When facing a steady diet of holiday cocktails and late-night sugar cookies, you may find yourself in search of a little more balance. Use this round-up of local fun runs in Dallas to get your steps in, support good causes, and enjoy the cooler weather. Who doesn’t love a good run when it’s 45 degrees out!
Be sure to check ahead for changes or cancellations.
November 17 & 18 {SOLD OUT}
Prairie Lights Sneak-A-Peek 5K | Grand Prairie
Be the first to see the displays at Prairie Lights as you run, jog, walk, or stroll through the park. November 19 will be dedicated for runners, joggers and fast walkers. November 20 is for those who want to walk or stroll through the lights. See link for costume contest info, too!
Note: This event gets more popular each year. Early registration starts in September, so put a reminder in your phone now for 2023!
November 24
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot | Downtown Dallas (and virtual)
This annual Dallas tradition is one of the largest multi-event races in the country! It benefits the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, and it’s a great way to start your Thanksgiving with the whole family. Live and virtual racing/walking options for the 5K and eight-mile, plus a Junior Trot for the kiddos. Check out the FAQ here.
November 24
Irving Turkey Trot | Toyota Music Factory (and virtual)
Runners, joggers, and walkers are welcome to sign up for the 5K run/walk or the eight-mile course. Festivities start at 7:00 a.m. and the races start at 9:00 a.m. See link for a course map through the Irving Las Colinas Urban Center and along Lake Carolyn.
November 24
Plano Turkey Trot | Oak Point Park
Can’t make it downtown? How about Collin County? Run/walk beautiful Oak Point Park in Plano at this annual Thanksgiving 5K. Hypnotic Donuts will be on hand to reward you after. Note: No dogs. Strollers are allowed for walkers and joggers only. Benefits Best Buddies International.
December 3
Candy Cane Course DFW | Oak Point Park
A Christmas-themed run that’s perfect for the whole family. Free photos, costumes contest, free kids’ dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun activities!
December 9 – 11
BMW Dallas Marathon Festival | Dallas
The Dallas Marathon! The course highlights the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, entertainment districts, and iconic Dallas landmarks. But you don’t have to be a marathoner to participate. There’s a whole host of other events including a half marathon, two-person half-marathon relay, five-person marathon relay, 10K, 5K, 5K team challenge, the Friday Night Lights Mile, and various kids’ races.
Dallas Marathon is a nonprofit organization with a focus on promoting health and physical fitness through running events and related activities (and to date has donated $4M to Scottish Rite for Children).
December 17
A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K | Downtown Dallas
Remember Jingle All the 5K, 10K? This is the new rebrand in partnership with Peanuts®! The 5K and Snoopy Kids Dash starts at Trinity Groves right near the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. You’ll have a great backdrop of downtown Dallas. Benefits Be an Angel DFW.
December 17
Irving Frost Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K | Toyota Music Factory
Benefits the Irving Schools Foundation, which provides meals for children, school supplies, scholarships, and more. Fast and flat course. Joggers, walkers, strollers, and dogs are allowed but must start in the last corral. See race day perks at the link!
December 20
Jingle Bell Run | Hilton Anatole Dallas
Here’s an evening option for ya! This is a longtime family-friendly event with a 5K run/walk, one-mile walk, and virtual 5K. As always, you’re encouraged to run dressed up in your favorite holiday attire and, for the live event, enjoy the festive after-party at the Anatole. After-party includes live entertainment, complimentary food and beverages, and more!
February 26
Chocoholic Frolic | TBD
Last year, this run was in January at Tupp’s Brewery in McKinney. Let’s see if it changes locations along with the new date. We’ll update here when more info drops.
