I must say I am beyond excited about this race recap, this was my first half marathon, and it was the best half marathon ever.
First, let me say if you can spring the extra cash, pay for the VIP upgrade. This upgrade allows you to have private parking, a nice lounge inside the omni hotel with a breakfast buffet, as well as a post race buffet, massages, and a mimosa bar post race. Who wouldn’t want to hang out here before a big race, and use real bathrooms?
The run itself, gorgeous, there were so many moments in which I wanted to take pictures, but I was too focused on finishing, and not getting picked up by the SAG wagon. It starts in downtown at the omni and winds through the Turtle Creek, and Highland Park neighborhoods. The homes are absolutely beautiful, but the community support is even better. It starts off with some hills here and there at the beginning but halfway through, it’s all downhill to end at fair park.
The bands were spectacular and was a great boost of energy while passing. All of the intersections (even small neighborhood streets) were closed AND monitored by a Dallas Police Officer. At the end just like every race you’re quickly greeting with your bling, pretzels, banana, and that long awaited chocolate milk. The after party, was amazeballs, the concert was great, and they had additional merchandise for sell so bring money (I didn’t 😦 ). I would also recommend using gear check to hold a change of shoes, for me it was easily a half mile walk back to the car, I imagine it was longer for those not at VIP.
I’ll be doing this race again next year, without a doubt, and I highly recommend it as a first timer’s half marathon.