Welcome to The Cowtown®! Thank you for choosing to run one of our great races, or challenging yourself with two. Voted America’s Rave Race in 2020, Cowtown Race Weekend takes place on the last weekend in February of each year and is currently the second largest multi-event race in Texas. …
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Welcome to The Cowtown®! Thank you for choosing to run one of our great races, or challenging yourself with two. Voted America’s Rave Race in 2020, Cowtown Race Weekend takes place on the last weekend in February of each year and is currently the second largest multi-event race in Texas. With distances for everyone, including both the Kids 5K Presented by Academy Sports and Adults 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, all-new Marathon Relay, and the Ultra Marathon, we welcome runners and walkers with all athletic abilities.
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!
The Cowtown is a nonprofit organization promoting health and fitness in the community. By running The Cowtown, runners are supporting The C.A.L.F.® (Children’s Activities for Life & Fitness) Program, which provides training and education to students regarding health and nutrition. A grant program is offered for children in need of funding their entries into the Kids 5K. In addition, these children are provided with training tools and quality running shoes to help them achieve their goals. The C.A.L.F. Program helps tens of thousands of North Texas area children lace up and cross countless finish lines including The Cowtown in February each year. The Cowtown has distributed over 42,000 pairs of running shoes and financial grants to children in need over the past twelve years. Your support of this program helps The Cowtown reach more children in need!
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Cowtown Ultra - A Pacer's Review
I ran this as a pacer - as a first time road race pacer, and as my first time to run Cowtown. The Cowtown course is varied enough to keep … MORE
I ran this as a pacer – as a first time road race pacer, and as my first time to run Cowtown. The Cowtown course is varied enough to keep it interesting for the entire 31 miles. We visited all the best Fort Worth has to offer. It’s like a foot tour of the town! I especially enjoyed approaching the city from the bridge, running through the Stockyards, and soaking in the peace of the trails by the river. The road race pacing experience was really cool. I loved ticking down the miles like clockwork, finishing right on target. I shared in the joy of each of the runners who ran with us, and I even laughed (a little) at some of my co-pacer’s dad jokes (he was fantastic, very experienced, coached and encouraged runners throughout the race). I’d love to go back and run it again, maybe at my own pace next time!
Great race
Great race with lots of entertainment along a smooth, historic Fort Worth course. Can’t wait to run it again! Lots of spectators and lots of entertainment along route helped encourage … MORE
Great race with lots of entertainment along a smooth, historic Fort Worth course. Can’t wait to run it again! Lots of spectators and lots of entertainment along route helped encourage a great time. Plenty of medic and fluid stations as well as bathrooms.
Very organized
Cowtown is a very organized race! Being able to hangout indoors prerace is a huge plus. Aid stations are great along the course. The race thins out significantly at the … MORE
Cowtown is a very organized race! Being able to hangout indoors prerace is a huge plus. Aid stations are great along the course. The race thins out significantly at the split and the marathon/50k thins out. Most of the course had neighborhood support which was great. This years race was a comeback race for me and I was very happy to have run Cowtown for it.
Well run race!
This was a great race that was run well. I enjoyed going through Fort Worth. There was great support from the city on the course. There was plenty of water … MORE
This was a great race that was run well. I enjoyed going through Fort Worth. There was great support from the city on the course. There was plenty of water and restroom stops along the course. The course had some challenges.
COWTOWN - Awesome Race, Better Town
Crowd support made this race. Even for a full marathon, I was surprised how many people showed up to support. It was awesome to have the random keyboard player in … MORE
Crowd support made this race. Even for a full marathon, I was surprised how many people showed up to support.
It was awesome to have the random keyboard player in trails. Mile 20 and the real mile 20 were great stops! The end running along the restaurants on the creek. The military mile at mile 9. It was a fun, beautiful race. I’d be happy to do again.
Great race again!!
