I REALLY enjoyed this marathon. The course went through some very beautiful neighborhoods and the section around White Rock Lake was enjoyable. The guy at the end who shook my hand (race director maybe?) made my day! Even though I'm not the fastest, he made me feel like my participation was greatly appreciated. The tech finisher shirt was long sleeve and the design was stylish. I wear it all the time. All the volunteers were friendly and efficient. My only complaint was the food at the end was kind of boring.

Except for the loop around White Lake, it was a pretty boring course. Industrial areas, residential area, few spectators = same old, same old...
Having to walk around half the convention center to get to the post-race area was very poor planning.
Some previous reviewers complained that they got a cotton shirt instead of a tech shirt, but I don't understand their complaints. The cotton shirt was the pre-race shirt, and the tech shirt was handed out as the finisher shirt. Did these people not pick up the finisher shirt?
A shout out to the Dolly Partons. You guys made my day!

I've run this event several times, and this latest course change was a big disappointment. At points, the congestion was such that for runners wanting to run through the water station (mile 7-ish?), it was impossible. The finish line ought to take an example from Houston - same set-up (convention center, etc.), but better organization. Having to go upstairs on a very crowded escalator was nuts, and having to walk so far through the underpass just to get inside was nuts. Take another lesson from Houston on how to move runners through the post-race circuit. I have loved this race above all others, and now I don't know that I'll return. (And, yes, let's have something hot at the post-race.)

I used Marathon guide to select this race for my first marathon and was so worried about it being the worst organization, the worst weather, and the worst course, I could have ever selected. My race time was not even close to what I wanted, but it wasn't due to the management of the race, the weather, or the course. It was my first race, so I really don't have anything to compare it to, but I sincerely enjoyed it. I felt like the course was beautiful, well supported, plenty of aid stations (complete with free beer at mile 19 - definitely took advantage). I can honestly say, I had a blast! I will run this again.... and hopefully redeem my time next time. :)

I volunteer and run the WhiteRock (excuse me-Dallas) Marathon for the past few years and wish that every once in a while the organizers would attend or run other marathons happening in the US so that they could imitate good things others are doing.

1. Packet pick-up in Dallas compared to Route 66 is dull and uneventful; like a funeral, just solemn.
2. Lack of innovation and marketing compared to Little Rock and Mississippi Blues. Changing the name from White Rock to Dallas alone won't do the trick.

3. They should vary up the shirts. Plain jane shirts from Dallas are totally theme-less.
4. Course is also plain jane save for White Rock Lake which represents a portion of the full race option.

5. Post-race amenities were also disappointing considering the fee structure. Something warm and edible, say? Should I have purchased the VIP for $150? I'm not sure I paid even half that amount for the Balbo tent at Chicago a couple of months earlier.
6. I appreciate volunteers' efforts at the water stations but please instruct them to stand on the side of the street as they offer water/hydration. Too many runners on the course for volunteers to be crowding us.

7. The shorter races (mayor/5K) was an organizational disaster. Not even half the volunteers appeared as committed and there was only one volunteer at the starting point trying to rein in thousands of runners to one lane so that the leaders would have a return lane to run in for getting to the finish line.

There were virtually no spectators; it was not an urban race in the NYC or Chicago senses. There were too many walkers and little room to move.
I ran the half.

I had higher hopes for Dallas, which turned out to be just an average experience.

PROS
* friendly course monitors, including police
* supportive, but limited, crowd support
* nice medal (one of my favs of 22)
* great expo

CONS
* water stops - disorganized and generally overwhelmed; some had no drinks available, as staffers were pouring frantically trying to meet demand; some had water first, then Gatorade  others the opposite
* course - non-inspiring, to say the least
* half and full runners - WAY too crowded for a mid size marathon; seriously, I thought I was running NY until the split at 8 miles or so
* race shirt - cotton!
* I suppose most downtown areas are desolate nowadays; Dallas was no exception

Overall, an average marathon. Thank you Dallas - I hope you strive to improve your overall experience.

I've run this race many times and it has generally been well organized and a nice but not great race. This year's changes - name and a course more designed to show off the city ala Chicago - are logical moves toward making this a big-name race. The former White Rock Marathon is indeed growing up.

The variable beyond everyone's control is still the weather. December is usually a delightful time to be here. But the previous year's cold rain, and this year's heat and humidity first - and later the strong wind which was actually a blessing as it moderated the previous conditions - can make this a tough race. But all in all, well done Dallas!

This was my second running of this race and that says a lot about an event as I seldom repeat. I like this race. About 2/3 of the race is really nice. It runs through downtown, into some of the most upscale neighborhoods of Dallas, around White Rock Lake and back to downtown. No significant hills are included. The Expo, volunteers, fans, and staff are great. I just had a few negatives to share. The bag drop off was over 4 blocks from the start at the Expo. To go back to the EXPO to pick up your bag and get food is an additional hassle. I wasted 1/2 an hour when I had a close check out and plane to catch. This was a minor aggravation. The post-race food was fair at best for a major race. There were bananas, oranges, bags of pretzels, and chocolate milk. All this was good, but I have seen much better. There were no bottled water at the finish; there was only waters in cups. Three years ago the T-shirt was of hi-tech fabric; this year it was cotton. Finally, a massage would be nice at the finish. The course was very congested until the half-marathon split. That said, I recommend this race and will likely run it the future.

A tip for you frugal runners: Neither Dallas airport has direct DART rail service; however, both airports have a shuttle that connects to the DART to downtown. This is a 90% saving over cab fare.

Plusses:
Good spectator support
Good traffic control
Convenience of portapotties in corrals
Cons:
$12 parking fee to pick up packet
There were sections on the course where a left or right turn was required in a compact space which caused a backup of runners and slowed times. Especially at the Armstrong u-turn
Water stations were inadequate for 20,000+ runners. Not enough volunteers. Runners were 4-5 deep waiting on water.
It took me 45 minutes after the race to get my finisher shirt. Just give it out with the packet.