The final day to register for the Cowtown in-person event is TBD, unless a race distance reaches capacity, in which case registration for that distance will close earlier.

The last day to register for Cowtown virtual events is TBD.

Yes, there will be age divisions 5 deep for anyone 17 & under in the Kids 5K. No age divisions will be awarded to runners 18 and older in the Kids 5K. There will be age divisions 3 deep for anyone 18 & over in the Adults 5K, no age division awards will be awarded to runner 17 and under in the Adults 5K, 5 deep for anyone 17 & under in the 10K and 3 deep for the 10K 18 & over. 3 deep age division awards will be awarded for the Half Marathon, the age limit for the Half Marathon is 14 years and up. 3 deep age division awards will be awarded for the Full Marathon, the age limit for the Full Marathon is 18 years and up. 1 deep age division awards will be awarded for the Ultra Marathon, the age limit for the Ultra Marathon is 18 years and up.

If you purchased race insurance, you will need to contact FanShield directly. They are a separate entity and you will need to file a claim with them to receive the insurance refund.You can find their contact information here: https://www.fanshield.insure/

You may make a transfer to another individual at no additional fee up until January 18th midnight.  After the 18th, there will be a $30 transfer fee the new runner will pay during the new registration. You may also make these on-line changes through Friday, February 24th.If you miss the deadline, you can still complete any transfer at the Solutions Desk during the Expo.

‍https://raceroster.com/events/2026/100285/the-2026-cowtown-race-weekend

You may make a transfer at no additional fee up until January 18th midnight.  After the 18th, there will be a $30 transfer fee. You may make these changes on-line through Friday, February 24th so long as the race distance has not sold out.If you miss the deadline, you can still complete any transfer at the Solutions Desk during the Expo so long as the race has not reached capacity.

When switching up to a longer distance you will still pay the difference between races from the time at which you registered.

‍https://raceroster.com/events/2026/100285/the-2026-cowtown-race-weekend

TBD

The in-person Cowtown Health & Fitness Expo will take place on Friday, February 27th, and Saturday, February 28th. We will also be offering a virtual expo to our virtual runners or ones that cannot make it to the expo. A link to the virtual expo will be sent out race week. Please check it out and help support the merchants that are participating.

Gatorade will be available on all courses. Gu will be provided to Half, Full, and Ultra Marathon runners at intervals on the course.

The Cowtown has water stops every 1.5 miles along all course distances. Cups will be available.

Refill stations are available along the route for those carrying bottles or wearing hydration vests or belts.

The Cowtown has a 48-year policy of not offering deferrals or refunds. If you have purchased the race insurance you will need to contact FanShield directly to file a claim. (https://www.fanshield.insure/)

Cowtown registered runners that become injured or are unable to make the event will be able to transfer their entry to someone else for free until January 18th, or move their race to virtual and run whenever they are able. After January 18th there will be a $30 transfer fee for ALL transfers.

We will begin mailing out all virtual gear at the beginning of January, and will continue to mail out through March, depending on your time of registration.

Yes, you can run any distance virtually. If you have not selected the virtual option on the registration path, you may transfer your registration into a virtual by visiting this link: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/100285/the-2026-cowtown-race-weekend and selecting ‘transfer’ on the right-hand side.

Virtual results can be submitted starting on January 8th and runners will be able to submit their results through March 31st.

You will need to email info@cowtownmarathon.org for the $25 challenge upgrade and once paid you’ll be registered for the additional Challenge Swag.
If you do not choose to upgrade to the Challenge, you will not receive the swag that is provided for Challenge participants.
All Challenge Medals and Swag will be available for pick up at the Simmons Bank Reunite Area.

The Cowtown Challenge is for anyone registered to complete two races either virtually or in-person. You can be in the challenge by doing both races virtually, one virtually and one in-person, or both events in-person.

No. Due to the large number of runners, we do not allow pets on the course, for their safety and for the safety of all our runners.

No, all registration must be done electronically. If you are with a school and need assistance, please email info@cowtownmarathon.org and we will be able to help.

RaceSafe is a proud partner of The 2026 Cowtown, creating a standard of care and safety for our running community! We will be using RaceSafe software to help our medical team provide more efficient, coordinated medical care. RaceSafe provides quick, secure access to our athletes' health profiles to direct better care. To ensure maximum safety on race day, we strongly recommend that you provide health information to our medical team in advance. This will help the medical team promptly care for you in an emergency. Please follow the link below to complete a brief medical form through RaceSafe.
‍
RaceSafe is secure and private your data will never be sold.

