When I first saw the opportunity to race at the BigTex Run in Arlington I got super excited. First because this would be my first real in person race this year and second because it was here in Texas just 3 hours from my home. I quickly made plans and decided to go with my husband and fellow BibRavePro, we would take our RV, go to the race and make it a fun full weekend.

The description on their website about the whole event was also super exciting. The theme was that everything in Texas is bigger, Big Race, Big Celebration, Big everything, with free beer and optimal BBQ to celebrate at the finish line.

We left the Friday before the race, with plenty of time to drive the RV and make it on time to their fun pop-up party for packet pick up as described on their website.

We made it to Texas Live! Backyard which was incredible. A huge entertainment place with outside sitting and indoor restaurants located between three legendary arenas, AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field and Globe Life Park, super impressed about the location.

Packet pick up did not go as expected and it was somewhat a let down because we couldn’t find the pop-up party nor the packet pick up place. It was not located at the Texas Live Backyard, after asking several managers of different restaurants they finally guided us to the correct restaurant where they were handing out your bib number and tank for the race. No real party, no Expo. The other issue I had was the lack of social media interaction. I looked at various social media channels trying to find updated information about the race packet pick, but could not find a lot of details or updates.

We still decided to hang around, to have dinner and we ended up having a great time that night.

Next day was race day, race was scheduled to start at 8:30 am. We arrived around 8, parking was great, there was a nice crowd, and fun music playing. Got excited and a little nervous, but I was ready.

Race started on time, the route was great, I ran around the beautiful streets of Arlington. I felt great during the race, no knee pain and I got a couple of PRs. I finished 31 out of 75 in my gender, woohoo!

I did enjoyed the scenic views of Cowboy’s stadium, and the Texas Rangers brand new Globe Life Field Ballpark and we finished at Texas Life Backyard. They had music, and a nice free cold beer.

Overall a great experience, this event has great potential, I had fun, I ran, and above all I was able to finish the race, just that made it all worth it. I would definitely come back next year.

Thanks to @bibrave for another amazing opportunity!