BMW Dallas Marathon
The Lowdown
The BMW Dallas Marathon is Dallas, Texas's flagship marathon and the longest-running marathon in Texas, organized annually since 1971, when it began as the White Rock Marathon. Now in its 55th year for 2026, the race weekend spans December 11-13, 2026, and includes the Friday Night Lights 1 Mile on Friday, the 10K and 5K on Saturday, and on Sunday the marathon, half marathon, half marathon walk, and 50K ultra marathon, all starting and finishing at Dallas City Hall Plaza in downtown Dallas. The marathon and half marathon courses wind through Dallas neighborhoods including Oak Lawn and Highland Park before looping roughly 10 miles around White Rock Lake, with a notable climb exiting the lake near mile 20. The BMW Dallas Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier (USATF Certification #TX21063LAB) and has donated nearly $5 million to its primary beneficiary, Scottish Rite for Children, since 1997. The 2025 edition drew more than 28,000 participants across the weekend and sold out the marathon and half marathon two years running, so early registration under the new 2026 dynamic pricing model is recommended.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Moderate rolling hills
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Crowd data unavailable
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
White Rock Lake (miles 13-18)
Dallas City Hall Plaza (start/finish)
Oak Lawn neighborhood
Highland Park neighborhood
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Dallas City Hall Plaza
US
Eligibility
- Minimum age requirement applies for the full marathon and 50K (estimated 18; not explicitly published)
Entry Methods
- Online registration via RaceRoster
Founded in 1971 as the White Rock Marathon; moved to its current December date in 1976 for better race-day weather.
Primary beneficiary since 1997 is Scottish Rite for Children, to which the race has donated nearly $5 million.
The 2025 edition (54th year) drew more than 28,000 participants across the weekend and sold out the marathon and half marathon distances two years in a row.
A new dynamic pricing model for 2026 raises entry fees in tiers as registrations increase, so early registration secures the lowest price.
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