DFW has a running event almost every weekend. Here's the major race calendar.
Major races:
- Dallas Marathon — December 2026. Full, half, 50K, and relay. Flat, fast course through Dallas. Source: dallasmarathon.com
- Cowtown Marathon (Fort Worth) — February 2026. Full, half, ultra, 10K, 5K. Oldest marathon in DFW. Source: cowtownmarathon.org
- BMW Dallas Marathon Festival — includes Dallas Marathon + associated events. Source: dallasmarathon.com
- Fort Worth Running Company Trail Run — monthly trail runs. Source: fortworthrunning.com
Half marathons:
- Rock 'n' Roll Dallas — March. Half and 5K. Live music on the course. Source: runrocknroll.com/dallas
- Hot Chocolate 15K/5K — November. Dallas. The finish line chocolate fondue is the reward. Source: hotchocolate15k.com/dallas
5Ks and fun runs:
- Turkey Trot (multiple DFW cities) — Thanksgiving morning tradition. YMCA Turkey Trot (Dallas), Fort Worth Turkey Trot, ThunderDash (Plano).
- Color Run — periodic. Colored powder throw, fun run not competitive. Source: thecolorrun.com
- Neon Night Run — various DFW dates. Evening run with glow accessories.
Trail running:
- Grasslands Trail Run (LBJ National Grasslands) — north of DFW. Actual trail. Source: grasslandstrailrun.com
- Cedar Hill Trail Run — Cedar Hill State Park. Rolling terrain. Source: various race organizations.
Training groups (free or low-cost):
- Luke's Locker Run Club (multiple) — free weekly runs from store locations. Source: lukeslocker.com
- November Project Dallas — free fitness group, meets at various DFW locations. Source: november-project.com
- Dallas Running Club — organized group runs and training programs. Source: dallasrunningclub.com
Sources:
- Race websites for dates and registration
- RunSignUp.com — DFW race search
- Dallas Running Club
What races are you signed up for?
Luke's Locker Run Club is the best free running community in DFW. Show up Wednesday evenings, run 3-5 miles with a group, no commitment.