Overall Rating
Overall Rating (1092 Reviews)
4.7
(1092 Ratings) 🏆 (1092 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.4
SCENERY
4.2
PRODUCTION
4.6
SWAG
4.5
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. … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Feb 22):
  2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
 
H (°F)  78  79  67  72  59
L (°F)  60  58  32  35  42
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Recent reviews

    dcarreon REPEAT RUNNER '24

    This is a very scenic but very hilly race. Overall great race but don’t expect much if any support when you finish. Why offer a 50k distance if you can … MORE

    This is a very scenic but very hilly race. Overall great race but don’t expect much if any support when you finish. Why offer a 50k distance if you can not have any post race food or refreshments when we finish, 2 years in a row? I thought the first year was a fluke but boy was I wrong.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    seteyed REPEAT RUNNER '24

    Can’t beat how well organized this race is. Tons of crowds and high energy. Second year running and although it was a hot one, I had a great time and … MORE

    Can’t beat how well organized this race is. Tons of crowds and high energy. Second year running and although it was a hot one, I had a great time and experience. Make sure you train for hills. For sake of emphasis, make sure you train on hills.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    SamIam REPEAT RUNNER '24

    Never been to the expo, always get bibs sent home. 2 shirts per runner! It's a buffet at the end of the race - chocolate milk, noodle soup, chips, fruits, … MORE

    Never been to the expo, always get bibs sent home. 2 shirts per runner! It’s a buffet at the end of the race – chocolate milk, noodle soup, chips, fruits, fruit cups, ice cream, biscuit, drinks (water, beer and more). No poncho this year (boo!) lol Yes, it has a lot of rolling hills, esp. one 1/4 mi climb towards the end (the race started with the same downhill). Toughest hill is mile 9. Water stops are great. Running through stockyard is fun.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    hlbaggett22 FIRST-TIMER '24

    This was my first half marathon ever and I really enjoyed how many people came to run & support the runners. The scenery was very nice and I enjoyed running … MORE

    This was my first half marathon ever and I really enjoyed how many people came to run & support the runners. The scenery was very nice and I enjoyed running through the stockyards. I would absolutely do this race again.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    thedave273 REPEAT RUNNER '24

    The route is very hilly, which can be a lot of fun. Just make sure you lean into the downhills so you run faster with less effort. Very fun course. MORE

    The route is very hilly, which can be a lot of fun. Just make sure you lean into the downhills so you run faster with less effort. Very fun course.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    rayblev FIRST-TIMER '24

    The only bad thing I can say about this race was that it was unseasonably hot for February. The good news is, that’s completely outside of the control of the … MORE

    The only bad thing I can say about this race was that it was unseasonably hot for February. The good news is, that’s completely outside of the control of the folks putting on the race! From stepping into the expo to the post-race celebration – this was an amazing experience! Ty is was my first marathon and I’m so glad o chose Cowtown because it will hold such a sweet place in my heart forever. The crowd support is the best I have EVER seen. Spectator accessibility was also great, as I was able to see my friends and family on several spots throughout the race. I still find myself getting emotional when I think about how amazing this race and this course was! I will definitely be back! Thank you for putting on such a great race weekend!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5
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    luedeker REPEAT RUNNER '24

    The Cowtown is very organized, and they have so many water/gatorade stations along the route. Everyone is super friendly and helpful and the residents along the neighborhood streets always come … MORE

    The Cowtown is very organized, and they have so many water/gatorade stations along the route. Everyone is super friendly and helpful and the residents along the neighborhood streets always come out to cheer you on. The finish line is phenomenal, packed with people along the streets cheering . The medals are always top quality. The only problem I experienced this year was trying to find a parking space. I got there an hour early, but I couldn’t find a place to park until 10 minutes before the race began. So my warmup was running to get to the corral in time! Lol So next year I will do the prepaid parking option.
    The Expo is always a highlight after the race to buy running gear and other items. I love running the Cowtown and will do it again.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
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    5
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    RaginFrog1 FIRST-TIMER '24

    I have been wanting to run the Cowtown half for about 5 years and I’m glad I did! This was my first half-marathon and big race. There was great crowd … MORE

    I have been wanting to run the Cowtown half for about 5 years and I’m glad I did! This was my first half-marathon and big race. There was great crowd support throughout the race and my friends and family had an easy time watching the race at mile 2.5, 9, 11, and the finish. I trained on mostly flat terrain so the hills throughout were a small challenge. The famed mile 9 hill definitely got me and I had to walk for about .25 miles. What they don’t tell you is there is a small hill right before the big hill so don’t end up like me thinking you’ve conquered it too early. Prior to the race, bathroom lines were about 10 mins long and there was a little bit of traffic getting in. Get there about 45 mins early so you have enough time to park/restroom/stretch. I wish I would’ve known there were dozens more port-a-lets in the actual corral area instead of waiting for the 4-5 ones further outside the start area. Overall great race to see many quintessential spots throughout Fort Worth. I will definitely be running this one again!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    zachgreg7 FIRST-TIMER '24

    I did the 10k and it was very enjoyable. I walked it with my wife as this was her first time doing an official race and a first time cowtown … MORE

    I did the 10k and it was very enjoyable. I walked it with my wife as this was her first time doing an official race and a first time cowtown for both of us. It was run well, no issues with parking or finding our way.

