DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The BMW Dallas Marathon Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year after being canceled last year because of COVID.
“The BMW Dallas Marathon Festival is a beloved annual tradition in our city — one that we have missed as we battled through the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Eric Johnson. “We are overjoyed that the marathon festival is returning to our streets this year. The weekend of events showcases our great city, brings people together, and gives back to our communities. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”
The marathon is expected to attract more than 20,000 runners from all 50 states and more than 10 countries.
“We are excited to host the 50th Anniversary of the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival, and we have a remarkable weekend celebration planned with the support of the City of Dallas,” said Paul Lambert, President of runDallas, “The marathon festival weekend is a fantastic opportunity for runners and walkers to experience a world-class event, including friendly competition and the support of more than 100,000 cheering spectators on the course. Through the great partnership with the five DFW BMW dealerships, one lucky participant will win the car drawing on Marathon Sunday, driving away in a special edition 2021 BMW Sports Coupe.”
The weekend-long festival will begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 10, with the second annual Friday Night Lights Mile. This is a two-lap Grand Prix-style race around Dallas City Hall Plaza that will include multiple heats for runners of all abilities. Things begin heating up on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 8:30 a.m. with the 10K Race, followed by the 5K Race at 8:45 a.m. By 10 a.m., it’s the kids’ turn to start racing, starting with the 100M Dash. At 10:30 a.m. the Oncor Kids’ Race will begin. Both kids’ events are free of charge.
Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m., the Full, Half and Ultra Marathons kick off. These races begin in downtown Dallas and showcase some of the most notable areas of the city. Along the course, there will be cheer stations and on-course entertainment before the finish line at Dallas City Hall Plaza. In addition to these races, the two-person and five-person relays will also be held on Sunday. These team-building races will be held in both a half-marathon and marathon distance. Spectators can attend all events for free.
Leading up to the Festival Weekend, the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival is hosting a series of BMW Fall Fun Runs throughout the DFW area. The first Fall Fun Run was last Thursday, Oct. 7, in Fort Worth. Other Fall Fun Runs will be held in Arlington on Oct. 14, Grapevine on Oct. 21, Plano on Oct. 28, and Dallas on Nov. 4.
Since the festival named Scottish Rite for Children as their primary beneficiary in 1997, it has raised more than $4 million for the world-class institution. During the most recent race weekend in 2019, the festival presented the organization with a check for $80,000. This year, Scottish Rite is celebrating its centennial, which means for 100 years, it has been providing quality pediatric care for orthopedic, related neurodevelopmental and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as for specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia.
“Because of the longstanding relationship and support from the BMW Dallas Marathon, Scottish Rite for Children can continue to provide life-changing, expert care to children with pediatric orthopedic conditions and help give kids back their childhood,” said Bob Walker, president and CEO of Scottish Rite for Children.
In support of Scottish Rite, Emily Jones has also volunteered to be the Last Woman Running at this year’s festival. Jones is the sideline reporter for the Texas Rangers and Executive Director of Scout & Cellar, as well as a dedicated mother. As the Last Woman Running, Jones will be the last person to start the Half-marathon Race, and for each person she passes, Andrews Distributing will donate $1 to Scottish Rite for Children.
Dallas City Hall Plaza is the location of this year’s marathon weekend start and finish lines for all 10 events.
Copyright 2021. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved.
