Welcome to The Cowtown®! The Cowtown Marathon has a proud 48-year history that began in 1979 with two race events, the 10K and Full Marathon. In 1998, the event grew to include a 5K, which quickly became a favorite with over 5,000 participants in its inaugural year. By 2003, the …
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Welcome to The Cowtown®! The Cowtown Marathon has a proud 48-year history that began in 1979 with two race events, the 10K and Full Marathon. In 1998, the event grew to include a 5K, which quickly became a favorite with over 5,000 participants in its inaugural year. By 2003, the Kids 5K was introduced, appealing to families and children, followed by the addition of the Half Marathon in 2005. The final race distance, the Ultra Marathon, was added in 2008, marking a major milestone of 30 years of Cowtown.
As the largest multi-event race in North Texas, we’ve experienced record-breaking registration numbers, but we never forget that our runners have played a key role in our success. In 2009, we launched The C.A.L.F. (Children’s Activities for Life and Fitness) Program, focused on promoting health and fitness in local communities. This initiative, which spans 16 school districts and serves about 5,000 students each year, provides grants for brand-new running shoes to low-income children and offers discounted race entries for youth participants. In 2019, the program celebrated its 10th anniversary, and to date, Cowtown has donated over 65,000 pairs of shoes and helped thousands of students cross their first 5K finish line.
See All of Fort Worth from Start to Finish
Kick off the Cowtown fun at Will Rogers Memorial Center, the home to the annual Stock Show and Rodeo, in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District. Next, the trail will turn north to the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, home of the Fort Worth Herd that gives visitors a daily invitation to the cowboys and cattle drives of yesteryear. Heading south, you’ll pass the world-famous Joe T. Garcia’s as you travel down Main Street into the heart of downtown Cowtown. Veer west through Panther City’s thriving Near Southside, and then turn south toward the beautiful campus of the TCU Horned Frogs. Now it’s time to Riff Ram Bah Zoo your way around Bluebonnet Circle and along the Foster Park Trail before heading north as the course passes the famed Hogan’s Alley at the Colonial Country Club. Keep your ears open for the roar of lions from the beloved Fort Worth Zoo and then continue north along the banks of the Trinity River into Trinity Park, the home of Fort Worth families’ outdoor adventures for generations. Finally, we’ll welcome you to the finish line back home at the stunning Will Rogers. You’ve made it!
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A little hilly, but highly recommend!
Highly recommend this one! Very well organized... Packet pick up was easy and efficient. Expo was solid. Excellent swag... Race day organization was 10/10 (make sure to pay for a … MORE
Highly recommend this one! Very well organized… Packet pick up was easy and efficient. Expo was solid. Excellent swag… Race day organization was 10/10 (make sure to pay for a parking pass in advance- it will make life a lot easier on race day. The race day organization was great. Crowd support was consistent and solid. The course is a little hilly, but nothing crazy. Consistent hydration/aid stations along the way definitely helped… The post race party was insane (in a good way). Several vendors, food/drink trucks, and free items. Again, put this one on your race list. You won’t regret it!
Finest running weekend in Texas!
This is a well-oiled event that started 50 years ago. The half marathon course has some moderate hills, and the most notable are around mile 9 as the course heads … MORE
This is a well-oiled event that started 50 years ago. The half marathon course has some moderate hills, and the most notable are around mile 9 as the course heads downtown from the stockyards. This race is supported from start to finish by spectators, bands, and those in uniform. Aid stations are every 1.5 miles. I highly recommend running this race in February!
Great First-Marathon Experience
I was looking for a destination for my first marathon after missing out twice on the Chicago lottery. The Cowtown was well-reviewed checked a lot of boxes. I was able … MORE
I was looking for a destination for my first marathon after missing out twice on the Chicago lottery. The Cowtown was well-reviewed checked a lot of boxes. I was able to get an Airbnb two blocks from the start/finish – I didn’t even have to gear check! The weather was perfect – 42 and cloudy at the start. The course was certainly hillier than I was used to coming from Chicago, but outside of the big incline into downtown, the hills were nice to keep things interesting. Everything was well-organized from the expo to the water stations to the course. And two awesome shirts?? Also the crowds were great and vocal and offered plenty of snacks and beverages! Aside from the brutal pain of miles 21-26 of my first marathon, it was a perfect experience!
