taste and clear the palate - especially if I have just downed a gel pack. But the water stops were absolutely fantastic and friendly. And how many green-vested course guides did you see? It seemed like hundreds!

I agree the media could take a larger role and let's hope it happens for this event. But hey - you are talking a PRO Sports tow,n so you have to have room for the Mavericks and the Cowboys - both of whom had home games that weekend. TIP: I got a $100+ Dallas Mav ticket for $30 by waiting till 5:30pm and buying a single ticket. You could also sit higher up for just $5! If I had been smart and bussed out to the Cowboy game after the marathon, I might have gotten in there - then I'd have had very unique sports triathlon weekend!

I will definitely try to get back to this event. Dallas is a great city with terrific restaurants, and it was not expensive to stay in. Steamtown (PA) is my #1 marathon course, and this is now easily in the top 3. And one more thing: If you DID NOT get into the arena you missed one of the most FANTASTIC bands of any post-race celebration. There were 12 pieces... with horns, great singers, & very danceable! Every bit as good as 'Nik & the Nice Guys' who have graced the Utica Boliermaker post-race stage for 10 straight years! Get your butts to Dallas - a great "fail safe" marathon if you have a bad October/Nov. experience anywhere else!

The weather was perfect!
The course was in great shape.
Lots of rest stops.
The girls... err guys at the Dolly Parton Hills....
The crowds were wonderful.
The police were the best I have seen.
Nice shirt, nice medal.
Lots of bands playing music.

This race could be great... and almost is a great marathon. A good time of year, a good route, and a dedicated team putting on the race.... They just lack the edge and ideas to move from a good race to a great race, it seems.

Okay, the negatives are what I care about when choosing a race. The expo was average at best for a larger race. New Balance did not have licensed race merchandise. There a booth called "The Rock Shop" but it wasn't a New Balance booth, and it was not in expo, but in the packet pickup area.

There were not staff or volunteers at the AAC to tell you where to go. And what went wrong with bag check? Lines longer than the bathroom lines. The ACC is rather inconvenient to use with the small outside ring crowding people into a small area... again without much in the way of directions or information on where to go. Maybe they can give up on the downtown location and find a better venue where people can find their way around better. Don't they have a convention center or something with hotels, parking and large open space??? Just find a local and hang on to them to find the food or anything else after the race... and before the race to find baggage check. I hate confusion before a race, and I am easily confused after a race... and nobody likes crowds.

Hey, it is a good event; just needs some fresh blood and a fresh point of view. There is nothing bad about the event.... Well, maybe no pre-race food (unless I never found it), some minor confusion due to lack of staff at the start and finish area, but great crowds and an excellent route. But Texas has several good marathons.... We need a great one. White Rock needs to step it up a notch and take that role. Houston is a touch too humid, and Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas can't seem to make it into the big time. You need a good goodie bag, a great expo, and some traffic directing at the AAC... and at the expo for that matter. Can we think about the convention center or some place that isn't confusing???