Running EventDallas, TX31,000 Participants2025

BMW Dallas Marathon

Full Ops

ClientDallas White Rock Marathon

Org TypeNonprofit 501(c)(3)

Event TypeRoad Race / Marathon

LocationDallas, TX

Year2025

BeneficiaryScottish Rite for Children

Years as Production Partner14+

Participants31,000

Course Miles26.2

Services Delivered

PermittingUSATF CertificationPublic SafetyVolunteer CoordinationStart Line ProductionCourse ProductionFinish Line ProductionWalk Off ManagementSecurity Management

Project Overview

31,000 Runners. Every December.

The BMW Dallas Marathon is a full race weekend in downtown Dallas — five distances from 5K to 50K ultra, plus the Oncor Kids Race. It is the Official Marathon of the City of Dallas. ESW has managed full event operations for 14 years.

Our scope covers the full operation: city permitting, USATF course certification across all five distances, chip timing and real-time results, public safety coordination with Dallas PD, 600+ volunteers, and finish-line production. The event runs over two days in downtown Dallas each December — shorter distances Saturday, marathon and half marathon Sunday morning.

The race was founded in 1971 and has operated under several title sponsors over the decades. BMW joined as title partner in 2016. The event has donated nearly $5 million to Scottish Rite for Children since naming them as primary beneficiary.

The Scale

31,000+Registered participants across all distances

5USATF-certified race distances — 5K through 50K ultra

600+Volunteers coordinated on race day

14Years as full operations partner

01 / 06

How We Made It Happen

Built From the Ground Up, Every Year.

We build the operational infrastructure for 31,000 people to cross a finish line on time and safely. That means months of permit work with the City of Dallas, USATF course certification across all five distances, timing chip deployment, 18 aid station setups, and public safety coordination with Dallas PD. Race weekend runs across multiple days — the same systems and staffing that run the 5K on Saturday carry through to the full marathon and 50K on Sunday.

USATF Course CertificationMeasurement and USATF certification across all five race distances — 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and 50K ultra.

City of Dallas PermittingStreet closures, park permits, noise ordinances, and fire marshal coordination — rebuilt each year for a multi-day, multi-distance event.

Race Timing & ResultsChip timing systems deployed across all distances, with a real-time results portal and age group awards management.

Public Safety PlanningSafety planning coordinated with Dallas PD, EMS, and fire across every course segment and both race days.

Finish Line ProductionStaging, PA system, custom signage, and sponsor activations for the finish corridor — the last thing 31,000 runners see.

Volunteer Coordination600+ volunteers recruited, trained, and deployed across 18 aid stations and the finish corridor.

The Result

ESW has managed the BMW Dallas Marathon for 14 years, covering full operations: city permitting, USATF course certification, site design, and event weekend production.

31K+

Participants

Registered runners across all distances each December.

Years of Support

As full operations partner for the BMW Dallas Marathon.

$5M+

Donated to Charity

Raised for Scottish Rite for Children since naming them as primary beneficiary.

Course Incidents

Safety record across every race distance and both race days.

From The Field