The Cowtown Marathon returns to Fort Worth. When do the 2026 festivities begin?
It’s time for the Cowtown Marathon to return to Fort Worth, and with it, thousands of runners will gather for the annual race.
Here’s what runners, fans and spectators need to know about the three-day event.
When do the races begin?
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026:
10K - 7 a.m.
Adults 5K - 7 a.m.
Kids 5K presented by PNC Bank - 9:45 a.m.
Sunday, March 1, 2026:
Half Marathon - Full Marathon - Ultra Marathon presented by Miller Lite
All races start at 7 a.m.
How much does it cost to sign up?
The Half Marathon, Full Marathon and Ultra Marathon are all sold out. However, runners can sign up for the Full Marathon and Ultra Marathon CALF supporter races, which cost $325.01 and $351.88, respectively. Portions of those fees will go to CALF (Children’s Activities for Life & Fitness), a nonprofit organization promoting health and fitness in the community.
Kids and adults 5K prices start at $67.13, and the 10K costs $77.88.
Race history
The University of North Texas Health Science Center started the race in 1979, and Cowtown Marathon quickly established itself as a staple of the Fort Worth community.
The race benefits Children’s Activities for Life and Fitness, or CALF, and has already raised more than $25,000 this year in the organization’s name.
CALF uses programs to educate children about physical fitness and healthy eating while providing the necessary equipment and tools, such as shoes, for low-income families.
In the past 16 years, CALF has donated 65,000 pairs of running shoes to kids in need.
Non-race activities
For those who want to have some fun but don’t want to run, there’s the 2026 Cowtown Marathon Health and Fitness Expo, which is a free two-day event with various vendors and activities.
There’s expected to be somewhere between 80 and 100 vendors at the expo.
The expo takes place on Friday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 28 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Will Rogers Memorial Center Amon G. Cart Exhibit Hall.
What’s the weather forecast for Cowtown?
According to the National Weather Service, it’s going to be a great weekend for running, with the forecast on Friday, Saturday and Sunday ranging from a high of 75-82 over the weekend with mostly clear skies.
