Dallas Marathon (formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon)

Lack of water at the finish. The organizers for this event only care about your money and nothing else. You get two beers after you finish and a cheap plastic medal. You are lucky if you can get access to the bathrooms after the race. They hold the finish celebration outside and if it rains or if its cold you're screwed. The director only wants your money. Save your time and effort and go elsewhere.

You can tell these folks have done this thing for 49 years. Very well organized with easy packet pickup, well-run wave start and enthusiastic volunteers at well-spaced water stops. Course was nice through downtown, beautiful neighborhoods and around the lake, although I'd like it more if that lake portion had been a bit shorter. The two big hills around Mile 19 were nasty, but hey, we got to run down those same hills about 10 miles earlier so I guess it all evens out. Having done my last training run in 28-degree weather, I wish it hadn't been so warm, but I can't think of anybody I can blame for that. I recommend this race.

The event is well organized. Aid stations well staffed. Given the price tag...this event gets 1 star. Other than the first and last 200 meters, the course lacks fan support. You will find yourself running isolated for long stretches. The sponsors need to add numerous entertainment spots along the course to break-up the isolation feeling. The Ultra course needs a 26.2 timing mat. The course has many turns and curves and there is not a certified course line to follow.