Ready, Get Set

On your mark for fab fall races and runs this September in Dallas-Fort Worth

Run one of Dallas' most beloved trails.

The Katy Trail/Facebook

A surefire way to know that summer in Texas is winding down? The 5Ks return. Now that it's not nearly as scorching as, say, July, you can take your workout outdoors — at least some of the time.

Here are but a few of the big races set for September:

Katy 5K, September 7
Run and have fun on a unique course that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Dallas, including Turtle Creek, Uptown, and Katy Trail. Post-race, celebrate at the Picnic Party with DJ Poizon Ivy, free Michelob Ultra (for those 21 and over), free food from more than 30 local eateries, sponsor swag, and selfie stations.

9/11 Heroes Run, September 16
Be a part of this race, which happens all over the country and is organized by the Travis Manion Foundation, to honor veterans, first responders, civilians, and military who jumped into action on 9/11. The Dallas race takes place in Arlington

Guts & Glory Zombie Experience, September 16
Zombies are taking over Rorie-Galloway Day Camp in Mesquite — do you have what it takes to escape and survive? Humans (runners) will run through the woods and compete in team-building challenges to test strength, speed, problem-solving, and teamwork. Collect survival essentials along the way to ensure your team's safe passage to the finish. If you choose to be a Zombie, come dressed in your appropriately gory best and try to grab the runner's flags as they zoom by.

Fort Worth Oktoberfest Run und Ride, September 21-23
Within this three-day celebration of German culture, you'll not only find competitions like stein-hoisting and bier barrel-rolling but also 5K and 10K runs along the Trinity Trail and 20-mile urban bike ride. All race and run participants receive a free three-day pass to the fest, and dressing in lederhosen is recommended!

The Garland Guzzler, September 23
The "physically demanding" and "mentally strenuous" race known as the Garland Guzzler 0.5K is coming back for its sixth year. Race to the Granville Arts Center parking lot from 6-10 pm and cheer on the “athletes” as they run the 0.5K route (546 yards or 1,638 feet, to be exact), enjoy the after-race Oktoberfest festivities, food, beverages from Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery, live music from The Dogensteins, and much more.

Oaktoberfest, September 24
Oak Cliff's take on the traditional German celebration includes a 1.128-mile fun run around Tyler Station, with beer samples for each lap completed. Stay for more beer, brats, and live polka music.

Rock of Ages Run, September 30
Get ready to rock your way through a 5K, 10K, or half marathon in Forth Worth, where rock music will be blaring throughout the course and everyone can enjoy the race's famous pancakes at the post party.

health fitness promoted

Turkey Day news

Dallas eats up top-5 rank on list of best cities for Thanksgiving

Photo courtesy of Razzoo's

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Dallas is sitting at the head of the table as one of the best places in the country to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, a new study has revealed.

Dallas ranked No. 5 out of 100 of the largest U.S. cities in WalletHub's annual "Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving" report, published November 12. The city made a huge leap over its 2023 ranking as No. 17, and remains the highest-ranking Texas city.

The study analyzed each city based on 18 metrics to determine the best places for Thanksgiving, such as the number of pumpkin patches per capita, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner, the number of volunteer opportunities, the average weather forecast, and more. The metrics were then organized into five overall categories to determine the rankings.

The category that Dallas ranked the highest in was the number of celebrations and traditions (No. 2), and the average weather forecast during the holiday period (No. 9), while the lowest-ranked category was for safety and accessibility (No. 82). Other categories that determined Dallas' overall ranking were affordability (No. 60), and a "giving thanks" rank (No. 26).

Dallas restaurants are getting prepared for their big Turkey Day feasts, and CultureMap has rounded up a thorough list of all of the local restaurants hosting holiday feasts, from brunch to dinner.

"The best cities for celebrating Thanksgiving all have an abundance of high-quality restaurants and places to buy festive decorations, and their residents get very excited for the holiday based on their Google search history," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.

By Thanksgiving on November 28, Dallas will be fully decked for the December holidays. Dallasites who will have extended family in town during Thanksgiving weekend can take in of all the marvelous Christmas lights brightening the city. Dallas-Fort Worth goes all out for the most wonderful time of year.

Across North Texas, three Dallas-area cities also made big improvements from their 2023 rankings. Irving moved up 10 spots to claim No. 19 this year, and Garland jumped up 21 spots on the list as No. 34. Arlington made the biggest improvement in the region, moving from No. 78 last year to No. 55 this year.

Meanwhile, Plano and Fort Worth slipped in the rankings, falling into No. 44 and No. 45 in 2024, respectively. Plano previously ranked No. 38 in 2023, and Fort Worth was No. 36.

San Diego, California (No. 1) topped the overall list of best places to go for Thanksgiving this year, followed by its Golden State neighbors San Francisco (No. 3) and San Jose (No. 4). Atlanta, Georgia (No. 2) rounds out the top five.

dallas fort worth thanksgiving wallethub rankings