Dallas Marathon 2014: Route, Course Map, Times, Event Details
At least there isn’t going to be ice at this year’s Dallas Marathon.
The race was cancelled last year out of safety concerns because of ice on the route, but the largest single-day sporting event in the city is set to go Sunday for its 44th running. Read on for more information about the 2014 version.
2014 Dallas Marathon Event Details and Times
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Date: Sunday, Dec. 14
Time: 8:05 a.m. CT (Dallas’ time zone) and 9:05 a.m. ET
Where: Dallas, Texas
Who: Approximately 20,000 runners who will participate in marathon, half marathon and relay
TV: WFAA-TV (Channel 8, ABC affiliate) from 8-11 a.m. CT
Live Stream: WFAA.com
Course Map and Route Details
The course map for both the full and half marathon and the ever-important elevation charts can be found here, courtesy of the event’s official website.
Debbie Fetterman of The Dallas Morning News described the entirety of the route details at length, but it is important to note that there will be noticeable changes on this year’s path because of extended construction projects.
Both the full and half marathon runners will start and finish together, although the full runners split into their own path near White Rock Lake. Eventually, they rejoin the half marathoners and end together at the same finish line.
Even though there are significant changes, the Dolly Parton Hills are still part of the route. They will be near Mile 13 on the way to White Rock Lake this year rather than on the return.
There will also be plenty of spectators and “buzz,” as Fetterman put it, along the stretches by Greenville Avenue and the Lakewood Shopping Center given the amount of restaurants and viewing areas. Part of the run along Greenville Avenue will feature an extended downhill stretch, which will likely be a relief for runners.
Sarah Blaskovich of The Dallas Morning News passed along a fascinating interactive map for runners and spectators to study before the race actually begins:
The route will feature more than 20 water stops that will also include Lemon Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula. What’s more, CLIF Bar will have stops at miles 8.5 and 19.5 where it will be handing out energy gel.
Other Information/Some Runners to Watch
The one thing on everyone’s mind leading up to the race, given last year’s cancellation, is the weather. David Finfrock, who is the NBC 5 Weather Team’s chief meteorologist, discussed the possibility of less-than-ideal weather again, via a separate Fetterman piece:
“I’m thinking right now we’re going to be OK for the Dallas Marathon. I don’t expect any problems in the morning. Six p.m. to midnight will be prime time for thunderstorms. It could start earlier; we’ll have to see.”
The best news is that it will not be cold enough for ice to form, so runners won’t have to worry about a similar cancellation to last year’s event.
With better weather comes more spectators, runners and entertainment. This year, there will be more than 40 bands and entertainers of all genres of music across the entire route. A full list of performers, which includes Fantasia, The Ackermans and Dallas Kiyari Taiko Drum Band, can be found here, courtesy of the event’s official website.
There will also be fireworks and confetti at the start of the race, so runners will have something to take their minds off any pre-race nerves.
Another form of competitive entertainment at this year’s race will feature the relay challenge between the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers.
Elite athletes Meb Keflezighi and Ryan Hall will pair up with the teams in the Behringer Relay, and a winner-take-all charitable donation is the prize. Each team will feature one of those two athletes (Keflezighi with the Mavericks and Hall with the Rangers), three staff members from the Mavericks or Rangers and a fan selected by the teams.
Keflezighi is actually the first runner to ever win the New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon and a marathon medal in the Olympics. Hall is a two-time Olympian who also boasts the best marathon time by an American in history.
Another runner to watch is Sara Hall, Ryan’s wife, who is a Pan American Games gold medalist, a three-time Olympic Trials finalist and the 2012 U.S. National Cross Country champion. Patrick Byerly, who is president of the Dallas Marathon, discussed Sara Hall’s presence in the race, via a Dallas Marathon press release:
“We’re extremely excited to have Sara Hall running the MetroPCS Dallas Half Marathon. Sara has had an impressive racing season and will challenge our women’s field, bringing a heightened level of excitement to all runners and spectators participating in race day this December.”
Whether it is the Halls turning in impressive performances on the roads, the Mavericks and Rangers battling it out for charity or the weekend warriors of Dallas testing their limits, the Dallas Marathon is one of the marquee events on the city’s calendar and a testament to the athletic ability and determination of the participants.
Best of luck to the runners.
For more information go to the Dallas Marathon website here.
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