Explore the Dallas/Fort Worth Route Before the 3-Day

The 2024 3-Day will take you on an unforgettable journey through Dallas/Fort Worth’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems. Jump into those cowboy boots and prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and captivating sights of the Lone Star State!

Day 1

After an inspiring Opening Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Dallas you’ll head out on the route, which takes you past the Giant Eyeball, an unexpected and quirky art installation that is sure to leave you amazed. This incredible work of art will stare back at you as you make your way through the city! Measuring about 30-feet in height, the massive structure of fiberglass and stainless steel embodies the city’s eclectic art scene.

Venture toward the T. Boone Pickens Cancer Center and take a glimpse into the groundbreaking medical advancements achieved at this prominent cancer treatment and research facility. You’ll also be greeted by the Baylor University Medical Center where breast cancer detection, treatment and clinical trials occur each day. Next, we’ll bring the Pink Bubble over a few miles to the Swiss Avenue Historic District, a residential neighborhood in East Dallas. Its eclectic mix of homes, spanning a 2.5-mile stretch, represents virtually every popular residential design style of the day, including Mediterranean, Spanish, Spanish Revival, Georgian, Mission, Prairie, Craftsman, Neoclassical, Italian Renaissance, Tudor and Colonial Revival. Originally ideated by Robert S. Munger in the late 19^th century, this area has evolved from one man’s unique experiment in planned urban development to a living testament to America’s architectural diversity. Snap a photo in front of The Langford and Aldredge Houses, which are both significant homes known for their architectural beauty and rich historical value. Built in 1930 and 1917, these are beloved and well-preserved pieces of architecture boasting Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival styles.

With cheering stations to keep you motivated, spend a few miles walking along White Rock Lake, a popular urban park and reservoir located northeast of downtown Dallas. Witness The Pump Station, originally built in the 20^th century, that has since been decommissioned as a functioning water facility and now stands proudly as a preserved structure that is part of the scenic attractions around the lake. Snap a photo in front of the man-made White Rock Lake waterfall and enjoy the peaceful sound of flowing water before passing through the Willis C. Winters Park Trailhead, a well-known access point of the lake area.

After connecting with nature surrounding the lake and nearby areas such as the Historic Deep Ellum District, you’ll return to Downtown Dallas where 49 bronze longhorn steers and three cowboys sit on horseback in a 4.2-acre green space known as the beautiful Cattle Drive Sculptures. Created by artist Robert Summers, these sculptures celebrate the cattle drives that were crucial to the city’s economic history in the 19^th century. Before returning to camp, you’ll pass by one more symbolic sculpture called The Pegasus, which has been part of the city’s skyline for nearly 100 years. Return to camp at the Hyatt Regency Dallas for an exciting Celebration of Champions and rest those feet for Day 2!

Day 2

On the second day, a bus ride will take you into Fort Worth to dive into the city’s western heritage and cowboy culture. Established as an army outpost in the mid-19th century, this metropolis boasts a wealth of history and architecture at every corner. Shortly after starting out on the route, you’ll pass by the UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute where Isaac Chan, M.D., Ph.D. accompanied by graduate student Isabella Terrazas, was awarded the 2024-2025 Susan G. Komen ASPIRE Grant to promote inclusion in research. They are investigating the role of a type of immune cells called natural killer cells during immunotherapy treatment. Furthering our understanding of natural killer cells may pave the way for developing new breast cancer immunotherapies that target natural killer cells.

Continue by walking through the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a stunning urban oasis with serene pools and cascading waterfalls. Feeling refreshed? Head to Sundance Square, a vibrant entertainment district buzzing with restaurants, shops, and cultural events for visitors and locals alike. For a taste of the Wild West, venture toward the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame where the spirit of the cowgirl mirrors that of the Pink Bubble. This renowned museum is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements of women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, resilience, and trailblazing spirit. Continue your journey through Fort Worth feeling enriched and empowered by the courage of these pioneer women. Mosey on over to the Cultural District, where you’ll encounter a dazzling display of urban artistry like the playful Raining Tacos Mural which will undoubtedly add a splash of color to your day.

