Dallas Marathon

Dallas Marathon

Dallas, Texas, United States

Overview

The Dallas Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Dallas, United States. The course starts and finishes at Dallas City Hall. The route passes Dealey Plaza, White Rock Lake, and the Katy Trail. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.

Dallas Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Dallas Marathon 2026 race day

The next Dallas Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 13 December 2026 with a 7:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 257 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.

Dallas Marathon course route

The Dallas Marathon is a loop starting and finishing at City Hall, passing Dealey Plaza, White Rock Lake, and the Katy Trail. It is mostly flat with gentle undulations around the lake, and spectators gather at City Hall and along the trail and lakeshore.

Dallas Marathon elevation profile

The Dallas Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 257 metres of climbing and 257 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

For the Dallas Marathon, the flat downtown course combined with Dallas's typically cool December temperatures — usually 5–13 °C — makes it a popular late-season BQ attempt for runners who have trained through autumn and want one final fast race before year-end.

Dallas Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

What Is The Official Dallas Marathon Race Route?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dallas Marathon elevation profile?
The Dallas Marathon has 257 metres of total climbing and 257 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
How long is the Dallas Marathon?
The Dallas Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Dallas City Hall.
What time does the Dallas Marathon start?
The 2026 Dallas Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 13 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.dallasmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Is the Dallas Marathon course a flat downtown loop?
Yes. The Dallas Marathon is centred on a downtown loop course that keeps elevation gain to approximately 257 metres of rolling terrain — modest by Texas standards and much easier than the city's reputation for big roads might suggest.
Is the Dallas Marathon a good race for a Boston Qualifier?
The flat downtown course combined with Dallas's typically cool December temperatures — usually 5–13 °C — makes it a popular late-season BQ attempt for runners who have trained through autumn and want one final fast race before year-end.
What is the weather like at the Dallas Marathon in December?
December in Dallas is mild compared to northern US cities, typically offering temperatures between 5 °C and 13 °C on race morning. Conditions are generally dry and calm, though occasional cold fronts can push temperatures lower — always check forecasts race week.
What neighbourhoods does the Dallas Marathon course pass through?
The course winds through downtown Dallas and several of its vibrant urban neighbourhoods, passing landmarks like Dealey Plaza, the Arts District, and the historic Deep Ellum area, giving runners a genuine cross-section of the city.
When is the Dallas Marathon held?
The Dallas Marathon is typically held on the second Sunday of December, making it one of the last major US marathons of the calendar year and a popular race for runners seeking a December BQ or season-closing effort.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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