Irving Marathon Running Series Kicks Off Oct. 3 With Oktoberfest Half Marathon

Destination half marathons and marathons pair big-race perks with easy travel, hotels near the starting line and a full weekend in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth

IRVING, Texas, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Come for the race. Stay for the weekend.

The 2026-27 Irving Marathon Running Series starts Oct. 3 with Irving Oktoberfest. It's the first of six race weekends built for runners who want a big-race experience without the big-city hassle. Courses are fast, flat and USATF-certified, hotels are steps from the start line, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is minutes away.

The 2026-27 schedule:

• Irving Oktoberfest Half Marathon — Oct. 3, 2026 (half marathon, 10K, 5K), with bratwurst and beer at the finish
• Irving Turkey Trot — Nov. 26, 2026 (8-mile, 5K)
• Irving Frost Marathon — Dec. 19, 2026 (marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K), a Boston qualifier
• Love on the Run Half Marathon — Feb. 13, 2027 (half marathon, 10K, 5K)
• 15th Annual Irving Marathon — March 20-21, 2027 (marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K), the series' flagship Boston qualifier
• Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon — May 15, 2027 (half marathon, 10K, 5K)

Race details and registration here. 

"As a marathoner, I've run Chicago, New York and the Marine Corps Marathon, and these races hold their own against all of them," said Lori Sirmen, communications manager of Visit Irving. "Runners get major-marathon perks without shuttle lines and crowded corrals, and it's all part of Irving's journey to becoming the running capital of Texas."

First-class from Day One

When Lazaro Alvarez staged his first races, he planned them as if 15,000 runners were coming. He invested in complimentary race photos, quality swag, VIP hospitality, public-safety support and polished race-day production. He even took out an SBA loan to pay for it.

The investment paid off. The series now draws more than 30,000 runners each season, plus their cheering squad. Last season's participants came from 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 16 countries.

"From the beginning, I wanted every runner to feel like they were at a major event, whether there were 500 people at the starting line or 15,000," Alvarez said. "We built the experience first. Now we're giving runners more reasons to make Irving part of their race calendar."

From Irving High to Irving's starting line

Alvarez moved from El Salvador to Irving at 13 and ran track at Austin Middle School and Irving High School. At Schreiner University, he helped start the first cross-country team. When he returned to Irving and found the city had no marathon, he co-founded one in 2012. And today there is an entire season of races that promote fitness, fun, and community spirit. 

The race team relies on community volunteers to deliver a seamless race-day experience and gives back by supporting the Irving Schools Foundation in numerous initiatives.

Roll out of bed. Walk to the start

Races start and finish at Toyota Music Factory, an outdoor concert venue and entertainment district in Las Colinas. Courses run along the Las Colinas canals and Lake Carolyn. Nearby hotels mean no predawn commute or shuttle ride, and race-specific hotel deals are available. After the post-race party, runners can explore Las Colinas' walkable restaurants, bars and live music.

Your race weekend starts here

Register for any race and see the full 2026-27 schedule on the Irving Marathon Running Series website. Plan your race weekend with hotels, dining and things to do from Visit Irving.

About the Irving Marathon Running Series

Lazaro Alvarez and Jaclyn Livingston founded the Irving Marathon Running Series in 2019. It grew out of the Irving Marathon, established in 2012 by Alvarez and Ronnie Chesko. The series benefits the Irving Schools Foundation.

About Visit Irving

Visit Irving is the official destination marketing organization for Irving, Texas. Located between Dallas and Fort Worth and minutes from DFW Airport, Irving welcomes visitors for leisure travel, meetings, conventions, sports and events.

Media Contact
Lori Sirmen, Communications Manager, Visit Irving
214-766-1550; [email protected]

SOURCE Visit Irving