Which is a better city for running - Dallas or Houston?

It is not Houston's fault that you have no clue where to go when you get there.

I moved to Kingwood (northeast Houston) just for the trails. There are 80+ miles of hike and bike trails that crisps cross the area and intersect the neighborhoods (affectionately called "villages" up here). About 90% of the trails are shaded and they connect all the parks.

King Wood wrote:

I moved to Kingwood (northeast Houston) just for the trails. There are 80+ miles of hike and bike trails that crisps cross the area and intersect the neighborhoods (affectionately called "villages" up here). About 90% of the trails are shaded and they connect all the parks.

And the thing about this is that Houston has several of these types of neighborhoods on the north and west sides of town.

Saying you can't find a long run in Houston means you're just not trying.

I've run there. I've run on many of the trails in Houston. It's awful. The running community there just isn't as good. I'm not saying DFW is great, it just sucks less.

DFW has many parks just like what you mentioned, plus if you want, you can take a 45 minute drive to the west and find roads and trails that have a 200' climb in less than a mile. Houston is pathetically flat. Not suitable for running.

I will say that the only time I enjoy running in Houston is January and February. While it doesn't get super cold in DFW, I can get a bit tired of the 50 degree temps and wind. Houston has great weather in the middle of winter.

But be honest with yourself, houston just doesn't have much depth in the distance events. It's a sprinter and hobby jogging town.

I couldn't speak to Dallas either, but I lived in Houston for a couple years. I thought the running opportunities were OK overall. I would agree that running in the winter is awesome. If you do run in the summer, I suggest running at dusk. The middle of the day is just insane, and dawn is actually the most humid time of the day.

In addition to the places others have mentioned, Brays Bayou path which runs from U of H, past the medical center, into the Sharpstown area (10ish miles total) is nice. It's asphalt, but it goes under most of the roads it intersects so you don't have to stop often. There are also great gravel trails Brazos Bend State Park which is probably 45 minutes from downtown (watch for gators though). Also, most of the neighborhoods were good for running through in my experience.

There aren't many elites but there are a few good clubs for competitive runners. I'd check out BON racing team if you will be living/working near Rice Village.

This is true. But Houston also has the better economy/job opportunities so Houston always wins!!

Austin.

Where Bob Wills is still the King.

DFW is a sh*thole in the middle of f*cking nowhere. Houston is way better.

Glad to hear a mention of Braes Bayou. I ran along there in the early 70s in junior high and first year of high school before moving. Even back then you could run for miles, although back then it was a dirt path and you had to cross all streets because there weren't any accommodations made for that.

Texas HS Coach wrote:

Houston has a very long Terry Hershey Trail and is in the process of creating a 25 plus mile Cypress Creek Trail.

Tons of parks around Houston.

Pick your weather. Houston is year round training. Mild winters but more humid summers. Dallas is dry but there is actually winter there.

This is the WORST take I have ever read.