If you’re planning to run a marathon in the Lone Star state, don’t miss out on these races which are, year after year, among the state’s most popular.
Grasslands Trail Run – Decatur
The Grasslands Trail Run was first organized in 1999, and to this day it remains a popular event among fans of trail marathons. Held in the LBJ National Grasslands, runners are able to take in the beautiful scenery and the wildlife as they wend their way along the course. According to the official website, “Texas weather guaranteed! It other words, it could be hot, warm, beautiful, rainy, windy or snowing.”
The Course
The course is challenging if you’ve never run a trail marathon before. It’s relatively flat but the terrain changes, from rocks and packed dirt to sand and mud. It’s a slow race in general, in a beautiful area, and many parts of the trail are shaded by trees.
Image Source: Grasslands Trail Run
Reviews
“Aid stations were well stocked, volunteers were friendly, and cows were harmless.” – D.E., Marathonguide.com Review
“This race is quite an adventure. Race organization is fine too. Overall, it was a great experience” – L.W., Marathonguide.com Review
Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon – Seabrook
Attention all nature lovers: this race is for you. Run along the Seabrook Nature Trails and take in the views of the bird and wildlife sanctuaries, Galveston Bay, wetlands and fresh and salt marsh. And if that’s not enough to convince you, maybe you’ll be swayed by the race’s “enthusiastic volunteers, great goodie bag and awesome post-race party”, according to the marathon website.
The Course
The marathon begins and ends in Meador Park, and runners will complete 4 loops of the Seabrook Nature Trails before crossing the finish line. While the first mile runs through city streets, almost all of the course is flat and on a crushed granite surface.
Image Source: Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon
Reviews
“This is the best marathon I have ever run. It has a great vibe. The food is great, there’s enough for everybody. It’s perfect for the whole family.” – C.L., Marathonguide.com Review
“One of the best organized most fun community races out there. Great crowd, well supported, and very fun atmosphere.” -A.F., Marathonguide.com Review
Davy Crockett Bear Chase Marathon – Graveton
This small town race in Graveton, Texas is a favorite among marathoners in the know due to the stunning scenery, friendly volunteers, well-stocked aid stations, free camping and good food. Find out more here.
The Course
The course an out-and-back route which extends into Davy Crockett National Forest. It has a total elevation change of 400 feet as well as rolling hills, and it combines paved roads and hard-packed gravel track.
Image Source: Find My Marathon
Reviews
“Aid stations manned by enthusiastic and most helpful volunteers. A little bit of country road, some trail, some black top, a perfect mix. Everything geared towards the comfort of the runners. Because the Almighty Dollar is not the goal of the organizers, this is organized with the runner in mind and therefore this is a cool marathon.” – Matthew, Marathonguide.com Review
“This race is AWESOME. Great course with fantastic scenery – horses in pastures, blooming flowers, majestic canopy of pine trees. [This is a] hidden gem in Groveton – free pasta dinner, great course, friendliest water stops in the business, and hot dogs, drinks, and candy after the race. I can’t recommend this race enough and I will run it again.” – Matt, Marathonguide.com Review
Frankenthon Monster Marathon – Cedar Park
The Frankenthon Monster Marathon will be celebrating its eighth edition this year. This small event north of Austin is a favorite among runners due to the awesome gear provided, the zealous volunteers, the post-race food, and good organization all around. Even better, family members can wait and kids can play at the nearby city park.
The Course
This marathon, which runs on the Bushy Creek Trail, comprises 3 loops, each of which is approximately 8.75 miles. The trail is mixed, consisting of crushed granite and pavement, although it’s also possible to run on soft grass next to the paved areas. Elevation changes are minimal, and there are lots of curves and turn, as well as some hills.
Image Source: Frankenthon Monster Marathon
Reviews
“This was my 1st marathon and thrilled I chose this one out of so many in the Austin area. The atmosphere was GREAT! It was a small marathon around 150 runners and everyone was so nice and friendly. It was nice to see runners pushing each other on, especially on that last loop. It was fantastic that friends and family could join you as they pleased. Nice SWAG!!!” – Dolly, Marathonguide.com Review
“This was my first marathon and couldn’t have asked for better. I loved the course and the intimate number of participants! I am now hooked and can’t wait for next year!! Thanks for putting on such a great race!” – S.N., Marathonguide.com Review
Marathon 2 Marathon – Marathon
This is a fun event in the very small town of Marathon (population 420). The money raised from the race goes directly to local businesses and, therefore, participation has a big impact on the community and its economy. As the official website says, “It is a heartfelt race of appreciation.”
