NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 invite you to bundle up and get your running shoes ready for the 48th edition of the Cowtown Marathon! The race returns to the heart of Fort Worth on Saturday, February 28, 2026, and Sunday, March 1, 2026. The race is expected to attract about 28,000 runners from all 50 states and 15 different countries.

The Cowtown offers various race options that range from the Ultra Marathon for the most experienced runners to the Kids 5K for the kids that want to get in on the action. The Adults 5K, 10K, and Kids 5K will all take place on Saturday, February 28. The Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and Ultra Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 1.

This year brings an exciting update: for Saturday’s races, the start lines expand to both sides of Gendy Street, giving runners a fresh launch-zone experience. For Sunday races, the signature elements remain intact: Main Street Hill, a moving tribute through The Blue Mile honoring fallen service members, a scenic trek along the Trinity Trails, and certified courses that serve as qualifiers for other major road races.

Runners at Cowtown enjoy a full tour of the city’s rich cultural and historical neighborhoods. The course kicks off at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in the Cultural District and goes through iconic sites such as the Fort Worth Stockyards, downtown Sundance Square, TCU, and even a short section through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

Race and course details

  • Saturday, February 28
    • Adults 5K – 7:00 a.m.
    • 10K — 7:00 a.m.
    • Kids 5K, presented by PNC Bank — 9:45 a.m.
    • If your child is already registered for the Kids 5k, you must register in the Kids 5K if you want to run with them. If you are registered in the Adults 5K and want your child to run with you, register them in the Adults 5K.
  • Sunday, March 1 — all starting at 7:00 a.m.
    • Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
    • Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
    • Ultra Marathon (50K, 31.1 miles), presented by Miller Lite
  • Registration cut-off for in-person event: February 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. as space allows.
  • Full & Ultra Marathons are Boston qualifying.

What appears effortless on race day belies months of planning. A dedicated year-long effort mobilizes more than 100 chairpersons, five full-time staff, and more than 4,000 volunteers, engaged in start/finish staging at Will Rogers, route set-up, expo logistics, food/hydration support, school-team coordination and much more. Safety and experience are paramount for the Cowtown. Fluid and medical stops are located at about every 1.5 miles, more than 350 police officers will be on the course, and 36 registered entertainment/cheer zones will be available throughout the course. This investment underpins the smooth delivery of what runners have come to expect from Cowtown.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Activities for Life & Fitness (C.A.L.F.) Program, established in 2009 to foster lifelong fitness in children across North Texas. Through school visits, the Cowtown has awarded more than 65,000 grants and pairs of shoes in the past 16 years. Approximately 115 schools annually receive running-technique training, hydration/nutrition education, and grants for low-income children to receive proper running shoes and race entry support. By choosing to run any Cowtown race, participants support this mission of equity, access and healthy-living opportunities for youth.

Cowtown is committed to being a sustainable event with efforts in waste prevention and diversion of recyclables and compostables. The Cowtown has also partnered with organizations like Soles4Souls for second-life shoes & clothing. To increase inclusivity, participation barriers will be reduced so that everyone can be part of the race from virtual to in-person.

For its 48th edition, the Cowtown Marathon continues to deliver a unique mix of serious running, Texan city flair, community impact, and polished event logistics. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, completing your first 5K, or just looking for a high-energy weekend run in a friendly city, Fort Worth’s Cowtown Marathon is calling!

Registration closes on February 27 at 11:59 p.m. Register now!

The 48th Annual Cowtown Marathon

Races
Saturday, February 28 – 10K, Adults 5K, and Kids 5K
Sunday, March 1 – Half, Full, and Ultra Marathon
Registration closes on February 27 at 11:59 p.m. Click HERE to register.

Will Rogers Memorial Center
3401 W. Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth

For all Cowtown events, race times, and more information, click HERE.