Pass through Veteran’s Memorial Park, established in 1923 to honor U.S. military veterans, before strolling past Texas Christian University. This campus not only has a nationally recognized football team but a strong school spirit and a supportive community that is perfect for the 3-Day! Finally, wrap up Day 2 in the Fairmount-Southside Historic District where you’ll see the M.A. Benton House, one of the oldest homes in Fort Worth. Built in 1898, this Victorian-style cottage embodies southern values as it remains well-preserved and proudly owned by descendants of the Benton family. From here, a bus will take you back to our 3-Day camp at the Hyatt Regency Dallas for a touching Honor Ceremony before resting up for the last leg of the 3-Day.

Day 3

Begin your final day by leaving our hotel campsite for Dealey Plaza, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 as part of the Dealey Plaza Historic District. Known as the “birthplace of Dallas,” this unassuming brick-paved square has borne witness to many pivotal moments in Dallas and American history. As you walk by, you may notice an “X” painted on Elm Street denoting where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, a permanent memorial to the 35^th President. As you honor the lost president, continue toward the House of Blues, a well-known live music venue and restaurant located in the heart of downtown. Part of the larger House of Blues chain, which is recognized for hosting a variety of music genres, with a focus on blues, rock, and soul, this location also incorporates elements of Southern culture and cuisine. With music running through your veins, continue toward Turtle Creek Park, home of the Kalita Humphreys Theater, a historically preserved theater that has been hosting performances since its opening in 1959.

Don’t miss the vibrant Oak Lawn Rainbow Road, home to the Pay It No Mind mural, a powerful tribute to the LGBTQ+ community. In true Pink Bubble spirit, the message of inclusivity and acceptance radiates from this colorful art installation. Walk with pride as you continue toward Southern Methodist University where you’ll walk past Gerald J. Ford Stadium and Turpin Stadium, home of the Mustangs. With a hearty helping of Texas sports culture, you’ll soon approach Cole Park which offers a serene green space perfect for relaxation and fresh air. Make your way toward the Dallas Museum of Art before you wrap up your day in the heart of downtown Dallas at the AT&T Discovery District. Covering several blocks near the AT&T headquarters, the company created this immersive entertainment and retail destination to showcase their latest technology, products, and services. Take out that smartphone and capture a few photos before making your way to the Finish Line Festival.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, Reunion Tower, will be the backdrop for our Closing Ceremony. “The Ball,” as it is affectionately known by locals, has been a staple of the Dallas skyline since 1978. With 259 exterior LED lights, there is truly no better location for you to shine after completing the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day.

Are you walking the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day? Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most.

Joel R. is the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Crew Impact Award Winner!

Joel R. is a beloved member of the Route Safety Crew and can be described as compassionate, generous, patient, and respectful. A radiant being with supreme character, Joel’s “leadership and work on crew isn’t just a day of volunteering… it’s an attitude of service,” says his friend Barbara B. “He dares to soar by taking on any task asked of him… one of his greatest talents is showing that nothing is impossible.” He truly embodies the spirit of the Pink Bubble and what it means to be a 3-Dayer, bringing his positive attitude to all 33 events that he’s participated in throughout the past 11 years.

Joel was awarded the Crew Impact Award at the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day and shared a few words with us as he prepared for the event.

What was your inspiration to participate in your first 3-Day?

I was introduced to the world of breast cancer back in 2011 when one of my very close friends was diagnosed as having stage 4. Back then, I had been looking for a way to tie my enjoyment of riding a motorcycle with serving others but hadn’t been looking at charities or big events. I just knew that I wanted to find a way to help others that didn’t involve just writing a donation check or volunteering at church. One Sunday, my friend approached me and was so excited to share the experience she and her husband had at a breast cancer event the previous weekend. She told me about these “guys on motorcycles, all decked out in pink that were having a lot of fun” and how they were really encouraging and helped her make it through the weekend. She was talking about the Route Safety Crew at the Chicago 3-Day. I was intrigued and, after deciding to give it a try, was lucky enough to join the Route Safety Crew the following year.

Unfortunately, my friend battled through a couple of remission/return cycles over the next few years and passed away in January of 2017. My wife and I had the privilege of being able to spend time with her and her family and help wherever we could. Often, that just meant being at their house during treatment cycles just in case she or her family needed anything. We spent a lot of time listening to her and her husband share their emotional and familial struggles. Your heart naturally goes out to someone diagnosed with cancer, but the toll on the rest of the family really showed me how much more broad-reaching the effects of breast cancer are.