Cowtown race weekend is a tradition. I’d like to see the finish line a little more spread out, if possible. The medals are always special. The longhorn for the challenge … MORE
Cowtown race weekend is a tradition. I’d like to see the finish line a little more spread out, if possible. The medals are always special. The longhorn for the challenge medal was amazing. It’s fun to see how they will top the previous year’s medal.
Just the BEST!
This was my 7th Cowtown Half Marathon and each one is better than the last! I am running (slowly) one half marathon a month and the Cowtown is by far … MORE
This was my 7th Cowtown Half Marathon and each one is better than the last! I am running (slowly) one half marathon a month and the Cowtown is by far the one that I look most forward to. Side note………I am in the M 70-74 age group and ran my first half marathon when I was 66 – and it was the Cowtown. The runners and fun, the fans are fun and the bands along the way are great. Nothing but fun, fun, fun for me! And they have Blue Bell Ice Cream at the finish!!!!
Great run! Will definitely run again.
The run is during a great time of the year and temperatures are great for running. The race organization is great. Overall there is nothing to complain about. MORE
The run is during a great time of the year and temperatures are great for running. The race organization is great. Overall there is nothing to complain about.
Love cowtown
From the start of the race to the end of the race I love the support that is offered at cheer stations and all the live music and different cheer … MORE
From the start of the race to the end of the race I love the support that is offered at cheer stations and all the live music and different cheer areas to just keep runners motivated. My personal favorite part is running through the stockyards, something about running on that red brick road is just something I look forward to every single time.
This race is legendary!
This was my 6th time running the Cowtown Half Marathon, and it was my first time since 2018. I love this race and honestly don't know why I took such … MORE
This was my 6th time running the Cowtown Half Marathon, and it was my first time since 2018. I love this race and honestly don’t know why I took such a long break (well, the pandemic had something to do with it). This race is well organized, it has a lot of great terrain, there are so many people cheering along the route, and it provides a wonderful tour of the many places that make Fort Worth a great city. You get to run through the 7th Street district, historic North Fort Worth, the Stockyards, down Main Street and up that killer hill, past the Courthouse and through downtown. Then it’s just about hanging on for dear life until you are back at the Will Rogers. I will definitely do it again next year, but as I get older I prefer running for the experience and not so much for time. My only complaint the whole weekend was that they have bibs organized by number rather than last name. I had to dig through my email to find my bib number, but other than this the whole weekend was a blast. If you are up for the challenge, I recommend giving this race a try.
Fun, well run race!
I did my first 1/2 here and keep coming back! Super fun atmosphere, bands, and just a great experience all around! I tried other races expecting the same level of … MORE
I did my first 1/2 here and keep coming back! Super fun atmosphere, bands, and just a great experience all around! I tried other races expecting the same level of swag and fun and was disappointed! Fort Worth is a great town and has plenty of fun for after the race!
Cowtown is a bucket list race!
The vibes are incredible! The Health & Fitness expo starting a day before the races and having tons of vendors from physical therapy companies to other race sign up booths … MORE
The vibes are incredible! The Health & Fitness expo starting a day before the races and having tons of vendors from physical therapy companies to other race sign up booths & last minute gear vendors was amazing to have on site! Running through Fort Worth & the stockyards isn’t just something you can do everyday! Recommend doing it at least once!
COWTOWN ROCKS!
The support from spectators & strangers along the route is amazing. There's live entertainment and beautiful scenery. The tribute to fallen soldiers along the Main Street Bridge is just beautiful … MORE
The support from spectators & strangers along the route is amazing. There’s live entertainment and beautiful scenery. The tribute to fallen soldiers along the Main Street Bridge is just beautiful and heart warming. You get the feeling of Southern Hospitality throughout the whole race!
I like the cowtown marathon race
The race is fun, the course is a bit difficult but the atmosphere is great. The part I like the best is how easy it is to wait inside the … MORE
The race is fun, the course is a bit difficult but the atmosphere is great. The part I like the best is how easy it is to wait inside the Texas room right before you run. Just get out and you are in the coral. The food is nice.