    They had a great expo with lots of booths to look at. The aid stations were simply water and Gatorade as expected for a 10k. (As clean as can be) Porta potties at every aid station.

    The course itself was not bad, it went through plenty of neighborhoods with shade for when the sun started to come up. Nothing too out of the ordinary but a very enjoyable race overall.

    My wife and I will definitely be doing it again next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    J-HU REPEAT RUNNER '24

    This is my 2nd year running CowTown 5k/Kids5kwith my two boys (now 7&8y/o) and this year I added the Half Marathon for Sunday - more on that in a moment. … MORE

    This is my 2nd year running CowTown 5k/Kids5kwith my two boys (now 7&8y/o) and this year I added the Half Marathon for Sunday – more on that in a moment.

    Last year and this year, Julie/Tyler and race team helped us with an abnormal issue/s and met and/or exceeded expectations and myself along with my boys were very thankful.

    Yes, the event is awesome, well organized, full of great medals, shirts, bibs, vendors/chachkis, discounts, swag, treats, food, drinks etc… all these things are well done and appreciated.

    5k course is about the best you can make it given the location and mass of people – its VERY hilly, quick drops and long inclines… not my personal favorite 🙂 but the experience is great.
    *NOTE – if you’re running for time, get your butt to the front – I was the last starter out of all 5k adults by a long shot and had to play frogger with about 1-2k people going for PR… not likely to hit PR here unless you are in front of the first wave 🙂

    Unfortunately, can’t comment on the half marathon because I strained my quad later and prevented me from that opportunity, however what I can say is that the race team was accomodative to help me get my entry transfered to someone in need last minute and they didn’t have to go out of their way like they did to share personal number and help facilitate.

    I will be back to do what I set out to do in ’24 again. Thank you again and God Bless!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5
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    NaomiW FIRST-TIMER '24

    This race was very well organized. the city of Ft.Worth came out to support the race in large numbers. The expo was very nice with a variety of vendors. This … MORE

    This race was very well organized. the city of Ft.Worth came out to support the race in large numbers. The expo was very nice with a variety of vendors.
    This was one of the most difficult courses that i have run because of all of the hills. The scenery around downtown and the stock yards was great considering i had never been down there.
    The swag was not bad at all. I loved all of the shirts and not to mention the whole reason why i signed up…I signed up for the beautiful challenge metal (the cowbell with the long horns). Would i sign up again?….maybe

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    annabelluna REPEAT RUNNER '24

    This race is so well organized... the health and wellness expo is always something we look forward to. We get excited as we anticipate our participation on it, and inspired … MORE

    This race is so well organized… the health and wellness expo is always something we look forward to. We get excited as we anticipate our participation on it, and inspired to do it again in 2025!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    jag5374 REPEAT RUNNER '24

    The Cowtown is a great event offering race distance for all. This was my 14th year to complete the half marathon. The course has some hills but it also has … MORE

    The Cowtown is a great event offering race distance for all. This was my 14th year to complete the half marathon. The course has some hills but it also has great fan support. The swag is always nice. Expo has been down the last few years.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    martinjbarrera FIRST-TIMER '24

    Great and challenging course but be very prepared for four to five hills to be completed if you are ready for that intensity in the course, so be ready for … MORE

    Great and challenging course but be very prepared for four to five hills to be completed if you are ready for that intensity in the course, so be ready for that heart rate to be up up up and up

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    2

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    emelia.pitlick FIRST-TIMER '24

    Overall, the race was a good size, well organized and gave good swag. The cons were the weather (uncontrollable), the hill we had to climb for the last .5 mile, … MORE

    Overall, the race was a good size, well organized and gave good swag. The cons were the weather (uncontrollable), the hill we had to climb for the last .5 mile, and a few slow water stops. That said, the volunteers were super friendly and helpful. The course itself had several rolling hills, the biggest one around mile 9. The reward at the top was shots of fireball. LOL

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    My Report
    SCENERY
    3
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    4

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    candratkinson REPEAT RUNNER '24

    I ran my very first half marathon at Cowtown last year on a dare, and I absolutely loved it. I loved it so much that I ran four more half … MORE

    I ran my very first half marathon at Cowtown last year on a dare, and I absolutely loved it. I loved it so much that I ran four more half marathons and a marathon over the next year in stunning locations, including Whitefish, Montana; San Diego, California; and at our ‘Fort Worth competitor,’ the Dallas Marathon. I can honestly say, nothing beats Cowtown. There is nothing like running through the stockyards and nothing can make me cry faster than the miliary photos through the dreaded mile 9 hill. The American flags at the top of that hill, held by a crowd of loud, cheering spectators, ensure you never stop running.

