Inaugural 13.1 Dallas Marathon

[Photo courtesy of Dallas 13.1 Marathon]



More than 2,000 runners participated in the 2011 Inaugural 13.1 Dallas Marathon & 5 Mile Run.  With the starting line and finish line both located in the Arts District of Downtown Dallas, this course took runners through Uptown, Turtle Creek, Highland Park, Katy Trail, Victory Park, the West End, and back to the Arts District.

As an inaugural race, the 13.1 Dallas Marathon was professionally and impressively executed.  Logistically speaking, each aid-station was well equipped with volunteers, water, and Powerade.  Moreover, a huge chronograph was conveniently located at the end of each mile, thus providing runners with the exact time that had lapsed.  Also, an adequate amount of portable restrooms were spread throughout the course.

The Inaugural 13.1 Dallas Marathon included some very unique features.  At about Mile 6, strawberries were provided in addition to the water and Powerade.  At about Mile 11, positioned directly across the American Airlines Center, a drumline offered inspiring, motivating, and rhythmic beats for runners.  And most unique of all, with about a quarter-mile left in the race, the magnificent and groovy Mavs Maniacs danced, clapped, and cheered for the runners.  Performing to live music, the Mavs Maniacs provided runners with an extra push of motivation to finish the race strong.

Front and back of shirt given to participants.

 The ribbon to the finsher medal.

The finisher medal.

This was my 11th half-marathon and I must say the 13.1 Dallas is the best course I have ever ran.  Along with being the best course I have ever experienced, the finisher medal is by far the coolest and favorite medal I have thus far recieved (check out the spinning 13.1; unique and fantastic!).I am certain the 13.1 Dallas will continue to have huge success in the following years and decades and I am certainly looking forward to next year's event!

If you are interested, next year's race will be on October 27th.  Here is the link:
13.1 Dallas Marathon