Fort Worth, Texas, United States
The Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each February through the historic Stockyards and downtown of Texas's cowboy capital. The course passes the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Trinity River, and the Cultural District on flat North Texas terrain. February's mild Texas winter and the Western-heritage atmosphere make it a beloved regional marathon.
Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 27 February 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
The Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at the Fort Worth Stockyards or downtown festival area. The loop passes the Stockyards National Historic District, the Trinity River trails, and the Cultural District. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
The Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
For the Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon, the Cowtown Marathon is held in February, typically on the fourth Saturday. Registration is at https://www.cowtownmarathon.org/.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Fort Worth.
The Dallas Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Dallas, United States. The course starts and finishes at Dallas City Hall. The route passes Dealey Plaza, White Rock Lake, and the Katy Trail. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Next race: Sunday, 13 December 2026
The Austin Marathon attracts about 10,000 finishers each February through Texas's capital city. The course passes the State Capitol, the University of Texas campus, and the rolling hills of south Austin with live music at multiple stages. February mild Texas weather and the 'Live Music Capital of the World' race atmosphere make it one of the largest marathons in the Southwest.
Next race: Sunday, 21 February 2027
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon honours the 168 victims of the 1995 Murrah Building bombing, drawing approximately 1,951 finishers each April. The course passes the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Bricktown district, and the Oklahoma River trails on flat prairie terrain. April's Oklahoma spring and the race's powerful remembrance mission make it one of America's most meaningful marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
The Woodlands Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each March on a suburban road in The Woodlands, United States. It is Texas's most prominent spring BQ-focused marathon outside the major-city winter races. The course passes waterway corridors, pine-lined residential boulevards, and packed spectator zones in the town center. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027
The Houston Marathon draws approximately 8,500 finishers on an urban road in Houston, United States. The course starts and finishes at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The route passes Hermann Park, Rice University, and the Galleria area. Very flat — one of the fastest winter marathons in the US.
Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Read guide →
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Read guide →
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
Read guide →