With more than 300,000 spectators expected on race day - here are a few recommendations for best viewing areas along the Dallas White Rock Marathon course:
FAIR PARK: Start/Finish Lines
An adventure in itself, Fair Park is even more full of fun and excitement on race weekend! In addition to the eight museums within Fair Park, there will be bands playing and food vendors selling their State Fair delicacies. The race starts at 8 a.m., and the first runners re-enter Fair Park on their way to the finish line beginning at 9 a.m. The last runner will finish around 3 p.m.
ARTS DISTRICT: Mile 3
Runners enter Downtown Dallas on Ross Ave., running under Central Expressway and through the middle of the Dallas Arts District. They will pass the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, and behind the Cathedral Guadalupe Church before crossing over Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Runners approach Mile 3 in the Arts District around 8:15 a.m. The last runners will pass through this area at around 9 a.m.
THE “SPLIT” ON GREENVILLE: Mile 8.5
All runners start together in Fair Park, lining up in waves based on their estimated pace per mile. They run together for the first 8+ miles until they reach Greenville Ave., where the half marathon splits from the marathon course and heads back to Fair Park. Marathoners and relay runners will head north on Greenville Ave.; half marathoners will head south. Runners approach the “split” shortly after 8:30 a.m., with the leaders running around 4:40 per mile. The back of the pack will come through this point of the course by 10:30 a.m.
DOLLY PARTON HILLS: Miles 12 and 21
At Mile 21, the marathon runners approach what is affectionately known as the “Dolly Parton Hills” among Dallas runners. Runners are close to “hitting the wall” at this distance, so there will be plenty of entertaining distractions and bands around this point. Spectators can also catch a great view of runners entering the loop around White Rock Lake (just before Mile 12) from this point. The leaders approach Mile 12 around 9 a.m., with the back of the pack passing through by 11:45 a.m. The leaders hit Mile 21 around 9:45 a.m., and the back of the pack passes through around 1:15 p.m.
SWISS AVENUE: Miles 23.2 – 24.5
Just past Mile 23, Swiss Ave. is the final stretch for the marathon and relay runners. At this point, runners are far enough along to know they are going to finish – and love that it is downhill! If the lead runners are still running together, one of the stronger runners will likely make a move here to separate from the pack. The leaders approach the top of Swiss Ave. around 9:50 a.m. The back of the pack passes through around 2 p.m.