    We prepaid for VIP parking, and it was a breeze. I participated in the Cowtown Challenge, and the extra medal and shirt were worth every bit of the extra effort. I wanted to run the Ultra this year, but an unplanned surgery derailed my training. I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be able to check off the Ultra next year. Well done, Cowtown! See you next year, friends.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    melissakbrown96 FIRST-TIMER '24

    This whole course was amazing. There were a couple hills but nothing that isn’t manageable. The water and fuel stations were great. There were people cheering you on at every … MORE

    This whole course was amazing. There were a couple hills but nothing that isn’t manageable. The water and fuel stations were great. There were people cheering you on at every mile. Mile 24/25 on the trinity river there definitely weren’t as many people there. The finish line was full of medics asking if you needed anything. People giving you water also asking. Everyone was so supportive and happy to be there. I would absolutely recommend this race to anyone! And definitely want to run it again

    DIFFICULTY
    3
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    5
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    4
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    Hanbox FIRST-TIMER '24

    As a Fort Worth native, I have always had my eye on this race. I moved out of state right out of college and it took about 10 years to … MORE

    As a Fort Worth native, I have always had my eye on this race. I moved out of state right out of college and it took about 10 years to get back home. After arriving home, it didn’t take long before I signed myself up for the Cowtown half marathon. I have heard great things of this race for years and was excited to finally get to partake in the event!

    Now that the race has come and gone, I can confidently say it did not disappoint! It was a joy to run through the highlights of the city where I was born and raised. The weather was sunny and a little warmer than usual which opened the door for some great early morning running temps! I know this time of the year can be very unpredictable weather-wise, so that was a blessing. Water stations and porta-potties seemed to be fairly readily available along the course, which is always appreciated! The first half of the race felt pretty “easy” as the course was relatively flat. Running through the stockyards was really cool, even for someone who is from the area. Live music and crowds lined the street and businesses, which made the race really fun. The hardest part of the race is definitely the long steady uphill fight to the Tarrant County Court House downtown. Awesome view but a beast of a climb! Running downtown provided a bit of a reprieve to catch your breath before a few more hills and the downhill mile stretch to the finish. By far, the most impressive were the spectators. I have run many races over the years and this was definitely the biggest, in terms of crowds and encouragement, which was so awesome and much needed, especially through some of those elevations. The layout of the course was really neat. I personally very much enjoyed it and even enjoyed some of the more challenging aspects. It is a race I’d recommend training for but one where you will feel the pride and pay off of the hard work, indefinitely!

    My only complaint and warning would be regarding the traffic prior to arriving. Next time, I will definitely arrive earlier than suggested, to allow for ample time to park, warm up, stretch, go to the bathroom and remove any unnecessary stress. I am very familiar with the area and where the prepaid parking lot was located (would definitely recommend the prepaid parking location-steps away from the start/finish), however, upon arrival, I felt that parking was not very well designated and left a lot of travelers confused. We felt that we had arrived with plenty of time but ended up being pretty rushed in the end. My husband was driving, so I actually ended up hopping out of the car to get in my warm up run and stretch in. If I had not done that, there would not have been time to do so after finding a parking space. There were hundreds of porta-potties that faced the entrance to the corrals. In theory, this set up seemed fine but once thousands of people arrived, it was pretty chaotic. It was hard to distinguish between the line to the bathroom and people trying to make their way to their corral or just trying to find their way around. This was also pretty stressful. Being a first time runner of this race, I was a little dazed and confused but eventually found my way.

    I will also add that I really appreciated the corral system. This was my first race where these were enforced and I felt that they were very well organized, marked visibly and managed well. I have been to too many races where the start felt like a stampede free-for-all. The corral assignment felt as if runners had space to not only run but breathe at the start!

    Overall, I really enjoyed this race! The course layout was a good mix of easy, moderate and challenging, the views were awesome, and the support was even better! Police did a wonderful job clearing the streets and allowing runners to have a very easy route to run. You can really tell this event is one that the city takes a lot of pride in hosting! The last mile stretch was definitely one to remember. Hundreds of people cheering you on as you race to the finish, very awesome! Lots of water, great food, post run celebrations, swag and care once finished. The finisher medals were really cool too! I had a blast at this race and look forward to running it again next year. Hopefully to complete the full marathon instead of the half!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
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    SCENERY
    4
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    5

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    logan95mc REPEAT RUNNER '24

    Awesome race to see Fort Worth. Aid stations are plentiful and volunteers are all high energy. It's a very popular race so expect a big crowd, lines to the restroom, … MORE

    Awesome race to see Fort Worth. Aid stations are plentiful and volunteers are all high energy. It’s a very popular race so expect a big crowd, lines to the restroom, and busy parking lots.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    benjamindhall FIRST-TIMER '24

    It’s a great race. Very upbeat all the way around. Second half gets a LITTLE quiet, but we’ll just call those miles pensive. 🤣 There is lots of music blaring, … MORE

    It’s a great race. Very upbeat all the way around. Second half gets a LITTLE quiet, but we’ll just call those miles pensive. 🤣 There is lots of music blaring, you get to run through the stockyards and down Main Street with the perfect views of downtown. Honestly, it’s a dream.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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