Frances Morrison of Dallas, second from right, was among the first group of women allowed to run in the Boston Marathon in 1972. Photo: Bettmann/Getty
Avoid downtown Dallas this weekend unless you're one of those people who like running for "free" bananas, bragging rights and a medal. Or unless you're one of the people who loves a runner.
Flashback: The Dallas Marathon began as the White Rock Marathon in 1971, with 80 men and two women.
A year later, the famed Boston Marathon added a women's division. Frances Morrison, of Dallas, was among the "original eight" women to finish the marathon, per NBC Sports.
State of run: The Dallas Marathon weekend kicks off at 7pm tonight with the Friday Night Lights Mile — two laps around Dallas City Hall Plaza.
The 8K, 5K individual race, 5K team race, 5K walk and 100M dash are tomorrow. There will also be kids races.
There's also a two-day health and fitness expo at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Zoom out: Expect road closures in several parts of the city on Sunday. The marathon course includes downtown Dallas, Greenville Avenue, White Rock Lake and Highland Park.
Organizers say drivers will be able to see traffic updates on Google Maps and Waze.
This document notes the planned closures and their timings.
Zoom in: The high Sunday is forecast to be in the low 70s, a little warm for marathoners finishing their race around midday.
