Get ready to lace up your sneakers or plan your detours because the Cowtown Marathon is sprinting into Fort Worth this weekend, and it's bringing big crowds and bigger disruptions. With a roster that includes a full marathon, half marathon, ultra marathon, and various 5K and 10K races, the city's streets will be bustling with 40,000 runners and cheering spectators. The weekend's events, set for February 24-25, are expected to kick off each day between 6 and 9 a.m., starting from the Will Rogers Memorial Center and snaking through parts of the Cultural District, Stockyards, downtown and more, according to the City of Fort Worth.
Residents along the race path should anticipate runners and potential traffic slowdowns. According to Fort Worth officials, the marathon on Saturday will affect neighborhoods like Crestwood from 7-8 a.m. and the So7 District from 7-10 a.m., among others. The following day, areas like the Colonial Area and Foster Park will experience activity and traffic impacts between 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., which means drivers in Fort Worth should plan, take alternative routes, or simply stay put to avoid delays.
Now in its 46th year, the Cowtown Marathon is a staple of the North Texas sports calendar and an economic powerhouse that, according to the Fort Worth Texas government, generates an impressive $10.4 million annually for Fort Worth. Besides the adult races, the weekend will also feature one of the nation's largest youth races, reflecting the broader vision of the race series—to foster a love for running and healthy living among children.
It's not just about the participants, either. Fans of race bling can rejoice, as Cowtown has been lauded for its prized medals and race swag, making it not only a test of endurance but a treasure hunt for collectors. Proceeds from the weekend are earmarked for The C.A.L.F. Program (Children’s Activities for Life and Fitness), which, as evidenced by its website, extends benefits to roughly 150 schools across North Texas and tutors students in everything from running technique, to the importance of hydration and proper nutrition.
