The BMW Dallas Marathon is North Texas's premier distance running event, attracting around 25,000 participants across all distances each December. The course winds through some of Dallas's most scenic and upscale neighborhoods, including Highland Park, Lakewood, and the White Rock Lake area, before finishing in downtown Dallas. With mild December weather, a festive holiday atmosphere, and Texas-sized hospitality, the Dallas Marathon is a fantastic late-season race.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Dallas Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, December 6, 2026 |
| Venue | Start/Finish: Dallas City Hall Plaza |
| Address | 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas, TX 75201 |
| Airport | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) |
December weather in Dallas is mild compared to most of the country. Expect average highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). Race morning temperatures are typically around 5-8°C (41-46°F), which is ideal for running. Occasionally, a cold front can push temps lower, so check the forecast close to race day.
The Venue: Dallas City Hall Plaza
Dallas City Hall Plaza, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, serves as the start and finish area for the marathon. The modernist City Hall building provides a distinctive backdrop for the race. Located in the Government District of downtown Dallas, the plaza is easily accessible from surrounding hotels and transit.
What's nearby:
- Dallas Arts District — the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, featuring the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and AT&T Performing Arts Center
- Dealey Plaza — the historic site of President Kennedy's assassination, home to the Sixth Floor Museum, a short walk from City Hall
- Klyde Warren Park — a popular 5-acre urban park built over a freeway, featuring food trucks, yoga, and events
- Deep Ellum — a vibrant entertainment district east of downtown known for live music, street art, and restaurants
Important: Dallas is a sprawling city built around cars. While the race start/finish area is downtown, getting around the metro area generally requires a car or rideshare. DART light rail serves the downtown core and some key areas.
Where to Stay
Downtown Dallas puts you within walking distance of the start/finish and the expo, with easy access to DART light rail. Uptown Dallas, just north of downtown, is the city's most walkable neighborhood with a dense concentration of restaurants and bars connected by the free McKinney Avenue Trolley. The Design District and Deep Ellum offer more character at slightly lower prices.
The Adolphus Hotel — Best for Start/Finish Access
A landmark Beaux-Arts hotel on Commerce Street in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Adolphus has been a Dallas institution since 1912. The start/finish at City Hall is a short walk away. The hotel features elegant rooms, excellent dining, and a rooftop pool with city views.
Hotel ZaZa Dallas — Best for Dining and Nightlife
Located in Uptown Dallas, Hotel ZaZa offers boutique luxury with individually designed concept suites and a vibrant pool scene. The McKinney Avenue restaurant strip is at your doorstep, and the free trolley connects to downtown for the race. A stylish choice for a celebratory weekend.
NYLO Dallas South Side — Best Budget Option
Situated in the South Side neighborhood in a converted warehouse, NYLO offers a loft-style experience at moderate prices. The location is a short walk to downtown and the race area. The industrial-chic rooms and rooftop bar give it more character than a typical budget hotel.
Getting There
From Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
DFW is located approximately 29 km (18 miles) northwest of downtown Dallas.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DART Orange Line | ~55 min | $3.00 | Direct train to downtown Dallas stations |
| Taxi/Rideshare | ~30 min | $40-60 | Fastest option, can vary with traffic |
| Dallas-Fort Worth Shuttle | ~45 min | $20-25 | Shared van to downtown hotels |
The DART Orange Line connects DFW Airport directly to downtown Dallas and is the most affordable option. It runs every 15-20 minutes and stops at key downtown stations. If arriving at Dallas Love Field (DAL), which is closer to the city, DART bus and rail connections are available.
Public Transport
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (DART bus or rail) | $3.00 |
| Day pass | $6.00 |
| 7-day pass | $30.00 |
DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) operates light rail, bus, and streetcar services. A day pass is good value for race weekend. The McKinney Avenue Trolley connecting Uptown to downtown is free. Download the GoPass app for mobile ticketing.
Where to Eat
Uptown Dallas (McKinney Avenue) — Dallas's most popular dining corridor, packed with everything from upscale steakhouses to casual brunch spots, all walkable or accessible via the free trolley. Deep Ellum — a revitalized entertainment district with craft breweries, taco joints, barbecue spots, and some of Dallas's most creative restaurants.
Dallas Food to Try
- Texas barbecue — slow-smoked brisket is a religion in Texas, and Dallas offers excellent options at Pecan Lodge, Terry Black's BBQ, and Cattleack Barbeque
- Tex-Mex — Dallas takes its Tex-Mex seriously, with sizzling fajitas, queso, and enchiladas at institutions like Mi Cocina, Meso Maya, and El Fenix
- Chicken-fried steak — a Texas classic of breaded, fried beef steak smothered in cream gravy, found at spots like AllGood Cafe in Deep Ellum
- Kolaches — Czech-influenced pastries filled with sausage, cheese, or fruit, a beloved Texas breakfast staple
- Pecan pie — Texas is the nation's leading pecan producer, and the rich, sweet pecan pie is a must-try dessert
Budget eating: Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville offer great value dining. Tacos and Tex-Mex are consistently affordable, with many spots serving excellent plates for $10-15. The Truck Yard in Lower Greenville and Dallas Farmers Market are excellent for casual, affordable eating.
Essential Dallas Tips
Currency. US Dollar (USD). Cash vs card. Card is accepted everywhere. Cash is rarely needed. Tipping. 18-20% at restaurants. Texans are known for generous tipping and warm hospitality. Language. English is the primary language. Spanish is widely spoken. Weather in December. Highs around 13°C (55°F) and lows around 3°C (37°F). Generally mild but cold fronts can bring sudden drops. Dress in layers and check the forecast. Safety. Downtown, Uptown, and the Arts District are safe for visitors. Use rideshare for getting between neighborhoods at night, as Dallas is spread out and not ideal for walking long distances after dark.
What to See
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza — the compelling museum documenting the assassination of President Kennedy, located in the former Texas School Book Depository
- Dallas Museum of Art — a free art museum in the Arts District with a collection spanning 5,000 years of history
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science — an interactive science museum designed by Thom Mayne, popular with families and adults alike
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — 66 acres of stunning gardens on the shores of White Rock Lake, especially beautiful in the fall
- Reunion Tower — the iconic ball-shaped observation tower in the Dallas skyline, offering 360-degree views from the GeO-Deck
- Bishop Arts District — a charming, walkable neighborhood south of downtown with indie shops, galleries, and restaurants in historic buildings
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), ~30 min by car or ~55 min by DART |
| Venue | Dallas City Hall Plaza, downtown |
| Nearest station | Convention Center or Cedars (DART Green/Orange Line) |
| Transport to venue | DART light rail to downtown, then walk |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely |
| Language | English, Spanish widely spoken |
| Weather | 3-13°C (37-55°F), mild with possible cold snaps |
| Tipping | 18-20% at restaurants |
| Emergency | 911 |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.