The Cowtown Marathon is a nonprofit organization promoting health and fitness in the community. By running Cowtown races, runners are supporting The C.A.L.F. (Children’s Activities for Life & Fitness) Program, which provides training to help children develop a lifelong love of fitness. A grant program is offered for students in need of funding their entries into the Kid’s 5K. In addition, these children are provided with training tools, instruction on nutrition and running tips, and quality running shoes to help them achieve their goals.

The Cowtown has partnerships with several local charities where runners raise funds for various causes, such as Alzheimer’s Association and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Once you have been assigned a corral, you cannot move to an earlier corral.

However, if you want to run with your friend/family, you can move back into a later corral.

Yes, we will be offering Pacers for the Sunday races.  Check back in late fall for the pacer list.

Yes. Gear check for both race days will be at the north end of the Swine Barn on Burnett Tandy Drive. No backpacks, duffle bags, suitcases, etc. will be allowed in gear check. The Cowtown will provide a clear bag and identification tag during packet pick up on Friday or Saturday for Marathon distances.

Yes, walkers are welcome as long as they are able to complete the course within the cutoff time. 1.5 hours after the last of the 5K corrals start,  2.5 hours after the last of the 10K corral starts, 4.5 hours after the last Half Marathon corral starts, and 7.5 hours after the last Full and Ultra Marathon corrals start. The course times only start AFTER the last runner has crossed the start line.

Once the last corral of runners has started, the 5K will be open for 1.5 hours, the 10K will be open for 2.5 hours, the Half Marathon course will be open for 4.5 hours, and the Full Marathon & Ultra Marathon presented by Miller Lite will be open 7.5 hours.

Yes, a family member or a friend may pick up your packet. To do so, they will need your full name, DOB, which race you’re registered for, Bib number, and confirmation number. Bib assignments will be sent out prior to race week.

The Cowtown Full Marathon and Ultra Marathon presented by Miller Lite are qualifiers for the Boston Marathon.

Strollers are allowed for your children, provided you indicate this during your registration. Strollers are defined as something pushed, not pulled.
‍
In addition to indicating on your registration that you plan to push your child in a stroller, we require you to start in the last corral, regardless of your pace. In the interest of safety for you, your child(ren), and all participants. You must use caution and yield the right of way to other runners.

The Adult 5K is a race that begins at 7:00am.
The Kids 5K is a race that begins at 9am.  
They are two separate races.
If your child is already registered for the Kids 5k, you must register in the Kids 5K. If you are registered in the Adult 5K and want your child to run with you, register them in the Adult 5K.

The Adult 5K is a race that begins at 7:00am.
The Kids 5K is a race that begins at 9am.  
They are two separate races.
If your child is already registered for the Kids 5k, you must register in the Kids 5K. If you are registered in the Adult 5K and want your child to run with you, register them in the Adult 5K.

Please email info@cowtownmarathon.org to request a transfer.

You can use the link below to register for the 2026 Challenge. At the bottom of the registration options there will be a Challenge Bundle Addition. Note you will need to already be registered for both events before using this link and you will need to know your confirmation numbers for both Saturday and Sunday.
https://raceroster.com/events/2026/100285/the-2026-cowtown-race-weekend

More info TBA

More info TBA

Packet pick-up for The 2025 Cowtown will be back in the Amon G Carter Exhibits Hall at the Will Rogers Memorial Center during the 2025 Expo. The Expo will be February 27th (11:30 am – 7 pm) – February 28th (6 am – 5 pm).

The person picking up the packet(s) will need to have a valid ID and the confirmation number of any person that you are picking up for.

WE WILL NOT HAVE VIRTUAL 
PACKETS AT PACKET PICK-UP

More info TBA

• COLLEGE TEAM COMPETITION (enrolled in the same college or university)
• CORPORATE TEAM COMPETITION (work for the same employer)
• MILITARY TEAM COMPETITION (representing a base or unit, active duty or reserve
• OPEN TEAM COMPETITION (clubs, houses of worship, neighborhood organizations, friends, etc)

Team Packet Pick-Up will be available for teams of 25 or more runners. It will be held the week before the race on February 18th – 21th at The Cowtown Office.
‍
Team Captains may pick up their team bibs, shirts, and race information before anyone else. All packets must be picked up at once.

