RACE WEEKEND

Race Weekend Schedule

Everything you need to know about what's happening and when — from packet pickup to the awards ceremony. Plan your weekend around these key windows so you arrive rested and race-ready.

Friday — Pre-Race Day

• Packet Pickup — 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the race venue / designated pickup location
• Expo open
• Course briefing for marathon participants — 6:00 PM

Saturday — Race Day

• Packet Pickup — 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM (race morning only, limited)
• Marathon Start — 7:00 AM
• Half Marathon Start — 7:30 AM
• 10K Start — 8:00 AM
• 5K Start — 8:15 AM
• Awards Ceremony — begins approximately 10:30 AM as age-group results are finalized
• Finish line celebration open through early afternoon

Sunday

No official events — safe travel home.

PACKET PICKUP

Pick Up Your Bib Before You Run

Packet pickup is available at [Venue Name], [City, TX]. Pick up your race packet on Friday before race day between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Limited race-morning pickup is available Saturday from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM — we strongly encourage Friday pickup to avoid pre-race stress.

Bring your registration confirmation (printed or on your phone) and a valid photo ID. A designated representative may pick up your packet on your behalf — they must present a copy of your confirmation and their own ID. Packets not claimed by race morning will be available at the information tent near the start line.

FOR SPECTATORS

Cheer Them On: Spectator Guide

The Cross Timbers course winds through scenic North Texas countryside with several designated spectator zones where you can see runners multiple times. Key access points are located near the start/finish area, the Mile 7 bridge crossing, and the Mile 18 out-and-back turnaround. Detailed spectator maps are available at the race expo and on the official race website.

Free spectator parking is available at [Venue Parking Area]. Arrive before 6:45 AM on race morning to secure a spot near the start/finish. For mid-course spectating, carpooling is strongly encouraged as roadside parking is limited along rural course segments. Follow signage from race volunteers at all access points.

The finish-line chute offers the most energetic viewing experience — pack your cowbell. For mid-race cheering, the Mile 7 bridge provides unobstructed views of the field on both outbound and return legs. The Mile 18 turnaround is a high-emotion point for marathon runners — a vocal crowd here makes a real difference.

The Finish Line Is Just the Beginning

Cross the finish line and refuel at the post-race festival. Hot and cold food, fresh fruit, snacks, and hydration stations are available to all finishers and their families. Local food vendors and community partners are on-site throughout the morning.

Every finisher receives a unique Cross Timbers finisher medal — designed to reflect the Texas Cross Timbers landscape and crafted for durability. Finisher shirts are included in your registration packet.

Age-group awards are presented to the top three finishers in each category. Awards ceremony begins approximately 10:30 AM as results are certified. Overall winners are recognized first, followed by age-group presentations.

Stick around for the community celebration — live announcements, runner recognition, and the energy of a finish-line crowd that makes the Cross Timbers race series memorable long after the clock stops. Families and spectators are welcome throughout the post-race area.

Getting Here & Where to Stay

The Cross Timbers Marathon is held in North Texas, easily accessible by car and within driving distance of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Whether you're traveling from across the state or just down the road, here's what you need to know to plan your race weekend.