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?
Cowtown Marathon in February is the best DFW race. The Fort Worth course is scenic and the February weather is usually perfect for running.