This was my first marathon and I enjoyed it immensely. The course was not-to-tough, yet the 'Dolly Parton Hills' left a brief sting in my calves. The crowd was fairly thin and quiet, but wearing the 'first-timer blue bib' gave them and me a little motivation. The only negative was the American Airlines Center. All of the amenities were on the inside(i.e. registration, bathrooms, snacks/drinks, massages, etc.) yet they didn't want to let anyone in???? They booted us out in the morning and they wouldn't let us in after the race. I had to sneak in to get a massage while my running partner and my family were forced to wait outside. We were told that the arena had scheduled another event that evening and they were trying to evacuate everyone to start cleaning up. There was another 1000 people still on the course!!!

This was my first marathon, so I have nothing to compare it against, but I would be very surprised to find a more beautiful course or more energetic spectators.

I was a little dissappointed in the organization. It seemed that I had to seek out organizers instead of them giving clear cut instruction. A little nerve racking for a first timer.

I will be back. I thought the course was great, the crowd supportive, and the participants inspirational!

Thank you,
Duke Pepper
Amarillo, Texas

First, the spectators were great. Outstanding support from the volunteers and the Dallas police department. I did feel the love. Thank you, Thank you and Thank you again!

Second, the course was just right, a couple of hills, but a nice gradual downhill on the last six miles.

Finally, I have to complain about the organization. They let last minute packet pickup people go into the American Airlines center and use the nice bathrooms but not the others (what's up with that).

I am a first-time marathoner, they managed to lose my application (although they had $120.00 out of my pocket), no one responded to my phone call or first email. The gentleman at the help desk was indifferent. No apologies given (I really felt the love). They were out of medals when I came in (I just want to be loved, is that so wrong). The crowning touch was that I found my name under the male finishers and I think I look like a woman.

This is my third White Rock run. This years course though new, is still is a good run. Only one major hill. Generally good crowds though sparse in some places. Aide stations are a real plus. The new site at the AA Center was a big disappointment. It was too crowded. I think most of the problems will be corrected by next year but it did take away from what was a great marathon experience. If you can't afford to fly to Hawaii this is a good alternative!

This was my second marathon. (The first was in Dublin/2000. Weather was WAY better, if anyone remembers Dublin 2K!) Took over an hour off my PR and nearly beat 4 hrs. Nice flat, very scenic course. The neighborhoods on the way out of town were very friendly. Lots of signs and smiles. The water stops and cheering points around the lake were great, but I wish they'd had those Maverick cheerleaders closer to the start so I could appreciate better.

I had a great time at the marathon (I set a PR by 7 minutes) so it is hard to complain too much. The course was very nice, taking us through the nicest parts of Dallas--through beautiful neighborhoods--around a lake--and then through more beautiful neighborhoods.

However, the organization, especially at the start could have been better. They started us at the new Hockey/Basketball arena but did not want us to go inside to keep warm--what would have happened had it been raining? Race packets did not include maps of the starting area or race day instructions. At the end of the race, they handed you your medal (in its plastic wrap) rather than put it around your neck. Maybe next time?

Not very much fan support (I've previously run the Twin Cities, Chicago and Boston, so maybe I expect too much), but with such a fun course it didn't matter.

All and all, I had a fun experience and hope the organization gets better.

2000 was my 1st. I enjoyed the course, mainly flat, with elevation from 20-23. Crowd was supportive throughout, certainly not wall to wall, but rarely any stretch without people. Only complaint, few bathroom stops, so plan accordingly.

In Dallas this time of year. I ran the marathon in '97 when it was 40 degrees and a driving rain. The last 3 years I have run in the relay and the weather has varied from teens to 60s last year. It can be a challenge, so bring both warm and cold weather gear!

Lots of aid stations, some themed and quite funny! Crowd support along the course is pretty sparse, but don't let that get you down. It's a good course for 1st timers, with only a few small hills.

Ran my first half marathon as part of the two man relay. Weather perfect, cool start, warming to 60's at finish. Not a huge crowd (approx 5000?) so not overwhelmed in the crush. Great support in the residential areas, home owners providing water etc. Markers and timers at every mile. Good support at the water stops, some with music. Second half of course flat until about mile 20 then 2 mile hill (not too steep). Gentle down hill from mile 22 to finish. Will certainly go back. Host hotel let us check out by 3pm, thus allowing time for showers etc.

I ran the WR marathon in 98 and 99. The weather in 98 was perfect. The temp was around mid- to upper 30s at the beginning of the race and sunny. Although it?s about the same temp in 99, it was quite windy ? about 20 mph around White Rock Lake.

The course is relatively flat. Esp. around the lake from mile 10 ?19. A few rolling hills between mile 5-6 in Highland Park area and later between mile 20-21 in Lakewood area. After that it?s flat all the way to the finish line at the City Hall Plaza.

Expect some detours this year. The race organizer rerouted the course and abandoned Mockingbird Ln (mile 6-9) - one of my favourite sections. Instead of running straightforward to Williamson (mile 9), runners will have to zigzag through some residential area which, in my view, is NOT the best running neighborhood. You may find significant amounts of potholes, cracking surfaces along the way.