The longest-running marathon in Texas has enjoyed a storied history as a great race for runners, spectators and the DFW community. Now in its 42nd year, the MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon, to benefit the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, attracts more than 300,000 spectators and 25,000 participants, making race day one of Dallas’ largest single-day events.

On December 3, Fair Park hosts the Health and Fitness Expo, one of the largest gatherings of sports fitness experts, nutrition and training product vendors, and running enthusiasts in the Southwest each year.

Cigna’s Mayor’s Race 5K is held the same day. The Dallas White Rock Marathon board of directors offers the 5K Fun Run and Walk, free to Dallas Independent School District students
and staff, in an effort to fight childhood obesity and promote health and wellness in the DFW community.

A parachute team, real live Texas longhorn steers and a youth obstacle course provide entertainment plenty of entertainment. A Rockin’ Pasta Dinner is hosted by the new Omni Dallas Hotel, beginning at 6 p.m., with performances by the Shelley Laine Band and the Dallas Maverick Dancers.

On December 4, more than 40 bands line the race course as 25,000 runners run through the downtown Dallas Arts District and the Uptown area along Turtle Creek, through Highland Park and the M Streets, around White Rock Lake, through Lakewood and down Swiss Avenue, back to the finish line within Fair Park.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit RunTheRock.com.