Be a sport: This was shot at the Turkey Trot last year, but you can bet that they, or their equivalent, will be on the streets this Marathon Sunday. (By Christina Hughes Babb)
Marathon weekend is upon Dallas. And there is much more to it than Sunday’s 26.2 mile footrace. From Friday’s night mile, Saturday’s 10k, 5k and 100-meter dash or the marathon, half marathon or 50k ultra marathon on Sunday — runners of any age, ability or experience will participate.
But for those who aren’t into the whole fitness and running thing, being caught off guard due to road closures can be frustrating.
Marathon director Marcus Grunewald told us during this month’s profile interview that he spends an enormous amount of time talking to businesses, churches and city departments in hopes of preparing the public for this annual December weekend of potential interruptions.
“You want to keep everyone impacted happy, and we have learned that by reaching out and notifying as many people as possible about what’s going to happen race weekend, the less complaints we get afterwards.”
But sometimes neighbors don’t get the word. So here’s a last-ditch attempt to make sure you don’t get too inconvenienced by or upset with Marcus and his marathoners this weekend.
Friday at 7 p.m. Dallas City Hall: The Friday Night Lights Mile is for both fun and serious runners and will only mildly affect traffic, with its two-lap Grand Prix style race around Dallas City Hall Plaza.
Friday Dec. 9
Saturday until noon: Saturday’s events include a 10K, 5K, a 5-person 5K Team Challenge and a 100-meter dash for kids.All Saturday events start and finish in Downtown Dallas. Don’t miss the special pre-race performance by the Woodrow Wilson High School band. The 10k will affect Riverfront, Commerce, the Ron Kirk and Margaret Hunt Hill bridges and both races will traverse the streets of Deep Ellum. These closures should be cleared up by about noon.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Sunday: If you’re planning any travels, be aware that these closures will basically last all day. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall and ends at the same spot. The races — marathon, half marathon and 50k plus various relay races — wind through the city. White Rock Lake, Lakewood, the Santa Fe trail, University Park/Preston Hollow, Skillman and Mockingbird Streets, Downtown and Deep Ellum are some of the most-impacted parts. If your house is on or near the course, know there will be live music and much noise, and your best bet is to join the party.
Marathon Sunday for some is about competition. For others it’s about day drinking. Embrace it. 
Sunday, Dec. 11 half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon courses. There also is a health and fitness expo that lasts Thursday-Saturday. Everything else you need to know is here on the Dallas Marathon website.
Sunday’s weather forecast is a low of 57 and a high of 64. That’s warm for runners but nice for spectators. Get out there and soak up the wonders of the marathon.
