Irving's favorite event team is back in action. The Irving Marathon Running Series announced plans for Fiesta de Mayo, a half marathon through downtown Las Colinas giving runners a challenging chance to get moving before the blistering heat of a Texas summer.
The Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon is scheduled for May 22, and registration is open now. Irving's leading running team has prepared another exciting family event at the Toyota Music Factory in Las Colinas. This top-of-the-line, hassle-free event at a world-class venue is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and stay on top of your running game.
Irving Marathon fans got to preview the half marathon course at the Free Cinco de Mayo Fun Run. Now, it is time for the main event. On May 22, The Irving Marathon Running Series presents the Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon. All Irving Marathon's Running Series events benefit Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation. The Irving Marathon and Baylor Scott & White raise money to help fight childhood obesity.
Now is the time to sign up for the Fiesta De Mayo Half Marathon. This event is the last race before summer. People can register by filling out a simple online form.
Next, runners can choose one of the USATF certified distance options. The Irving Marathon prepared a variety of options for runners at different levels.
The Irving Marathon Running Series has something for everyone. Families may want to choose the Fun Run. Beginners can join the 5K. More experienced runners are likely to choose the 10k while advanced runners compete in the 13.1K main event half marathon.
All of the routes start at the Toyota Music Factory. The parking garage opens at 5:30 AM. Parking at the Toyota Music Factory is free. The Irving Marathon will host a safety briefing at 6:30 AM. The races start at 6:40 AM. Start times will be staggered.
After the Toyota Music Factory check-in, runners will follow their race map to explore the beautiful Lake Carolyn promenade views and run through downtown Las Colinas including the gorgeous canals.
While enjoying the scenic views, runners can track their progress using Mapmyrun on their mobile devices. After the race, all runners are welcome to join the party and awards ceremony at the Toyota Music Factory Promenade. The Travis Middle School Mariachi Band will be performing live along with a Mariachi Group at the finish line.
Registered participants receive some fantastic race day perks.
- Gender-Specific Performance Shirt
- Event Bib - Chip Timed Race
- Custom Finisher Medal for All Timed Events
- Age Group Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Male & Female. 1-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & over.
- 5k/10k Team Challenge Trophies
- Irving Marathon Clear Clinch Bag
- Silicone Wrist Bracelet
- Event Sticker
- RaceJoy App Access (Live tracking, Course Maps w/ GPS Progress Alerts - Receive progress alerts for yourself and others as you cross milestones along the course. Typically, alerts are sent at EVERY MILE, including location, pace, elapsed time, and estimated finish time.)
- 2 Free beers (21+) served by Reservoir at Texas Lottery Plaza
- Pancakes catered by Nosh and Bottle
- FREE PHOTOS Individual event professional photography included
- On-site expo promoting local businesses
The Irving Marathon worked closely with the City of Irving throughout the pandemic to create safe and fun events for the community and promote local businesses. The company formulated a safety plan with the City of Irving and local public health leaders to develop a 2021 series of live, in-person events while honoring the updated recommended safety precautions.
The extensive Covid-19 safety plan helps keep live events in Irving while providing a safe environment for runners and families. Runners will compete in staggered starts to reduce the risk of incidental exposure.
Owner Lazaro Alvarez stated, "The Irving Marathon's primary mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Covid-19 pandemic created tremendous challenges. Our devoted fans loved our 2020 series of virtual events, but we are thrilled to offer safe, live events in 2021."
When it comes to spending time with others during the pandemic, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends being outside in well-ventilated spaces as a safer choice. Covid-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads more easily indoors than outdoors. Updated CDC guidelines indicate fully vaccinated individuals may attend outdoor events with very little risk. The news guidelines stated fully vaccinated people may, "gather or conduct activities outdoors without wearing a mask except in certain crowded settings and venues."
The World Health Organization (WHO) also supports outdoor exercise as an essential tool to stay fit during the pandemic. They remind everyone to practice physical distancing and hand hygiene. Participants should wash their hands with soap and water before and after running. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used after arriving at the event. The CDC and WHO recommend anyone who is feeling sick or may have been exposed to Covid-19 should stay home and isolate themselves from others.
The Irving Marathon events are designed to raise money to fight against childhood obesity. The Irving Marathon works with local school districts and the Baylor Scott & White Irving Health Foundation. Irving, Grand Prairie, and Coppell ISD encourage students to be active and incorporate healthy habits throughout the school year. Students receive incentives to reward their accomplishments. So far, 11,000 local kids have participated in the Irun Program through the generated donations.
Summer is coming. We have one last chance to beat the heat by signing up for The Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon. Registration is open now.
We can support the Irving community and local businesses by joining the movement.
Let's get running.