Kids’ races brought back for third year alongside fan favorites
by Silver Hogue
A record 10,000 runners showed up at the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival to participate in the Friday Night Lights event, followed Saturday morning by the 5K, 10K, and kids’ events – the 100m and the Oncor Kids’ Race – which were brought back for a third year to promote family health and wellness in the community.
As the official marathon of the City of Dallas and Texas’ longest-running marathon, race weekend is drawing thousands of participants and spectators from around the world, culminating in the half, full and ultra marathon Sunday morning.
“The BMW Dallas Marathon Festival is proud to offer a variety of races that appeal to those of all ages and fitness levels,” said Paul Lambert, President of runDallas. “It’s a wonderful thing to be able to have this lineup of family-inclusive races that create a challenging and exciting experience for all.”
10K Winners
Jeb Williamson, 19, of Kaufman, TX, took first place for men in the 10K with a time of 33 minutes 48 seconds. “This was my first time running the BMW Dallas Marathon,” says Palomo. “I’m on a break right now for cross country at DBU. My dad texted me about this race and I wanted to do it, so I came down and got to work. I’ve been racing for a long time.”
The women’s 10K race had an exciting finish, with Allison Clever, 33, of Dallas, TX, taking first place with a time of 36 minutes 42 seconds. “This is my first BMW Dallas race. I love the adrenaline rush, even though it’s pretty nerve racking. I’m already looking forward to the next race.”
5K Winners
Jose Rodriguez, 18, who lives in Dallas, placed first for men in the 5K with a time of 16 minutes and 41 seconds. “I wanted to close off the year with a fun race. I’m looking forward to the half tomorrow. The weather has been great so I’m taking advantage of it.”
Rena Elmer, 39, also from Dallas, took first place among the women running the 5K at 17 minutes 12 seconds. “I’m just getting back into running after having my tenth baby. I just wanted to come out and see where I’m at.”
Kids’ Races
Kids of all ages took part in the marathon’s third annual line-up of family races, including the 100M Dash and the Oncor Kids Race. The event was a special affair for the McCarthy family, who brought their 10-month-old daughter, Bexley, the youngest person to ever participate in the race.
Friday Night Lights Mile
The BMW Dallas Marathon Festival hosted its second Friday Night Lights Mile event yesterday evening, a two-lap Grand Prix style race around Dallas City Hall Plaza. More than 200 participants took part in fun and competitive event that offered eight different heats for seniors, kids, elite runners, and even those in costume. The elite heat wrapped up the evening, with the winner running the 1-mile course in just under 4 minutes.
For more information about the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival’s 50th anniversary running, please visit rundallas.com. For unique story opportunities throughout the weekend, please contact Silver Hogue at Silver.Hogue@hck2.com or at (214) 697-3113.
About Dallas Marathon
The Dallas Marathon is a nonprofit organization with a focus on promoting health and physical fitness through running events and related activities. Dating back to 1971, the organization hosts year-round events culminating with Dallas’ largest and Texas’ longest running marathon: the BMW Dallas Marathon. Now in its 50th running, the marquee event, with 10 event distances to select from throughout the weekend of events, attracts runners from across the globe and tens of thousands of spectators to Dallas’ largest single-day sporting event. The BMW Dallas Marathon course highlights iconic Dallas landmarks and is recognized as the official marathon of the City of Dallas. Since naming a primary beneficiary in 1997, the Dallas Marathon has donated more than $4million to Scottish Rite for Children. For more information, visit bmwdallasmarathon.com.