The Cowtown Marathon is Fort Worth’s signature distance race and one of the oldest marathons in Texas. The course loops through the city’s historic Stockyards district, along the Trinity River trails, and through the Cultural District — home to world-class museums and the kind of Western heritage architecture that makes Fort Worth feel completely distinct from its bigger neighbor to the east. This is a race that embraces its Texas roots without taking itself too seriously.
The late February timing hits that sweet spot in North Texas weather — cool mornings in the 40s to 50s that warm into the 60s by the finish. The course is gently rolling with no major climbs, making it a solid option for runners chasing a fast time or a Boston qualifier. The ultra distance option adds a unique twist that draws a dedicated crowd of ultrarunners looking for a well-organized urban event.
Fort Worth’s Stockyards district is worth arriving early for — the twice-daily cattle drive down Exchange Avenue is something you won’t find anywhere else. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is about 30 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, and the city’s hotel options near the Stockyards and Cultural District are significantly cheaper than comparable races in larger markets.