DFW Favorite
I signed up for the 5k last minute, knowing nothing about the event, I had so much fun that next year I plan on doing my first ever marathon at … MORE
I signed up for the 5k last minute, knowing nothing about the event, I had so much fun that next year I plan on doing my first ever marathon at the Cowtown! Will be coming back every year.
Love this race and PR'D
It is a fun,fast and challenging course . The scenery is amazing and the crowd helps you push through from start to finish. The pre/ post race events are definitely … MORE
It is a fun,fast and challenging course . The scenery is amazing and the crowd helps you push through from start to finish. The pre/ post race events are definitely worth attending and every year it gets bigger and better
Such a fun and entertaining race!
Community participation was so entertaining that I turned my playlist off and almost forgot I was doing something difficult! The course elevation was enough to provide a challenge but not … MORE
Community participation was so entertaining that I turned my playlist off and almost forgot I was doing something difficult! The course elevation was enough to provide a challenge but not be overwhelming. I was able to relax even though it was my first cowtown because it was so organized! Hydration stations were the best! They had options and the friendliest volunteers! I had to leave and miss the after-party, but it definitely looked like I was missing out! Loved the tribute to veterans which was strategically placed on a hill (made me stop thinking about my pain and pay a silent tribute and prayer for their families.
This 1/2 marathon sets the bar high
The friendliness, supportiveness and encouragement of runners, participants, volunteers and spectators provides the push to finish strong. Upon completion, be prepared to be rewarded with many snacks and beverages as … MORE
The friendliness, supportiveness and encouragement of runners, participants, volunteers and spectators provides the push to finish strong. Upon completion, be prepared to be rewarded with many snacks and beverages as well as many “job well done’s.” I’m glad I got to experience this with such a great team and will be back again soon.
One of the best big city marathons in TX
Cowtown marathon has it all. If you’re going to choose between Dallas or Ft Worth’s marathon, choose Cowtown, hands down. They put on a top quality marathon year after year. … MORE
Cowtown marathon has it all. If you’re going to choose between Dallas or Ft Worth’s marathon, choose Cowtown, hands down. They put on a top quality marathon year after year. I’ve run the full or Ultra close to 20 times (75 total marathons.) Even tho Dallas is my hometown I have to admit that Cowtown is far superior. Here’s what they get right:
1. The marathon is not just a step child to the half. You know what I mean. Most times once the halfers cut off it’s a desolate wasteland of poor aid stations, no bands, no support. Cowtown supports us all the way through.
2. Finish line is still vibrant for the full finishers, even the slower and ultra runners.
3. Finish line food is plentiful and good and doesn’t run out for the slower full. Hot chicken soup is the bomb! Blue Bell, hot biscuits, beer, plus all the usual staples. Other marathons can’t seem to allocate enough, so the slower runners get little to nothing.
3. Their expo is the best one in Texas. Tons of swag! The Cowtown merchandise is reasonably priced.
4. T-shirts are always colorful and beautiful.
5. Free parking is available at the expo and the race. Dallas marathon gouges runners $25 each for expo and race morning- what a waste of $50!
6. Legacy runners are acknowledged and appreciated.
7. No VIP gouging where all the perks of a good marathon (portapotties, close parking, etc.) are reserved for runners who pay extra.
8. Neighborhoods really support the full marathon course with their own aid stations, block parties, and music.
9. The course is varied and hits the highlights of Ft Worth. It’s a good mix of hills and flats.
10. The Ultra is also very well supported.
11. Race organization is top notch.
12. Corrals move smoothly and quickly. The race starts on time! Plenty of portapotties are available at the start, as well as a warm, dry building to wait in before the start.
In summary- you need to do this marathon!
Love it!
The whole thing is amazing! Volunteers, spectators, swag, and not to forget the GORGEOUS finisher medal. I’ll be running this one again for sure! MORE
The whole thing is amazing! Volunteers, spectators, swag, and not to forget the GORGEOUS finisher medal. I’ll be running this one again for sure!