Event News

HOPPY EASTER!

The flowers are in bloom and spring fever is here. This Monday, April 17 marks Patriots Day and the 121st running of the Boston Marathon, always an egg-citing time of year! With the days getting longer, and summer swimsuit season peeking around the corner…we all recognize it’s time for a running tune-up. Though we love all the seasons, this is always the best time of the year to get out the door. And even more, inspiration is when running, walking or cycling includes a tasty post-race beer.

We’ve got an Easter Basket full of events just in time for a Spring Fling including the Pub Run Series on the third & thirstiest Thursday each month at a local pub or brewery. Use some Pedal Power and join us on our 6-Pack Trail Bike Cruise & Craft Brewery Tour which takes you on an amazing tour of FIVE breweries, plus a final stop at LUCK in Trinity Groves for dinner and final brew. HOP on down to Houston for the Santo de Mayo 5K on Sunday, May 7th — as it’s a running fiesta that starts and finishes at Saint Arnold Brewing Company! Follow the I-30 bunny trail to the monthly Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest social runs which take place on the first Saturday of each month at Rahr & Sons Brewing Company.

So be our running or riding-bunnies and get hopping, we will get your cute bunny tail in shape just in time for summer!

Time to fly!

Dallas is celebrating Love Field's 100th anniversary and to commemorate this extraordinary date you are going to have a chance to run on the runway! Talk about a flat and fast course! All participants will receive a gender specific dry fit style shirt and of course a custom winged finisher medal to mark the occasion! Plus you will receive an exclusive discount to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, refreshments and more! So don't get delayed at the gate, check in now and board this one of a kind race!

Earn Your Running Wings!

Oct 25, 2016 |

This Saturday join us for one of the most unique racing experiences of your life as you run/walk through a course filled with World War II themed aircraft including a B-29 Superfortress, P-51C Mustang, P5-1D Mustang, SB2C Helldiver, B-24 Liberator, A-26 Invader and many other transport, liaison and trainer airplanes. And to top it all off this historic and scenic course will allow you to run on the runway…talk about flat and fast!

A race for the rings & other fun things!

The InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival is a fantastic three-day event with gates opening at 4:00pm Friday, September 23rd at Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074 and the last day of the festival closing on Sunday, September 25th at 7:00pm.

The festival weekend offers so much for entertainment for everyone, all ages, friends, family and everyone in between.

The HIGH-lights:

Live bands & entertainment on the FOX 4 community stage & the KLUV main stage.

Family friendly 5K Run/Walk & Kids 1K on Saturday morning. Don’t leave the kids with a babysitter, bring them out & create healthy habits early. Run or walk; plus kids in the 1K get a super, superhero cape to wear (instead of a shirt).

Take your running into the stratosphere on Sunday at the half marathon or buddy up with a friend because new this year the relay has been added so you can split up the miles as a team.

Race for the rings — earn a one of a kind trophy!

Two years ago the event director (Eric) was inspired by his love of football and the championship trophy rings of his favorite team (who is on the stairway to seven rings); he was introduced to a local runner who is also a sports fan — Eric Olschwanger (and is a jeweler too!). The two Eric’s came up with the custom PBF rings that go to the first place overall male and female finisher in the half marathon. So if you’re feeling speedy…join up and race for the rings!

Want more?

If all of this is not enough to convince you that this is the best local event to be a part of, then keep reading. All participants will be recognized for their air-mazing efforts in running and will be awarded a custom, six balloon finisher medal at the finish line. The half marathon medal is ginormous, four inches and is simply stunning — it spins and will be one of the most unique finisher medals in your collection for years to come. The 5K and 1K medals is just a bit smaller, but will also feature six balloons!

Want breakfast?

All participants can enjoy a hot breakfast after they run or walk. Yes we have bananas, yes there is water too; but you also get a yummy plated breakfast on Sunday for the half marathoners hosted by Central Market! 5K/1K participants will enjoy a tasty breakfast burrito on Saturday along with CLIF Bar & Corner Bakery.

GoGo Squeeze Zone & Other Treats

On the half marathon course along with standard aid stations serving water (roughly every two miles) & Powerade, GoGo SqueeZ will hand out tasty applesauce (100% natural goodness on the go!) at mile 8. Plus awesome sponsors like Naked Juice, Krave Jerky and GoGo SqueeZ will be in the runner’s village both Saturday and Sunday handing out samples and treats. If this is not enough fuel for you then bring a few bucks and walk around the festival and enjoy the festival food vendors (there are too many to list here!).

Free parking on race day!

Free parking on race day, show your bib and park free but make sure to arrive early and plan extra time to park & get to the start line; this is a large festival, with lots of people so arrive early to allow enough time to get to the start line (you’ll need a good 30 minutes to make a potty stop, bag check & get to the start line). The races will start on time!

Free tickets to the festival get ready to snap some great selfies!

