Irving – September 25, 2026 -- The 2026-27 Irving Marathon Running Series opens Oct. 3 with the Irving Oktoberfest Half Marathon, offering a half marathon, 10K and 5K with bratwurst and beer waiting at the finish line.
Six race weekends span nearly eight months
The series continues with the Irving Turkey Trot on Nov. 26, 2026 (8-mile, 5K), followed by the Irving Frost Marathon on Dec. 19, 2026, a Boston qualifier offering marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K distances. The Love on the Run Half Marathon runs Feb. 13, 2027, ahead of the series' flagship event, the 15th Annual Irving Marathon, held March 20-21, 2027, and also a Boston qualifier. The Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon closes the season on May 15, 2027.
Courses are flat, certified and steps from hotels
All courses are USATF-certified and run through Las Colinas along the canals and Lake Carolyn, starting and finishing at the Toyota Music Factory entertainment district. Nearby hotels eliminate predawn shuttle rides, and race-specific hotel deals are available. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport sits just minutes away.
The series now draws more than 30,000 runners a season
Founder Lazaro Alvarez built the races with major-marathon touches from the start, including complimentary race photos, VIP hospitality and polished production, financed in part through an SBA loan. Last season's field included runners from 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 16 countries.
Alvarez, who moved to Irving from El Salvador at 13 and ran track at Austin Middle School and Irving High School, co-founded the original Irving Marathon in 2012 with Ronnie Chesko after finding the city had no marathon of its own. He later co-founded the full Irving Marathon Running Series in 2019 with Jaclyn Livingston.
Lori Sirmen, communications manager of Visit Irving, said the races hold up against Chicago, New York and the Marine Corps Marathon, without the shuttle lines and crowded corrals of bigger events.
The series relies on community volunteers for race-day operations and supports the Irving Schools Foundation.