2015 was my first year running in Dallas. The 5k went through Fair Park, but the Half Marathon went all around town so I got to see parts of the city I've never seen before. It turns out Dallas is a lot nicer than I expected it to be. (I lived in Austin for several years, and the natural Austin anti-Dallas bias had definitely rubbed off on me.)

Initially I was a bit scared about parking, as I knew many roads were going to be closed (as well as the freeway exit my iPhone kept telling me to take). Fortunately I'd left a little extra time for that, and found a lot that wasn't too far from the finish line and cost less than any of the ones advertised/highlighted. It was also mostly empty. I'm not sure if people took public transit or were dropped off, but there was a TON of parking there (about five blocks from the start).

The course was mostly flat and had a variety of types of scenery, from a little urban renewal to offices to parks. I really liked that some of the entertainment and all of the selfie-stops were Texas-themed, but then I've always said Texas is in love with itself, so I wasn't all that surprised! Selfie-stop options included a giant neon six-shooter, a boot ("cowboy boot" to my fellow Yankee-types), and an oversized hat. (Texans: you could tell who the out-of-state runners were because their selfies were "all hat and no cattle" ha ha!) One of the bands set up an entire faux BBQ joint, complete with a longhorn sculpture/statue (for selfies, of course!) and a smoker. There was a rope trick artist on course.

We ran over this very cool bridge--I forget what it is called, but it is relatively new--and I completely forgot to take a picture. Same with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, who lined the last .05 to the finish line. No picture. How did I do that? Special talent here.

The finish line and festival area were relatively compact (which I like, because I don't want to do a ton of walking when I've just done a race). I was able to pick up my post-race goodies and Remix medal without waiting in any lines. Not sure if that was the status all day, or just for us back-of-the-packers, but the party was still in full swing when I crossed. There were a ton of runners cheering along the last .1 or so, taking group pictures, and hanging out. Unlike the 5k, the half ended with gorgeous weather, sunny and not-too-hot.

This was my third race in Texas, but the first Rock 'n' Roll. It had all the elements you'd expect from a Rock 'n' Roll race (bands, tons of volunteers, obligatory Gu at mile 8, etc.) Personally, I enjoyed my run through Dallas and would happily return. (Cross your fingers and hope Southwest keeps the airfares low, okay?)

For some pictures (but not of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders) and a shot of me with my in-race mocha: http://www.trainwithbain.com/rock-n-roll-dallas-part-2/

Disclosure: I am a member of the 2015 Rock 'n' Blog team. While I don't think that affected my view of this race, it seems only fair to point it out.