When you sign up for the running events you also get two (2) free tickets into the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival which are good the whole weekend so bring the kids out and enjoy some quality time with the family. Come on out for the dazzling hot air balloons, food, entertainment, run/walk and get those selfies and capture shots of you and the hot air balloons too.

National Running Day + Global Running Day = Celebrate All Month!

(Use Code: RUNALLMONTH for 15% off select events)

Use Code: RUNALLMONTH for 15% off Adult registration on the following races.

Today, June 1, 2016 is officially Global Running Day. Initially this day was termed National Running Day and is commemorated the first Wednesday each June. There are many ways to join in the fun, be it pledging to run through the Global Running Day website, taking part in a multitude of social runs in your community, or going out solo and enjoying a run for you!

But why just celebrate on one day? We make a toast to our running shoes for the entire month of June by offering a 15% discount for adults on some pretty epic races!

Get out and soar your way to the Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon or relay and earn a four inch finisher medal adorned with six hot air balloons! One finisher medal not enough? Then sign up for the Plano Balloon Festival 5K the day before the half marathon for your warm up and earn another six balloon finisher medal!

Looking to polka your way through Oktoberfest? Then get your dirndl or lederhosen ready to partaaay at the Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K on October 1st and Rahr & Sons Brewing Company in Fort Worth.

Travel. Run. Brew.

Cinco de Mayo Run-cation, Destination Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

Things are heating up in Texas and longer distance races are approaching the rear view mirror as the mercury is on the rise. But don’t let that stop you from training!

Here’s a thirst quenching opportunity to keep running, racing and combine a bit of travel with a hops-happy destination; with a spicy themed 5K that will have you doing the Mexican hat dance at the post race fiesta, hosted by Saint Arnold Brewing & Whole Foods.

Destination…Santo de Mayo 5K presented by the University of Houston Downtown and hosted at Saint Arnold Brewing Company — Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery this one will have you saying Ole!

So just head on down I-45 and in a few hours you land. All that’s needed is an overnight bag, sombrero, maracas and your ticket to the start line.

Correr por la cerveza! (Run for the beer for you gringos.) At the finish line be sure to grab bragging rights with the commemorative custom branded finisher pint glass then saunter over to the event area for live music, three Saint Arnold brews and juicy treats served up by our sponsors including Whole Foods and Texas Tamale Company.

Want more deets or to grab your spot quickly (the race sold out in 2015!) check it out at santodemayo5k.com.

Going Green

Green Beer Gives You Wings

Every March, at least 495 legitimate, measured and timed road races, all with a St. Patrick’s Day theme, bring runners as varied as the beer they’ll drink later to starting lines across the U.S. to run in the name of the Irish. From East coast to West coast, St Paddys Day is celebrated through running, these races are as important to community celebrations as the parades down Main Street.

While the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the United States, held in New Haven, Conn. on March 17, 1842, probably didn’t feature a 5K, sponsored by Guinness of course, as a preshow activity, we owe a debt of gratitude to community parades for opening the door to the hundreds of races that have become synonymous with the holiday.

About 35 years ago, local non-profits recognized a chance to cash in on the new popularity of road racing and already blocked city roads and, thus, shamrock runs were born. As most people appreciate an opportunity to don green knee socks and enjoy a complimentary beer at 7:30 a.m., these races took off like pots of gold at the end of a rainbow. Today you can throw a stone and find an excuse to toast Saint Patrick at a water stop around March 17 – green beer optional.

Some of my favorite running memories are from the annual Dash Down Greenville in Dallas. I’ve dashed a PR. I’ve dashed at a hair over a snail’s pace and I’ve dashed everything in between. The pace never matters though, because in the sea of more than 5,000 runners nobody cares to overtake anyone, and everyone is trying to get to the post party. It’s a glorious run filled with leprechaun costumes and plenty of hijinks from the college kids.

If your run has become stale, may I suggest a St. Paddy’s Day run near you to refresh the soul. The air will be crisp and the palpable excitement will carry you over the miles – you’ll feel like a Kenyan. And the green beer is pretty good too. Sláinte, y’all!

Be Noble, Follow the Rainbow & Pub Run on St. Patrick’s Day.

Tis time to dust off your green running shoes and shamrocks because the third thirstiest Thursday on March 17th is St Patrick’s Day! Everyone is Irish on this day, just wear green.

It will be the noblest of all pub runs as we take over Noble Rey Brewing in the coolest of all locations in the design district, while there may not be green beer, there will be a fun celebration of running and all things Irish.

St. Patrick was said to have used the shamrock, a three (3) leafed plant when he was explaining the holy trinity to pagan Irish people. So to honor his memory on this holiday that celebrates his life, pub runners will run or walk 3 miles on the ‘Trinity’ Strand trail.

