How do I enter the Cowtown Marathon?

Registration is open to all runners through a tiered pricing system, with sign-ups typically opening in mid-April. Some race distances have reached capacity, so registering early is a good idea. Charity bib entries are also available through the C.A.L.F. Program.

Is the Cowtown Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the Cowtown Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. It is USATF certified, so your finishing time is eligible for submission to the BAA.

What is the time limit for the Cowtown Marathon?

The course time limit is 7.5 hours, which gives a wide range of runners a realistic window to finish.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course has a net elevation change of zero feet, but it rolls between roughly 534 and 691 feet throughout. Expect a consistently undulating road rather than a flat or point-to-point downhill course.

What is the weather typically like on race day?

Late February in Fort Worth is usually cool, with temperatures ranging from the upper 30s in the morning to around the mid-50s by midday. Conditions can vary, so be prepared for anything from cold and overcast to a warmer spring-like day.

How large is the Cowtown Marathon field?

The Cowtown Marathon is one of the larger races in Texas, with around 29,000 finishers across all its race distances. The marathon itself draws a substantial crowd.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Cowtown Marathon course is USATF certified, meaning the distance is officially measured and your finishing time is eligible for qualifying standards including Boston.

Sun, Feb 28 · 2027Fort Worth, TXSince 1978

Cowtown Marathon

The Cowtown Marathon takes over Fort Worth on a late-February weekend when the air is cool and the city is loud. It is a big, welcoming race with a genuine Texas personality.

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COWTOWN · US

Cowtown

SUN, FEB 28

2027

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Race Overview

EST. 1978

Cowtown runs through Fort Worth in late February, and the weather is usually your friend. Temperatures at the start are often in the 40s, which is about as good as Texas gets for racing. The course is point-to-point with very modest elevation changes. It is net zero, so no big descent to lean on, but nothing that will blow up your legs either. Race it smart and a PR is genuinely on the table.

The field is one of the largest in Texas, and the energy around the start reflects that. Registration is open, so getting in is straightforward, but some distances have sold out before race day. Sign up early once the window opens in mid-April. Charity bibs are available through the C.A.L.F. program if you miss the open wave. The time limit is generous, so this works for a wide range of goals. If you are chasing a Boston qualifier, this course can deliver. Don't bank time too early. The back half is where races are won or lost here.

Field size

~29k

29,000 finishers

BQ rate

—

Boston qualifier

Time limit

7:30

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:17:12

—

2014

Women

2:42:31

—

2014

The Course

Total ascent

—

Total descent

—

Net elevation

—

Highest point

691 ft

Lowest point

534 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

The Cowtown Marathon is a point-to-point course with a net elevation of zero feet, but that flat net figure masks real movement. The course rolls between 534 and 691 feet, meaning you will climb and descend throughout rather than run a clean downhill. No single climb dominates, but the cumulative rolling terrain asks you to stay controlled early. A late-race stretch with any upward tilt can cost you if you have gone out too hard. The surface is standard road. With no net drop to bank free speed, treat this as a true flat effort and plan your pacing accordingly. A PR is achievable here, but you will earn it.

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

38°F

High

55°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Late February in Fort Worth means a chilly corral. You're looking at a low-to-mid 40s start, so dress for the cold at the gun and plan to warm up quickly once you're moving. By the later miles, temperatures can climb into the mid-50s, which is actually pretty comfortable for racing. That said, North Texas in February is unpredictable. A cold front can keep it raw all day, or a warm stretch can make the back half feel harder than expected. Have a throwaway layer ready and don't overdress for the finish.

Entry

OPEN

Cowtown Marathon features open registration with tiered pricing; some races reached capacity during 2026 season. Charity bibs available through C.A.L.F. Program.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

DFW

20 mi

from the start

≈ 32 min transferEasy transfer

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into DFW, about 20 miles from the start, an easy transfer by rideshare or transit, roughly a 32-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Fort Worth, TX so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.