On Your Mark

Turkey trots, 5Ks, fun runs + marathons in Dallas-Fort Worth this November

Race with your pup at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot.

YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas/Facebook

November can mean different things to different people. For some, it's a chance to eat carbs and turkey until we pass out. For others, it's time to lace up your sneakers and fit in a casual 3.1 miles before the pie ever passes your lips. And for a special few, it means both.

18th Annual Fort Worth Marathon, November 10
Walk the marathon course, gather a team for a marathon relay, or go solo for the 5K, half marathon, 20-mile race, or full marathon. Either way, you'll leave Farrington Field feeling very accomplished.

Girls on the Run DFW 5K, November 23
Volunteer coaches for this nonprofit lead third to fifth-grade girls in sessions that blend physical activity with life-skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. Each season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K where you can run alongside these accomplished young women at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.

Pumpkin Spice Races, November 23
It's giving gourds, guts, and glory. The half marathon, 10K, and 5K courses cruise along the Trinity River with shady paths and wide streets. Stay and play in the Shack at the after-party, complete with pumpkin spice coffee, hot chocolate, free ice-cold beer, Mindy Lu Pies, and even a pumpkin pie-eating contest.

Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, November 28
On your mark for this Thanksgiving tradition, which has been drawing families out for more than 55 years. Expect a 5K run/walk and a 8-mile race, plus a junior trot, family fun area, and the option to dash with your dog (the first 750 dogs across the 5K finish line win their own medal!). Virtual options are also available, and don't forget to dress up for the costume contest.

CRC Thanksgiving Day Run, November 28
Kick off your Thanksgiving with runners and race walkers from all over the community at the half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run at the Trinity Trails Zero Mile Marker. Whether you are a competitive runner, mid-pack runner, jogger or walker, everyone has a good time.

Scheels North Texas Turkey Trot, November 28
Go on a turkey trot before you gobble 'til you wobble in downtown Frisco. Choose from a one-mile fun run, a 5K, and 10K, and each race also has a virtual option. All entry fees benefit the Miracle League of Frisco.

Irving Turkey Trot, November 28
Sign up to run or walk the 5K or 8-mile distance around the scenic Las Colinas Urban Center at Toyota Music Factory. Hurry — prices increase after November 24. The races benefit the Irving Schools Foundation.

Bad Donkey Night Run, November 29
Find a moment to go with the flow in the midst of a holiday weekend with this laid-back sunset run along the Trinity River Trail. Each wave is capped at 15-20 runners, and distances span 13.1 miles, 10K, 5K, and a one-mile fun run.

And it's not until the second Sunday in December, but the BMW Dallas Marathon is coming up quick. Established in 1971, it has the distinction of being Dallas’ largest and Texas’ longest-running marathon. Several other running and walking event round out the weekend, including a half marathon, 50K ultra marathon, the Shell Energy Relays, a 10K, a 5K, a 5K team challenge, the Friday Night Lights Mile, and various kids races.

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Fun times in the city

Dallas swings a spot on new list of most fun cities in U.S. for 2024

Topgolf Facebook

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Dallas just wants to have fun, according to WalletHub's new ranking of the most fun cities in America in 2024.

The annual report ranked Dallas No. 31 out of 182 U.S. cities.

WalletHub's experts compared each city using 65 metrics to determine their level of "fun." Metrics were split among three main categories: entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and cost.

According to the study's findings, Dallas was 24th nationally in the category for nightlife and parties, and ranked No. 39 in the "entertainment and recreation" category. That may be especially alluring for anyone who wants to explore the city's vast entertainment opportunities (especially during the holiday season), family-friendly recreational activities, top dining destinations, and more. Plus, Dallas is home to entertainment juggernauts like the State Fair of Texas and TopGolf.

Dallas performed poorly in the overall cost category, earning No. 114 out of all 182 cities. However, this category mostly compares flat costs rather than affordability based on local cost of living.

Potential new Dallasites should do their research before deciding to move here, rather than basing their decision on short trips and vacations alone. But we won't blame them for wanting to live in one of the best cities in the world.

"The top cities offer affordable options for year-round fun for their residents, which is good for residents’ wallets and their mental health," said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo in the report.

Austin (No. 6) and Houston (No. 9) were the only Texas cities to earn a spot in the top 10 most fun U.S. cities list. Austin moved up one spot from last year, while Houston made a 10-place jump.

Other fun-filled Texas cities that made it in the top 100 are El Paso (No. 53), Fort Worth (No. 55), Plano (No. 78), Arlington (No. 79), and Corpus Christi (No. 99).

The top 10 most fun U.S. cities are:

No. 1 – Las Vegas, Nevada
No. 2 – Orlando, Florida
No. 3 – Miami, Florida
No. 4 – Atlanta, Georgia
No. 5 – New Orleans, Louisiana
No. 6 – Austin, Texas
No. 7 – San Francisco, California
No. 8 – Chicago, Illinois
No. 9 – Houston, Texas
No. 10 – New York City, New York

Cities were evaluated based on the number of attractions per capita, nightlife activities per capita, the average prices for eating at a restaurant or buying a movie ticket, and more. Data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, The Trust for Public Land, and the Council for Community and Economic Research, among others.

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