The most important aspect of our road race is the thousands of spectators who give friends, family members, neighbors, and visitors the support they need with a side of Texan hospitality. Anyone can be an essential part of race day and the excitement of thousands of runners. Choose the perfect place along the course and cheer ‘til your voice gives out.
‍
Be sure to check traffic maps and the weather as you head to your spot!

Participants, Family & Friends can all use Live Results to share in the excitement. On race day, spectators can get status of participants in real-time using the Live Tracker & Leaderboard. Details such as time, pace, and estimated finish will be instantly available! Sign Up now to have race progress posted automatically to your Twitter feeds! Live email notifications are also available.‍

Keep the energy high. Most runners train for months and need the support of a crowd to keep going. Be respectful. Please follow appropriate race, verbal, and cultural etiquette.
‍
Give runners the right of way. If a runner appears to need medical attention, inform a course monitor or nearby volunteer. If an injury looks serious, please find a police officer.
‍
Prepare for the weather. Wear layers to be comfortable throughout the day and have inclement weather gear handy.

Start Line: The race begins at Will Rogers Memorial Center. This is a great spot to get the energy going, inspire runners, and be there for the big finish. Only runners with bibs are allowed in the actual start area.
Mile 1: The first mile passes Trinity Park and Duck Pond. This is a beautiful spot to cheer on runners as they begin a great race.
Mile 3: Rabbit Hole Pub, 3237 White Settlement Road. Rabbit Hole Pub watch party starting at 6:30 am. Join this fun group for drink specials and good music. Next door to The Rabbit Hole Pub check out the yummy food truck. Also check out Elvis playing a couple of doors down.
Mile 5 & 5 ½: Leo Saenz, reknowned Tejano musician, and northside native, greets runners with a lively beat as they cross Northside Drive and approach the Northside Community Center. Cheering will continue from the Northside library lawn located at 601 Park Street (corner of Circle Park Blvd. and NW 20th). Leo and the Northside Community Center have been cheering runners for years - thank you for thier continued support!
Mile 6: At this point, runners are at a comfortable pace. They are approaching the Stockyards National Historic District and will experience one of the highlights of the race along the bricks with a front row view of Fort Worth’s cowboy culture.
Mile 7: Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 1327 N Main Street will be ringing their cowbells loudly and proudly. As runners pass by the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, they will be warmly received by a “Cowtown Fiesta” Cheer Station. This cheer station will be family-friendly with fun things for the kids.
Mile 7-9: Main Street is the longest straightaway in the race. The bridge requires the most energetic cheering as most runners gear up for the challenge. Tell runners to keep their heads up, their hips under them, and move those arms. Remind each one they have come too far to let up now!
Mile 9.5: Runners are approaching Sundance Square in Downtown Fort Worth. This is a wonderful place to cheer from and is known for great dining and shopping, so be sure to support local businesses while you are there. The Half Marathoners only have 4 miles to finish, so help them power through!
Mile 10.5 – 11: Main Street Village. Enjoy coffee and breakfast and cheer marathon and relay course runners along this revitalized area.
Mile 11 ½: 97w Architecture firm will be hosting the Lazer Blazer band at  901 South Main. Join them to cheer on runners with great music.
Mile 12: Magnolia Ave is a great spot to keep the runners energy going as they make their way through this beautifully restored area.
Mile 12 ½: Fairmount Historic Neighborhood will be having Waffles in the Park. For more than a decade the Fairmount Neighborhood Association has been the place to motivate runners on the marathon route. A big thanks to “Waffle House” for sponsoring and serving their yummy waffles to the neighbors and spectators. The best way to get to Fairmount Park is from Allen Ave to Henderson. The address for Fairmount Park is 1500 5th Ave., Ft. Worth, TX.
Mile 13: The half-way point of the Marathon is at Park Place Village on the corner of eighth Avenue and Parkplace. This is a perfect place to cheer from. Team up with the fluid station here to encourage everyone to keep going. J&N Auto at 1600 Park Place will host the fluid station. Just around the corner from J&N Auto will be a  “DJ”playing music at Clarity Financial Group at 1622 Park Place.
Mile 16 ½: Westcliff Shopping Center is the home of The Cowtown Marathon offices and a great place to cheer from. Join the Westcliff Neighborhood as they cheer on the runners and a DJ will play fun music to keep the party going.
Mile 19: Foster Park has ample parking and you can cheer Marathon and Ultra runners from here.
Mile 20: Most runners are now going further than they have run before during training. Bodies are low on fuel and most runners have found the infamous “wall.” Meet these runners at Overton Park and keep their spirits high!
Mile 23: The last few miles of the race cross around the Woodshed restaurant on the Trinity Trails. This is when each runner is in need of a final push to finish strong!
Mile 23 ½: Ascension Coffee, 1751 River Run Suite #151. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Ascension and cheer on the runners as they make their way to Trinity Park.
‍Mile 26: Almost Done! View all finishing runners during their last tenths of a mile as they turn left on Gendy and head to the finish line. Cheer them on as they push up Lancaster toward S Gendy and the finish line. Spectator Stands located close to the finish line.
Live music and food ahead. Congratulate everyone who crosses the finish line and accomplishes this momentous personal goal. We can’t wait to see you there!

