Dallas' oldest and largest annual marathon, the Dallas White Rock Marathon, is changing its name.
After more than 40 years, the event will now be simply known as the Dallas Marathon, a name more consistent with marathons in other world-class cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago and London. Additionally, the start and finish lines for the race will now be in downtown Dallas, though White Rock Lake will continue to be a key element of the route.
“The new name is indicative of our renewed partnership with the City of Dallas, and consistent with our goal to attract more participants,“ said Kevin Snyder, chairman of the Dallas Marathon board of trustees. “As one of the oldest, largest and best-organized running events in Dallas, we share a mutual desire with the city to highlight Dallas’ spectacular assets to a growing field of visiting and local runners each year.”
Complete course details will be announced this summer, but officials did say that the 43rd running of the marathon will cross the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge at sunrise and travel into Klyde Warren Park. The route will go east to White Rock Lake and then end back in downtown.
“With the renaissance under way downtown, we’re excited about the opportunity to showcase all Dallas has to offer to both local and visiting participants and visitors,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “This race is a major contributor to the city’s economy, filling room nights and restaurants during a time that is otherwise quiet for meetings and conventions.”
In addition to the 26.2 mile marathon, the event also includes a half-marathon, a five-person relay, and the Mayor's 5k.
Approximately 25,000 runners participated in the four races in 2011 and the event has increased registrations by nearly 25 percent in the previous two years. In 2012, the race will be capped at 25,000 runners.
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Registration opens June 1 and is expected to sell out. Visit DallasMarathon.com for more information.
