Last year on the 3-Day® blog, we shared some detailed “Insider’s Peek at the Route” posts with you. We pulled the curtain back on the overall process of planning and executing a 60-mile route, and then got even more in-depth with each individual 3-Day walk’s route.

This year, we wanted to keep you looped-in with the updates and changes that have been made to the 3-Day routes for 2016. We’re also bringing in members of the 3-Day Advisory Council to share their thoughts about the 2016 changes. These participants stand as the “voice” of the 3-Day community and their input has been instrumental in strengthening the communication and camaraderie between Komen and the 3-Day family, so we’re thrilled to have their insight here on our route updates. We’ve previously shared route updates for Michigan, Twin Cities, Seattle, Atlanta and Philadelphia, and today, Dallas/Fort Worth is front and center!

Need a refresher about what the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day route was like last year? Read our 2015 “Insider’s Peek” post here.

New for 2016

We chatted with Kiki, the amazing Event Planning Manager for the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day, and the awesome Coach Gayla. They used feedback from seasoned walkers to make a few small changes between pit stop 3 and pit stop 4 on Day 1. Coach Gayla said “We’ll visit a new stretch just off of Forest Lane that will be a welcome change to our long time #DFW3Day walkers on Day 1. You’ll also be greeted by Susan G. Komen Headquarters staff members and the three Komen Affiliates from Greater Fort Worth, North Texas and Dallas County along the Survivor Stretch from pit stop 4 to camp.”

On Day 2, the total mileage will be one mile less than before, to give your sore feet a break. “Day 2 and 3 you’ll see a new Cheer Corps spot that has never been seen before. Soak up the love from them and I know you’ll appreciate the surprise break,” said Coach Gayla.

On Day 3, “There’s a small change in Downtown Dallas after pit stop 3, with a pretty straight shot to Deep Ellum where you’ll get the final uplift you’ll need from private cheer stations before you enter Fair Park and the new Participant Finish Area,” she said. The Participant Finish Area at Closing Ceremony is getting a makeover, with a new gathering area with grass, shade, and a much more comfortable atmosphere for family and friends. The Victory Walk will also be a little bit different from last year, freshening up those amazing final few steps until Closing Ceremony.

In Their Words  We asked Thomas and Melissa, two of our 3-Day Advisory Council members who are participating in the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day, for their thoughts on the 2016 route updates.

Thomas (3x participant) – Thomas, a member of Dallas/Fort Worth team Presbytittans, said, “There are three parts I’ve always looked forward to since my first walk: I love the elementary school where the children are outside and cheering; I look forward to coming back through the tunnel on the Brookhaven campus; and the stroll through Deep Ellum on the way to Fair Park is always a treat.” He encourages first-timers to really take their time through downtown Dallas on Sunday. “There’s a tendency to ’finish strong‘ after lunch on Sunday, but enjoy the sights of downtown,” he said. How about any awesome Kodak Moments for our 3-Dayers? “Most of my pictures over the years have been at cheering stations and at the beginning/ending of the route. However, I always get asked to be the person to take pictures for others at the fire stations!”

Melissa (10+ year participant) – When we asked Melissa what she loved about the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day, she said many of the same things as Thomas. “I think the best and most consistent parts of the route would be the HUGE cheer stations. Many ladies really love the Richardson Firefighters who happily pose for photos on their truck, and there are always school kids who line the playground fence to give us a high five!” Melissa and her husband also always find the B I G letters and snap a few pics like the one below. Does she have any other advice for walkers who are about to hit the streets for the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day? “The weather is always gorgeous, but being Texas, it can change quickly – so please check the weather frequently and even if the forecast is warm and dry, bring gear for cold and wet! Also beware of curbs! We have a LOT of them!”

We can’t wait to see you in a few weeks, Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Dayers, and we think Thomas summed up what we think you should do just perfectly: “Embrace the weekend! Laugh, hug, cry, high five and love your way through the event. You’re in a unique place of affirmation and mission, so enjoy it!”

We know you will, and if you have any questions or concerns before your event, remember the coaches are just a call away at 800-996-3DAY. See you soon, #DFW3Day!