See spectator guide for course entertainment.

Spectators and family are invited to join runners at the completion of any race distance at the South Parking Lot behind the Swine and Sheep Barns along Harley Ave and Trail Drive.

For safety reasons, the reunite area has the following rules:
• No outside food or drinks are allowed.
• Backpacks and large bags are not permitted.
• No flags of any kind may be displayed.
• Signs or banners that are deemed inappropriate or offensive are prohibited.

Event staff may inspect items brought into the reunite area and deny entry of prohibited items.

There is a concession area for spectators to purchase a variety of refreshments.

Purchased parting passes are valid ONLY for designated lot and day printed on the pass. You must bring your parking pass with you on race day to access your assigned lot. If you lose or forget your parking pass, you will need to park in the Dickies Yellow Lot and pay a $12 fee upon exiting. Parking passes are non-refundable and cannot be replaced.

We recommend storing your parking pass in a secure, easily accessible place to avoid any issues on race day.

‍Section 1: Opening Statement
‍Cowtown Marathon, Inc. supports the USATF Zero Tolerance Action Plan to catch cheating athletes and coaches that are using or supplying performance enhancing drugs. Cowtown Marathon will work closely with and will encourage the USATF to perform drug testing annually at The Cowtown Marathon and other prize money events hosted by Cowtown Marathon, Inc. Furthermore, we are committed to assisting the USATF with their efforts to educate coaches and athletes that drug use is morally and ethically wrong, dangerous to one’s health and detrimental to the spirit of running. Additionally, The Cowtown Marathon supports the USATF SafeSport Program committed to creating a culture that clearly advocates, and provides for, a safe environment in which our athletes compete.

‍Section 2: Eligibility Policy
‍To be eligible for elite entry, prize purse or finish result an athlete must:
‍
• Not be currently serving a suspension for use of a banned substance
• Not have ever served a ban for use of performance-enhancing drugs
• Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who have had two or more such suspensions by their athletes in the previous four years
• Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who ever served a ban for use of performance-enhancing drugs during their own athletic career
• Provide proper documentation proving they are eligible for prize money (form W-9, W-8ECI or W-8BEN)
• Consent to random drug testing according to the standards and procedures of USATF, USADA, and WADA
• Not currently be serving a suspension from either USATF or the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

In special circumstances, athletes who have medical conditions that require them to take medications on WADA’s Prohibited List may compete with a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Athletes must notify the Cowtown Marathon in writing, in advance of such circumstances. Prize money will be withheld while a TUE application is pending.

Cowtown Marathon will immediately terminate any agreement that has been made between the race and an athlete regarding race entry, food, lodging and/or travel assistance should race organizers gain knowledge of an athlete’s prior prohibited drug use, suspension, or representation by ineligible coaches and/or agents after the agreement was made.

‍Section 3: Athlete Affidavit
‍Prior to competing, it will be mandatory for each elite athlete in The Cowtown Marathon to sign an affidavit stating that he/she is not using any performance enhancing drugs, and that he/she is familiar with The Cowtown Marathon Drug Use and Eligibility Policies (sections 1 and 2 above).