Great expo, great community support
In a nutshell: Community support was fantastic all along the 21k Expo & packet pick up: Well organized with plenty of vendors. Route: Bunch of up - downs until reached … MORE
In a nutshell: Community support was fantastic all along the 21k
Expo & packet pick up: Well organized with plenty of vendors.
Route: Bunch of up – downs until reached I believe was mile 10 up hill but with lots of USA flags and fallen heroes, passing by the stockyards was great as well.
Parking: Didnt follow the organizer instructions and that cost me a good scare of not finding parking 🙂
Not sure if will repeat the half or adventure the full but it will be on the list.
Fun race for February
Checking off Texas this was a more expensive race, but you get so much swag it was worth it. I did the challenge with the 5K(or you could do a … MORE
Checking off Texas this was a more expensive race, but you get so much swag it was worth it. I did the challenge with the 5K(or you could do a 10k) on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. Big expo with lots of vendors. Fun photo opportunities, a big cowbell! Very organized and good food selection post race with hot chicken noodle soup, ice cream, and your normal post race goodies. Great bands out on course( the church stands out as one of the most uplifting), the blue mile was very emotional with the photos of fallen military, while also running uphill on a bridge with amazing views. Running through the stockyards was fun also, but watch the cobblestones. The swing through the botanical garden was nice too, but not much to see in February. Some hills to contend with, but overall a well organized race with great swag.
One of the best in Texas!
Crowd support, organization, energy and more! This is one you do not want to miss!!! Excellent photo ops, bands on the course, fully equipped water stops every 2 miles, themed … MORE
Crowd support, organization, energy and more! This is one you do not want to miss!!! Excellent photo ops, bands on the course, fully equipped water stops every 2 miles, themed miles- its an amazing experience from registration to the expo to the post race!
Great crowds, great city!
Great crowd all throughout. Runners get to see all the iconic Fort Worth spots. The Main Street bridge is a highlight - seeing the pictures of fallen soldiers and the … MORE
Great crowd all throughout. Runners get to see all the iconic Fort Worth spots. The Main Street bridge is a highlight – seeing the pictures of fallen soldiers and the USA flags at the end of the bridge help to focus on something else other than the hill. The aid and hydration stations are located at reasonable distances from each other.
As the number of participants increases, it will be good for the organizers to ensure there is enough food for everyone who crosses the finish line. This year the disposable jackets and chocolate milk ran out fairly early.
Back and better than before
I ran this a few years ago, with no training and no running buddy and felt like I failed miserably. The route was tough for me and the weather didn't … MORE
I ran this a few years ago, with no training and no running buddy and felt like I failed miserably. The route was tough for me and the weather didn’t help. This year, I love the change to the route, running through the stockyards is so fun and a great halfway point pick me up. I miss some of the neighborhoods we used to run before but felt this route was a lot more manageable for someone who doesn’t train. Running buddies help too. Swag and expo are always great and I liked the relocation of the post race party area. Just don’t try to go through the kids 5k corral are on Saturday if you can help it!
Beautiful and challenging!
If you’re looking for a big race feel in a more intimate town, this is the one! Crowds are amazing and the production gets better each year! This was my … MORE
If you’re looking for a big race feel in a more intimate town, this is the one! Crowds are amazing and the production gets better each year!
This was my second cowtown marathon and believe I’ll be participating each year unless otherwise.
Cowtown is special to me because Fort Worth is my hometown and it showcases all of the beauty this area has to offer. Running through the stockyards and up Main Street bridge is one of the best views in my racing experience.
As far as the course itself, it’s truly one of the most challenging I have done. After mile 10, it’s hill city. Be prepared to be challenged.
I came in wanting to sub 3 because I had ran a 2:57 in Houston but it just goes to show how unique and different the terrain is in Fort Worth.
Love the Cowtown Marathon!
The Cowtown Half-Marathon never disappoints! The hosts did a fantastic job once again, ensuring everything ran smoothly. The course was well-marked and easy to navigate, making the run stress-free. The … MORE
The Cowtown Half-Marathon never disappoints! The hosts did a fantastic job once again, ensuring everything ran smoothly. The course was well-marked and easy to navigate, making the run stress-free. The crowd participation was absolutely electric—fans cheering every step of the way truly made the experience unforgettable. Having participated for 11 years straight, this race feels like a tradition I’ll happily continue. Highly recommend it to both seasoned runners and newcomers!
