I wish that I could do the 2020 race! I will do this race every year as long as time and money allows. The directors are amazing! They truly work … MORE
I wish that I could do the 2020 race! I will do this race every year as long as time and money allows. The directors are amazing! They truly work to improve this event each year. The swag is always amazing. For 2020’s race, they even had people vote for a design. Previous years have had multi-year themed medals, but 2019 was the last year for this. Some people loved this and some hated it. The challenge swag item changes each year—over the years it’s been a medal, hat, shirt, etc. Those are the ones I can remember. The course stays the same each year, I think. Again, based on my memory. It isn’t too difficult or terrible either. There is a VERY steep and long incline at mile 9, which you can see in the elevation map. Other than that, the hills aren’t too crazy. There are great volunteers at water stops that are constantly cheering. There are also great spectators throughout. The post race festival, food, and drink are amazing. Probably my favorite of all the races I’ve done. They usually have the normal things (bagels, fruit, water, Powerade) and ice cream, fruit cups, and yogurt. I usually have a bag full of goodies to enjoy after the race and to take for snacking later. They still let us inside where the expo is, which is amazing when the weather is crappy. Seriously, one of the best races I’ve ever done. You need to do it!
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LOVE THIS EVENT!!!
I wish that I could do the 2020 race! I will do this race every year as long as time and money allows. The directors are amazing! They truly work … MORE
I wish that I could do the 2020 race! I will do this race every year as long as time and money allows. The directors are amazing! They truly work to improve this event each year. The swag is always amazing. For 2020’s race, they even had people vote for a design. Previous years have had multi-year themed medals, but 2019 was the last year for this. Some people loved this and some hated it. The challenge swag item changes each year—over the years it’s been a medal, hat, shirt, etc. Those are the ones I can remember. The course stays the same each year, I think. Again, based on my memory. It isn’t too difficult or terrible either. There is a VERY steep and long incline at mile 9, which you can see in the elevation map. Other than that, the hills aren’t too crazy. There are great volunteers at water stops that are constantly cheering. There are also great spectators throughout. The post race festival, food, and drink are amazing. Probably my favorite of all the races I’ve done. They usually have the normal things (bagels, fruit, water, Powerade) and ice cream, fruit cups, and yogurt. I usually have a bag full of goodies to enjoy after the race and to take for snacking later. They still let us inside where the expo is, which is amazing when the weather is crappy. Seriously, one of the best races I’ve ever done. You need to do it!
Cowtown Challenge
You have to do the challenge! You can do a 5k or 10k. I know each of my reviews say the same thing, but it’s true. Great expo, great swag, … MORE
You have to do the challenge! You can do a 5k or 10k. I know each of my reviews say the same thing, but it’s true. Great expo, great swag, great race directors and staff, great volunteers, great course!
I Love This Event!
The Cowtown is one of my favorite events ever. The organization is outstanding. The swag is always amazing. The expo is one of my favorite of all the races I … MORE
The Cowtown is one of my favorite events ever. The organization is outstanding. The swag is always amazing. The expo is one of my favorite of all the races I have done. Come prepared to shop! If you are curious about Cowtown, just do it!
Another Challenge
Cowtown Challenge is a needed accomplishment in your race life! The course stayed the same year after year, I think. The swag gets better. This is a MUST do event! MORE
Cowtown Challenge is a needed accomplishment in your race life! The course stayed the same year after year, I think. The swag gets better. This is a MUST do event!
Best Race Ever
Being a 50 state wannabe, I try not to do the same race or state more than once, but I can’t refrain from this! The swag is great, the post … MORE
Being a 50 state wannabe, I try not to do the same race or state more than once, but I can’t refrain from this! The swag is great, the post race food is amazing, the course is not too bad, the crowd is super supportive! This race you MUST do!! Seriously!
Love This Race
I absolutely love this race! It is a must do along with one of the Sunday races! The swag is incredible and worth it! The course gives you an idea … MORE
I absolutely love this race! It is a must do along with one of the Sunday races! The swag is incredible and worth it! The course gives you an idea of the Sunday race courses. This also gives you more time to explore the HUGE expo and shop some more.
Crazy Year!
This year was crazy! The marathon and ultra were cancelled, but the half marathon was able to continue. The crew did an amazing job of making the course safe for … MORE
This year was crazy! The marathon and ultra were cancelled, but the half marathon was able to continue. The crew did an amazing job of making the course safe for this. There was a lot of ice and snow, and they worked overnight to clear it. Yet another reason to LOVE this organization!
Texas Weather in February
This race ended up being virtual because it was cancelled due to weather. The race directors were great and amazing for allowing the virtual option so the participants could complete … MORE
This race ended up being virtual because it was cancelled due to weather. The race directors were great and amazing for allowing the virtual option so the participants could complete the challenge and get that medal.
Amazing Experience!
This was my mom’s first ever half marathon and my first Cowtown. I fell in LOVE! The course was great. The course support is amazing! The volunteers, crowd, and race … MORE
This was my mom’s first ever half marathon and my first Cowtown. I fell in LOVE! The course was great. The course support is amazing! The volunteers, crowd, and race staff are absolutely incredible. The swag gets better each year!
Great!
This was my first experience with the Cowtown and WOW! Impressive! This was part of the double, and was a great introduction to the half course! Must do race! MORE
This was my first experience with the Cowtown and WOW! Impressive! This was part of the double, and was a great introduction to the half course! Must do race!
If you run 1 race next year-RUN COWTOWN!
