Hot Trot

Racing it

1. 01

   Beat the sunrise

   The 06:30 start is your best window: typical race-day temperature here is 29.2C, so the coolest running comes early. Warm up before dawn and expect the back half to be hot.

   From the start time

2. 02

   Use the aid stations

   The course runs along White Rock Lake, and the race promises plenty of course support to keep you hydrated and cool. Plan to drink at every station rather than carrying it all.

   From the description

3. 03

   Trust the splits

   The courses are USATF certified, so mile markers line up with a measured half marathon. Take your splits off those markers instead of GPS drift.

   From the description

4. 04

   Plan for the finish

   Ice-cold towels and popsicles wait at the finish, followed by an after-party with exhibitors, music and food. Build in time to cool down and stay for it.

   From the description

5. 05

   Race-day heat plan

   At 29.2C typical, this is a race to run by effort, not by a cool-weather personal best. The heat is the course's main challenge — set your goal accordingly.

   From the temperature

In Dallas

• Getting to the lake

  White Rock Lake sits east of downtown and roads around it get busy and closed on race morning. Carpool or take DART, and arrive with time to park away and walk in.

• Where to watch

  Spectators can spread out along the lake's park shoreline and trail, then gather near the finish for the after-party. The lake path is the easiest place to catch runners more than once.

• After the run

  August in Dallas is brutal by midday, so plan recovery indoors: the Arts District museums or a cool spot in Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts. Save any outdoor wandering for evening.