There will be plenty of pints o' gold at the end of the trail! Join the St. Paddy's Pub Run at Noble Rey Brewing Co. - Design District! And, there’s nothing more Irish than being with like-minded friends and sharing some brews, so the first pint o' golden suds is on us.

The featured specialty brew is ‘Golden Rey’ with Raspberries and Ginger or select one from any standard brew on tap. Why wait for the weekend to go Irish , when the party will get started early (and on the actual holiday). Your friends will be green with envy. Pre-register for $10 at www.pubruns.com

Run through Architecture Icons

The iconic Dallas skyline voted into first place in the USA TODAY Readers' Choice contest for Best International Skyline in 2014

The 2016 Form Follows Fitness 5K Presented by Blackson Brick Co and benefiting the educational programs of the Dallas Center for Architecture will hit the streets with the starting line at Klyde Warren Park on Saturday, February 20. Not only will it be a well-managed event and race, but the route takes you past some of Dallas’ most important and interesting architectural icons that make our cities skyscape one of the most unique.

Here are a few highlights!

Klyde Warren Parkis a new addition to downtown Dallas and is already proving its purpose as a bridge between downtown and uptown and as a destination for visitors from all over the area and beyond. Opened in 2012, the park’s masterplan and landscape were designed by The Office of James Burnett. The restaurant and performance pavilions were designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners.

Just past the starting line, you’ll see three projects by three of the most noted American architects and their firms. Currently under construction, McKinney and Olive is designed by Pelli Clark Pelli Architects; it will be an office building with restaurants and an expansive green space at street level.

The Ritz Carlton Hotel and Residences was designed by noted post-Modernist Robert A.M Stern, and The Crescent was designed by Philip Johnson, winner of the first Pritzker Prize and architect of Thanksgiving Square and the JFK Memorial.

Finally, as you prepare for your assault of Mount Woodall at the end of the route, you will pass by Fountain Place—a favorite downtown building of many—designed by Pei Cobb freed and Associates with striking water gardens by Dan Kiley.

So, as you’re striving for that personal best, keep your eyes open and appreciate the rich architectural fabric that is the trademark of the #FFF5K.

Long Sleeve Tech T's For FFF5K presented by Blackson Brick

Get registered now, don't miss this shirt, don't miss this race!

Jan 25, 2016 |
By Eric Lindberg

Got sleeves? You might need them for the Dallas Center for Architecture's Form Follows Fitness 5K presented by Blackson Brick. One of the hottest racest of the year in the coolest month of the year! Conrats to Marta for the amazing design.

If you have a true love for running, walking, and the great city of Dallas, then it’s time to kick your buttress into gear for the Form Follows Fitness 5K presented by Blackson Brick Company, Inc.. LA Fuess has engineered three fun social runs to give some structure to your training leading up to race day (2/20). These FREE fun runs will build a strong foundation under your fitness goals and help you over the hump by finishing off your Wednesday workdays. Mark your calendar for the first one beginning January 20th from the KATY Trail Ice House. Sign in starts at 5:30 PM and we run and/or walk 3'ish miles on The Katy Trail. After our workout, we will celebrate with two free beverages and hot appetizers all brought to you by L. A. Fuess Partners, the Dallas Center for Architecture and Form Follows Fitness 5K! Stay tuned for food and beverage specials and other details by following the Form Follows Fitness 5K Facebook Page!

Join the City of Dallas and its Park and Recreation Department as we celebrate the 4th of July with the annual running of the Dallas 7/4! The event features two unique race distances including a 7K and a 4K decorated with patriotic themes.

Eight Years a Running!

August 2016 will proudly mark our 8th year in business since On Your Left! Marketing & Events was born under the name, DFWRUNS.

Nine Months ‘til launching!

T minus nine months and counting. Can’t help but countdown to our biggest event, the Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon, 5K & 1K. Nine months is the perfect gestation period to labor for these beautiful back-to-back events so head into your resolutions feet first by marking down the 9/24 – 9/25 due date!

Ten Months ‘til Rahr Oktoberfest!

Eleven Lederhosen Leaping

Rahr Oktoberfest Social Run Series: Get your beer belly in shape for the Rahr Oktoberfest 5K as our ever-popular socially fun training runs take on Rahr form in 2016!

Teamed up with Dallas Sport & Social, Run On!, and Asics, every third Thirsty Thursday of each month throughout 2016 will be far from ordinary. Come taste test various breweries and pubs around the Dallas metroplex with people like you! Start the year off literally on the right foot January 21st. We will guide you on a 30-40 minute run at your own pace and then the first thirst-quencher is on us! More details and RSVP HERE.

In the last months of the New Year, my true love gave to me, ZERO Prostate Cancer, and a year full of running healthy! It's not too early to check out our 2016 ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walks! This national race series is an active way to raise funds and share the hope to declare one number above others: ZERO. There is an end to prostate cancer. To receive a notification for when a Run/Walk website closest to you goes live in 2016, please sign in here.