HIGHLIGHTS: Awesome swag. SUPER organized. Fun on-course experience. Large event but with a hometown feel. LOWLIGHTS: Finish-line food line-up was snackable – why am I always so hungry? I just … MORE
HIGHLIGHTS: Awesome swag. SUPER organized. Fun on-course experience. Large event but with a hometown feel. LOWLIGHTS: Finish-line food line-up was snackable – why am I always so hungry?
I just can’t say enough good things about this race, especially one of this size. This race management team cares about the participants and it shows. From the Mayor’s start line pep-talk and send-off, (She ran the Half too!) to downtown streets flooded with cheering spectators holding signs and offering high-fives, to swag that I needed an extra suitcase to bring home, to “high-level fun” memories being made; this race is top-notch. If you run ONE race next year, #RunCowtown!
READ MY FULL REVIEW (which includes pics and video!) by clicking on the “Race Report” located at the top of this page if you’re on your phone OR to your right if you’re on a desktop. Or find it on my website (RUNable.life) under the “Race Reviews & Blog” section.
PRed this race
4th race and new PR. Great race support and management. Thru the historic "cowtown" and stockyards in Fort Worth. Will do again someday. 3 weeks after my last race. MORE
4th race and new PR. Great race support and management. Thru the historic “cowtown” and stockyards in Fort Worth. Will do again someday. 3 weeks after my last race.
This event is addictive
You won’t miss this event if you run it once and keep coming back Every aspect of this event is so well thought and organized so well. Last year I … MORE
You won’t miss this event if you run it once and keep coming back
Every aspect of this event is so well thought and organized so well.
Last year I moved to S FL but I still travelled last year and even this year
I run both days sat and Sunday and get challenge swag
I hope to be part of this event for next 5-10 years as long as I can run or walk…
My Current PR race
The day was clear and cool. Some said it was cold. But it just seemed to be a great day to run as I watched the coral fill. As watched … MORE
The day was clear and cool. Some said it was cold. But it just seemed to be a great day to run as I watched the coral fill. As watched the corals go one by one the excitement built up in me. Soon my son and I were running through Fort Worth as we came around a corner we saw the monster they had been talking about… a bridge about one mile long continuously uphill. Instead of regret I decided that I would beat the hill… shortening my stride with a rapid cadence I attacked and was soon almost to the top. There we rounded a corner and what did I see but another small hill. I don’t know what got into me that day but I just wouldn’t be denied. I ran till I saw the Ultra runners coming back into to town. I decided that as a marathon runner they should be more tired than me… I pushed up the hill to the stockyards and dug real deep to run fast across the finish. So happy I was to receive ice cream, and beer. They also gave me a finishers shirt which was more like a warmer to start the race… but so elated with my time I don’t think anything could keep me from being thrilled with this race… I have to come back again.
First time with the Cowtown Challenge!
Great organization, Expo & support throughout the course. Me & my fiancee had a fun time shopping all the vendors during the expo & 40th anniversary party. During the Race, … MORE
Great organization, Expo & support throughout the course. Me & my fiancee had a fun time shopping all the vendors during the expo & 40th anniversary party. During the Race, I felt good with my pace up until i got to the Hills on mile 9 & 10. After that, i lost a lot of my momentum. I’ll try to be better prepared next time. The only issue i had with the race was whenever i finished & was in the recovery area with all the other runners, the food options were limited. They had your basic recovery fuel (fruit, water, juice, granola bars, & even a couple beer trucks) but no options that provide protein. it wasn’t until about an hour later that i saw Kind was handing out protein bars instead of the regular ones that i got after i finished.
My Favorite Race
I consider Cowtown to be my hometown race. I love completing the challenge of running either a 5k or 10k the day before to earn an additional medal. There are … MORE
I consider Cowtown to be my hometown race. I love completing the challenge of running either a 5k or 10k the day before to earn an additional medal. There are a few hills on the course (one monster one around mile 9), but overall I don’t feel this course is too challenging. Good crowd support and small town feel.
Great Race and nice swag!
This was my first Cowtown and it did not disappoint! I loved the course, even the hills, the post-race food, the course support and the overall experience. Great job! Read … MORE
This was my first Cowtown and it did not disappoint! I loved the course, even the hills, the post-race food, the course support and the overall experience. Great job! Read my race report!
First Ultra- best place to start!
Past the full marathon point, there’s a mini party/aid station specifically for ultra runners! Course felt so long but it is worth finishing. The ultra medal is absolutely gorgeous and … MORE
Past the full marathon point, there’s a mini party/aid station specifically for ultra runners! Course felt so long but it is worth finishing. The ultra medal is absolutely gorgeous and it’s now my favorite. Aid stations are fully stocked and even neighbors on the trail have tables with food for ultra runners! There’s no shortage of supporters.
An Annual Favorite
If you want to hit up a race that is chock full of awesomeness, this is the one for you! This was the 2nd time I ran the Cowtown Challenge … MORE
If you want to hit up a race that is chock full of awesomeness, this is the one for you! This was the 2nd time I ran the Cowtown Challenge which for me included the 10k and the Half Marathon on the Saturday and Sunday. The motivation of the volunteers and the wonderful sights of Fort Worth are truly a delight and I know I’ll be running the Cowtown every year! If you think, well what’s the point? You need to sign up asap!
Very organized, iconic DFW race!
Great organization pre and post-race, easy parking, smooth race morning, organized corrals, nice indoor waiting area before the start. Quite hilly but worth the challenge. Will be back next year! MORE
Great organization pre and post-race, easy parking, smooth race morning, organized corrals, nice indoor waiting area before the start. Quite hilly but worth the challenge. Will be back next year!