The Course
The course is entirely asphalt and runs straight along the shoulder of U.S. Highway 90 in the west Texas desert. It’s a point-to-point marathon with no turns, elevation is about 4,000 feet, and there are some long, slow inclines.
Source: Marathon 2 Marathon
“If you like friendly people, beautiful countryside and a memorable experience in a picturesque small town, take the long ride to Marathon, Texas for Marathon 2 Marathon.” – R.F., Marathonguide.com Review
“I have run this marathon twice. It is by far my favorite. It is a “small-town” marathon, so if you are looking for a big-city marathon experience, you won’t find it here. You will find great people, pretty scenery, and a truly unique course and race… It is a small-town, grassroots effort, but it’s well done. This is really what running is about.” – C.D., Marathonguide.com Review
Brazos Bend 100 – Needville
The Brazos Bend 100, which includes 100 and 50 milers, a full and half marathon, and a 100 miler relay race, takes place at Brazos Bend State Park, which extends over 5000 acres. It’s home to a wide range of wildlife, from white-tailed deer, bobcat and coyotes to river otters, lizards and snakes. It’s also “one of the few places you will ever get to see wild alligators crossing the trails, laying on the banks and swimming without fear of an incident”, according to Ultrarunning magazine.
The Course
The official website says that the marathon begins and ends at the Elm Lake Pavilion, and is hands down “the fastest trail in Texas trail running”. It’s almost entirely non-technical and flat, except for one 10-foot hill, and the surface is “hard crushed rock, soft trail under canopy, and easy horse trails.”
Source: Brazos Bend 100
Reviews
“Overall great trail run. Glad to have been a part of the experience at Brazos Bend State Park.” – W.B., Marathonguide.com Review
“Great course and great scenery in the park. A different environment for someone from the Northeast. Lots of fun.” – K.W., Marathonguide.com Review
BCS Marathon – College Station
This small event (a Boston Marathon qualifying race) is the highest-rated marathon in Texas state, according to Marathonguide.com. From the fireworks at the start to the excellent organization to the enthusiastic spectators, most runners come back, year after year.
The Course
The course is mainly flat, with a few rolling hills around miles 11 through 13. It runs through several golf courses and neighborhoods and provides a chance to see the Bryan/College Station community as well as the Texas A&M campus. It’s relatively fast and is a good race for trying to set a PR.
Source: BCS Marathon
Reviews
“This is the best race series by far. The volunteers and spectators are so supportive. You truly feel like you’re running with thousands of friends. The aid stations and water stops are top notch and the race directors and staff are truly amazing!” – K.S., Marathonguide.com Review
“I have run many marathons around the country and this is one that I come back to every year. The organization is top notch from the pre-race communication to the race logistics to the post race food. The race director and his team are to be commended.” – R.C., Marathonguide.com Review
Dallas Marathon
This is big-city race that continues to grow, year after year, and organization remains stellar. From the giant expo at the convention center to the finisher’s medal to the tech shirt, the utmost care is taken to ensure a great race for all participants.
The Course
The course weaves its way around the best parts of Downtown Dallas, including White Rock Lake as well as some of the city’s most popular and upscale neighborhoods, where spectators generally come out in droves. It is, for the most part, a flat course, with the occasional small hill. There’s also on-course entertainment.
Source: Dallas Marathon
Reviews
“This course was simply spectacular! We ran through some of the fancier neighborhoods of Dallas, and the homes were decorated for the holidays. Fantastic course support (loved the HUGE cup of beer at mile 9 or so). I would do this course again… no doubt! Thanks for the great run, Dallas. I’ll be back!” – N.L., Marathonguide.com Review
”The massive race start had a huge big screen in view of all runners in the corraled street, and introduced the elites and pumped everyone up with music and race highlights. Fireworks blasted to send us off – it was an electric atmosphere… I highly recommend this race to people looking to run a marathon in Texas or a December marathon. I enjoyed the entire experience and left feeling my every expectation was satisfied.” – Mike, Marathonguide.com