Event Routes

Marathon Routes

The Toughest Little Marathon in Texas. The difficulty is only surpassed by it's beauty!

The Full Marathon:

( Marathon Map )

Twenty Six point two miles of Central Texas hills make for a challenging course. Marathoners around the country consider ours to be one of the most scenic and challenging courses you can run. Highlighting Waco's most valuable assets, the race runs through the Baylor campus, up historic Austin Avenue, climbs up Lake Shore Drive, and tackles the hills of McLennan Community College. The last portion of the course requires the athletes to dig deep and conquer the gorgeous but relentless hills of Cameron Park. Running along the beautiful Brazos River, the final two miles are welcome as they are flat and fast. Victory is yours as you cross the historic suspension bridge, making for a fabulous one-of-a-kind finisher photo!

Water will be available approximately each mile. Electrolyte drinks (Gatorade) will be available at every other mile the first half of the marathon, then every mile after the half. Fruit and other snacks will be available at some rest stops. Portable toilets will be available every few miles.

The Half-Marathon:

Runners and walkers alike will find this course approachable and entertaining. In the beginning, the course parallels the full marathon course by heading out into the beautiful Baylor campus. An excellent way to warm up your legs as it is flat and easy, the first section eventually guides you back to the point you began and then sends you out into the beautiful parks of Waco. Running along the river is still kind and flat. As you go to into the park you will encounter some gentle hills, but none as challenging as those found on the full marathon course. As you emerge from the park, you will once again run along the river, yet on the opposite side from where you began. This will allow you to complete your 13.1 miles by crossing Waco’s pride and joy, our historic suspension bridge. Your prize is not only a unique Texas style medal, but also a finish line photo that can’t be beat!
( Half-marathon Map )

Four Person Marathon Relay - NEW FOR 2010!

We designed our relay to embrace every athletic level, as well as making it festive and spirited. As each team member completes the assigned leg, he will receive a special commemorative ‘medal’ designating which part of the route was completed.
First Leg: “Flat and Fast Baylor Loop”- this leg is approximately 5 miles and takes you through the beautiful Baylor University campus. Students and faculty enthusiastically greet you as you zip around Bear Country for a flat quick course, designed for the both the beginning runner or the one looking to set a record time.
Second Leg: “Steady Climb through History” - The second leg of our relay is designed for a slightly more experienced runner. Departing from the suspension bridge, the runners head out through Waco’s historic downtown and pass the most prestigious, most beautiful Central Texas homes on Austin Avenue and through Castle Heights. This leg is slightly longer, approximately 8 miles, and has a very slight, gradual incline.
Third Leg: “Rollin’ on the Lake” - Designed to challenge, destined to please! Runners will pass through the hills and lovely golf course of Ridgewood Country Club, coming out onto Lake Shore Drive. This leg includes a long, steady climb with stunning views of Lake Waco. Approximately 6 miles in length, the runners end by running out onto the dam for a spectacular, one-of-a-kind experience.
4th Leg: “Diamond Tough” - Our final leg is for the “Quadzilla” of your team… The distance is approximately 7 miles, and this is truly when the race begins. Runners begin by tackling the hills of McLennan Community College. From there, they will enter the “Gem of Waco”, our fabulous Cameron Park. Shaded and gorgeous, the park has hills that are unparalleled and will keep you engaged every step of the way! Finish in triumph as you run the final two miles flat and fast along the Brazos River, finally crossing our historic suspension bridge in victory!
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The 5-K Race:

Starting at Indian Springs Park, 5 K runners go to Franklin and turn left cross the river. Turning on MLK, runners follow the river walk along the river to Faulkner where they turn and go back on the river walk to the Suspension Bridge, then cross the river to the Finish. (5-K Map)

The One Mile Fun Run/Walk:

Starting at Indian Springs Park, the one-mile runners go to Franklin and turn left cross the river. Turning on MLK, runners follow the river walk along the river to the Bledsoe Miller Recreational building where they turn and go back on the river walk to the Suspension Bridge, then cross the river to the Finish

Course Photos

This course features a terrain for every runner, from the novice to the most seasoned. Here are some of the sights along the route:

The Starting Line The sun coming up over our starting line - the beautiful Waco Suspension Bridge.
The first five miles of the course are through Baylor University. The Baylor Loop:	Looping through Baylor.
Interesting sights in the University.	Running by the science building at Baylor.

The second part of the marathon course is a gradual climb on Austin Avenue. The Historic District:	Homes along Austin Avenue.
Tree lines streets of Austin Avenue.	Historic homes on Austin Avenue.

After climbing a steady climb to the half, the marathon route turns to the hills of Ridgewood Country Club and the Lake. Ridgewood Area	Beautiful homes along Ridgewood Dr.
The third leg follows Lake Waco. Beautiful! Lake Shore	Beautiful Lake Waco.
Runners go on the dam for a short distance before turning towards Cameron Park.

Runners enter the park through McLennan Community College (some say the entry hill is the toughest hill on the course) The Hills of Cameron Park	Cameron Park overlooking the Brazos River.
Finishing the hills, the road comes to the Pecan Bottom.	Following along the Brazos River.
The last few miles along the Brazos River.

A spectacular finish across the suspension bridge!

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