DALLAS (Nov. 8, 2013) – The MetroPCS Dallas Marathon today announced several key improvements to the course routes for the December 8 marathon and half marathon races. MetroPCS Dallas Marathon officials worked with City of Dallas, DART, the Dallas Police Department and additional partners to enhance the course experience for the 44th running of the race.
“Every year after the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, we ask our runners for feedback so that we can improve the runner experience,” said Patrick Byerly, president of the Dallas Marathon. “Several small, but significant changes we made to the courses this year are a direct result of that feedback we received. The modifications will provide increased runner and spectator safety, as well as enhance the runner experience.“
The major adjustments affect the half marathon course: Race officials eliminated the out-and-back turnaround from the 2012 Dallas Half Marathon course that caused runners to see the finish line before circling back to cross it at the end of the race. Half marathon participants will track with the full marathon course across the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, through the West Dallas Loop and pass by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, the race’s primary beneficiary, before finishing downtown along Griffin Street.
The improved finish line for both races will be located at Wood and Griffin Streets, which will allow the participants to quickly exit the secured finisher’s area so they can reunite with friends and family and partake in the expanded post-race party on the surrounding city streets.
The full marathon course will also have a new entrance back into downtown that travels through Deep Ellum along Main Street, improving the final two miles of the race course for runners and spectators.
For more information on course maps or traffic closures around the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, visit dallasmarathon.com.