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

It’s the camaraderie between Crew and the many smiling faces of participants. You can’t help but form lasting friendships with those you’ve worked hard alongside for so many hours. Who wouldn’t want to be around an event where the math just doesn’t add up? I’m there to encourage the walkers, but I go away feeling like I’m the one who received a blessing.

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?

Hugs and smiles! I also have to mention how much fun it is to play in traffic! The more challenging the intersection, the better. ?

What is your best advice to anyone crewing the 3-Day?

I think it’s really important to take time to assess how you’re doing at regular intervals. The Crew is here to serve and we can do our best only when we’re not worn out or hangry. Take time throughout the day to pause for a minute and ask yourself, “If someone wiser than me came along, would they tell me I need a break?”

What’s a fun fact about you?

One of my favorite things to do is people-watch. I could sit in one spot for hours at a mall and not get bored. I’m also an introvert and basically don’t talk to my family for the few days leading up to and after the 3-Day since I have to prepare for three days of heavy social interaction. ?

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

Always take more water than I think I’ll need with me to an intersection. The 3-Day also continues to reaffirm that serving others brings a much longer lasting joy than just receiving from others.

“His generosity is beyond compare and I could go on for pages about how generous Joel is. He is giving from his heart, without any thought to receive anything in return. He gives of his time, his knowledge, his friendship, his caring, he gives from his own wallet, he goes out of his way to help those in need and those that are even just in want. He freely uses his own resources to help in any way possible. He literally will give the shirt off his back.” —Barbara B.

Congratulations to the 2019 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Milestone Award Winner, Pat Spring

Please join us in congratulating our 2019 Dallas/Fort Worth Milestone Award Winner; Pat Spring! The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Milestone Award is given at each event to a walker or crew member who has an outstanding history of participation in the Komen 3-Day. At the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day camp show, we presented Pat with this special honor.

It is certainly well-deserved! Pat is a much loved member of our family, and her dedication to the 3-Day in unparalleled. Her friends say she loves Chardonnay, the outdoors and her dogs. She also “will run circles around everyone” during her 3-Day training.

We learned more about her 3-Day story, and the secrets to her fundraising success, from Pat herself. When she answered these questions, she didn’t know she’d soon be our Milestone Award Winner!

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day?

In 2006, I was an 11-year survivor, having been diagnosed in 1995 at the age of 49. My good friend, Kay, was diagnosed and underwent a mastectomy in May of ’06. I kept seeing the 3-Day promotion on TV and every time, I would tear up! I talked Kay into signing up and then had no choice except to sign up myself! We walked in Dallas that year and then in Boston in 2008. I was hooked!

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

This year will be my 14th walk and I will turn 73 shortly after the Dallas/Fort Worth event – that’s not really old compared to some of the other folks, right? I have two daughters, three granddaughters and a daughter-in-law whom I love dearly. I am determined to do what I can to change the future for them if at all possible! I am the fourth generation in my family to have had breast cancer, and my daughter-in-law’s mom is also a survivor, so you can understand my motivation! The fabulous results of the Susan G. Komen Foundation work is what brings me back year after year. The advances in treatment and early discovery have been so encouraging! There is absolutely no possibility that I can stop as long as I am able!

What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?

My fundraising success comes from a fabulous network of friends and family! Just ask! Facebook Fundraising has been phenomenally successful, and I am blessed to have several teachers in the family who sponsor PINK OUT WEEK at their schools, with the fundraising results being contributed to the 3-Day in my name. I live in a small community, so we don’t have a lot of businesses to call upon for donations, so these alternatives have worked well for me. I send out letters every year and have at least a 90% response! Old school – snail mail! You have to appeal to the targeted age-group. E-mails work better with the younger crowd!

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

Train, train, train! I use the training app and follow the schedule as closely as possible! Get fitted for shoes at a running shop and buy the best shoes you can afford! Got to take care of those feet!

What’s a fun fact about you?

I love to water ski, and my dream is to hike the Appalachian Trail – soon! LOL! Running out of time!

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

The most important lesson the 3-Day has taught me is that we are stronger than we realize, and we are capable of helping so many others. By our dedication to the cause of eradicating breast cancer we can give women hope and the knowledge that others care deeply for them! We CAN make a difference when we come together! I love that we can!