Routes, Drive Times & Road Tips to Big BendBig Bend sits deep in far West Texas. Whether you’re coming from El Paso, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, or Dallas/Fort Worth, choose the route that matches your arrival town and the part of the park you want...
Home / Events / M2M (Marathon 2 Marathon) 2026
Marathon, Texas Event
M2M (Marathon 2 Marathon) 2026
For a few hours each fall, nearly 500 runners bring everything they have to M2M (Marathon 2 Marathon) in a West Texas town of about 420 people. The event offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K on a Boston Marathon–qualifying course with dry, cool high-desert air, gradual downhill running, low traffic, and a finish in town where lunch awaits.
According to organizers and the town events listing, the whole community turns out to support racers, and proceeds benefit Marathon non-profit organizations (town listing: Marathon Health Center). Race-day registration is not available. The highway is not closed; runners stay on the shoulder. Marathoners must finish within six hours; the finish line closes at 1:30 p.m.
At a Glance
- Race day: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Starts (America/Chicago): Marathon 7:30 a.m.; Half 8:30 a.m.; 10K 10:00 a.m.; 5K 10:30 a.m. (starts along Hwy 385 north of town)
- Finish / packet pickup: Marathon Community Center
- Registration (published tiers): Marathon $130; Half $120; 10K $70; 5K $60 — with scheduled $10 increases; see official site for current pricing
Official listing: Website
Explore More While You’re Here
M2M (Marathon 2 Marathon) 2026 pairs naturally with some of the most popular destinations in the Big Bend region.
Big Bend National Park
The Persimmon Gap entrance to Big Bend National Park is about 40 miles away on US-385, a straight shot toward the Chisos Mountains, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande corridor. Plan a full day or more — the Chisos, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande are all inside that gate.
Alpine
Alpine is about 25 miles away, home to Sul Ross State University, the Museum of the Big Bend, and a growing restaurant and brewery scene. Stock up here — groceries, a proper sit-down meal, and the museum — before the highway empties out south.
Terlingua Ghost Town
The historic Terlingua Ghost Town is about 65 miles away, with nearby dining and sightseeing that bring the area’s mining history to life. The old porches, the cemetery on the hill, and the nightly gathering at the Starlight Theatre are the usual finish to a Big Bend day.
When
October 24, 2026
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