The Cowtown is the best!
This is a fantastic race, and the staff that put it together did a first-class job! It's one of the best races in Texas, and the weather is usually perfect … MORE
This is a fantastic race, and the staff that put it together did a first-class job! It’s one of the best races in Texas, and the weather is usually perfect for racing this time of year. It’s very organized, which takes away the stress, making it extremely enjoyable!
Great Race!
I have run many half marathons and the Cowtown is my favorite. Perfect time of year to run in Fort Worth. The race is really well supported by the community … MORE
I have run many half marathons and the Cowtown is my favorite. Perfect time of year to run in Fort Worth. The race is really well supported by the community and this made for a really encouraging environment. All was run very smoothly.
helping 1st timers finish
My 29th Cowtown marathon but for the last 5 years my focus has been to help someone finish his or her first marathon. Usually just past half marathon to around … MORE
My 29th Cowtown marathon but for the last 5 years my focus has been to help someone finish his or her first marathon. Usually just past half marathon to around mile 16 there seems to be a great need for more than just sideline cheerleaders. Talking someone thru the pain of the last miles and encouraging them becomes my goal. I have so many friends over the years help me when I sometimes doubted myself, I have decided I should do the same. I will be at the next Cowtown so if you need me, I am the slow, old man (73 yrs old and counting) who will be there for you to the finish. See you Next year if God is with me.
Fun race through a fun town!
The expo & pre-race set up was well executed. Lots of vendors at the expo and it was easy to navigate. The pre-race set up was also easy to navigate … MORE
The expo & pre-race set up was well executed. Lots of vendors at the expo and it was easy to navigate. The pre-race set up was also easy to navigate – would definitely recommend purchasing a parking pass as the traffic was crazy. Overall a fun race!
I will be running again!
More hilly than I expected! Great energy and atmosphere from start to finish. Very organized! A lot of fuel stations! A lot of portable potties and no wait ti use … MORE
More hilly than I expected! Great energy and atmosphere from start to finish. Very organized! A lot of fuel stations! A lot of portable potties and no wait ti use the restroom on the course
AMAZING 1/2 Marathon
This event checked ALL the boxes! From the start of the expo and all the vendors, to crossing the finish line on Sunday! The energetic energy from the spectators was … MORE
This event checked ALL the boxes! From the start of the expo and all the vendors, to crossing the finish line on Sunday! The energetic energy from the spectators was electric! So much motivation and encouragement. I can’t wait to come back next year!
Awesome Race!
It was my first time running Cowtown, and it was a blast! It's a great route, and there is fantastic support along the way! Ft. Worth really showed great support … MORE
It was my first time running Cowtown, and it was a blast! It’s a great route, and there is fantastic support along the way! Ft. Worth really showed great support for the event!
Learn to measure
I am writing to express my concern regarding the course distance of the Cowtown Marathon. As a participant in last weekend’s race, I was extremely disappointed to discover that the … MORE
I am writing to express my concern regarding the course distance of the Cowtown Marathon. As a participant in last weekend’s race, I was extremely disappointed to discover that the course measured .38 miles longer than the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
Accurate course measurement is a fundamental expectation in any certified marathon. While I understand that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes require last-minute adjustments, a deviation of this magnitude significantly impacts race strategy, pacing, and overall experience. More concerning is that a simple modification—such as adjusting the start or finish location—could have ensured the course remained within a reasonable error margin.
I would appreciate any clarification regarding how this error occurred and what steps will be taken to prevent similar issues in the future. Additionally, I would like to know if there are any plans to formally address this with participants, as many runners trained extensively based on the assumption of a properly measured course.
Core Memory
Very well put together race! Little bit hilly, but nothing crazy. The most memorable part was the fallen mile- where they had volunteers holding flags ans poster with fallen heroes … MORE
Very well put together race! Little bit hilly, but nothing crazy. The most memorable part was the fallen mile- where they had volunteers holding flags ans poster with fallen heroes (military and 1st responders) pictures, names, age of death on them…made me tear up…and reminded me that they lost their life so I can live mine
Great vibes!
It is always such a fun race, great atmosphere and scenery. I always look forward to running this race because it never disappoints. All the hard work that goes into … MORE
It is always such a fun race, great atmosphere and scenery. I always look forward to running this race because it never disappoints. All the hard work that goes into it always pays off!