More info TBA

More info TBA

More info TBA

More info TBA

Pacers will be announced in February 2026

Running with a Cowtown pace group is a fun way to experience The Cowtown and target a specific finish time. Our Cowtown pacers are highly experienced runners who will encourage you throughout the race and help you achieve your goal.

Yes. There is a marathon pace group for most Boston Marathon qualifying time beginning at 2:55 and up. The Marathon pace groups are: 2:55, 3:00, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:05, 4:20, 4:35, 4:50, 5:05, 5:20, 6:00

According to USATF rule 144, pacers are allowed provided they are registered participants and begin at the start of the event. Runners who use unregistered pacers or pacers who join them after the start may be disqualified. All Cowtown Pacers are legal pacers.

Half Marathon Pace Groups span 1:40-2:30 in 5-minute intervals: 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, and 2:30.

Ultra Marathon (50K) Pace groups are 5:00, 5:30, 6:00

There is no sign-up to run with a pace group. Just find the pace group you wish to join on race day and run with them.

The pacer signs held by each pacer are color coordinated to the different color bibs. The Half Marathon pacers will have RED signs. The Marathon pacers will hold WHITE signs and the Ultra marathon pacers will hold PURPLE signs.

Yes. You can run with any pace group, even if the pacer is completing a different distance than you. For example, a half marathon runner is welcome to run with a marathon pace group up to the course split, which is at mile 10. In addition to the goal time, the pace is also printed on each pacer sign.

You can find the pace group you wish to run with in the starting corrals. Pace group leaders will be stationed in the corrals 20 minutes before the start of the race. Pacers will be holding signs with finish times. Pacer signs will correspond to the bib colors of each distance—Half Marathon, Marathon, and Ultra.

See chart.

Corral assignments are based on the estimated finish time you provided when you registered for The Cowtown. You may freely move back to a slower starting corral but advancing to a faster starting corral is not allowed. 

You should choose a pace that reflects your training and ability level and allows you to run at a comfortable pace throughout the event. There are a number of online tools that help predict a finish time based upon recent finishing times of other distances. We recommend you consult with one of these tools or a running coach.

Many of our pace group leaders will be at the Pacer Booth at the Cowtown Health & Fitness Expo. We encourage you to stop to meet them and ask any questions you may have!

Feel free to run with our Cowtown pace group leaders as little or as much as you like. Some runners stay with a pacer only for the first few miles and others like to run with a pace group all the way to the finish line. 

Cowtown pacers will start their watches at the start line as they cross the timing mats and pace according to chip time.

Generally speaking, our pacers will maintain even splits. However, we trust their experienced judgment and have given them the freedom to adjust in order to maintain even effort. This means they may bank a little time in advance of hills, water stops, or other course challenges. The faster groups will maintain the most even splits while the slower groups may employ a run/walk strategy. Ask your pace group leader when you meet them.

Faster pace groups may run-and-drink while slower pace groups may take walk breaks to hydrate at Fluid Stations. Ask your group leader what they plan to do.

Welcome to Fort Worth, the 15th-largest city in the United States and one of “America’s Most Livable Communities.” Today, Fort Worth, Texas is a thriving center of culture and commerce.

Come explore a vibrant downtown marketplace! Sundance Square is 20 fabulous blocks of downtown Ft. Worth where people work, live, shop, and dine.

The Fort Worth Cultural District, home to five wonderful museums in a relaxing, park-like setting is a great place to start your tour. Throughout the city, you’ll also find museums devoted to Western heritage and Fort Worth’s colorful past.

The Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked as the No. 1 attraction in the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area and No.19 among the “50 Overall Top-Rated Attractions” in the entire United States by the Zagat Survey U.S. Family Guide.

Over 25 Unique Shops – including an art gallery, clothing shops, pottery, jewelry, a wine store, a photography studio and much more. Walking Tours of the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards are available through the Stockyards Visitors Center.

The oldest botanic garden in Texas, is a lush 109-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven nestled in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the Garden is home to over 2,500 species of native and exotic plants that flourish in its 21 specialty gardens.

When the sun goes down, Fort Worth really comes alive. Fort Worth nightlife also has a proud musical tradition. Across the city, you’ll find national and local acts performing in a wide variety of venues – from roadhouses to refined concert halls.