The Cowtown Ultra is an annual city-based ultra distance race hosted in Fort Worth, TX. The Cowtown Marathon’s mission to promote a lifelong love of fitness, to help tens of thousands of children from area school districts and community centers lace-up and start crossing finish lines. The Cowtown staff and volunteers visit approximately 400 schools across North Texas annually, training students in proper running techniques and educating them about resting heart rate, the importance of hydration, proper nutrition, and living an active lifestyle.

The Cowtown Ultra begins at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, the home to the annual Stock Show and Rodeo, in the heart of Fort Worth's Cultural District. Next, the trail will turn north to the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, home of the Fort Worth Herd that gives visitors a daily invitation to the cowboys and cattle drives of yesteryear. Heading south, you'll pass the world-famous Joe T. Garcia's as you travel down Main Street into the heart of downtown Cowtown. Veer west through Panther City's thriving Near Southside, and then turn south toward the beautiful campus of the TCU Horned Frogs. Now it's time to Riff Ram Bah Zoo your way around Bluebonnet Circle and along the Foster Park Trail before heading north as the course passes the famed Hogan's Alley at the Colonial Country Club. Keep your ears open for the roar of lions from the beloved Fort Worth Zoo and then continue north along the banks of the Trinity River into Trinity Park, the home of Fort Worth families' outdoor adventures for generations. Finally, we'll welcome you to the finish line back home at the stunning Will Rogers. You've made it! (Cowtown Site).

I began this race in the top 10 of the ultra competitors. I maintained this position throughout the day as we ran through the sites of Fort Worth. Then I had a phone malfunction to which I allowed to get my focus off track. I spent a great deal of time troubleshooting the issue while I lost any chance of a good finish. I finally collected myself then proceeded towards the finish line well to the back of the pack.

The course is all street running. The entire city of Fort Worth is shutdown for this event. The traffic not involved with the race impatiently waits the several thousand runners to pass as they are held parked by the local police. There were some cars that broke away from their spot in the lines to defy the police. This led to their apprehension by the police as their actions jeopardized the racers. This was an anomaly that happened only a few times, but the racers had to be aware of this potential hazard.

The elevation gain was minimal. There was one big climb up an overpass to the downtown area that was a consistent climb at a decent grade. The race directors make this section easier by making it the veteran’s memorial where there are hundreds of large boards with veterans stories on them. This gave all the runners a focus other than the steep climb. The climbing for me was welcome as a trailrunner. I was able to make up several hundred places in my race on this section as most runners chose to walk the hill.

The Cowtown Ultra race follows the same course as the marathon up until the turn towards the finish line. The marathoners would peel off the course towards the end while we continued for several more miles. The reward as there is a private party at the turnaround exclusively for the ultrarunners. The party included freshly grilled foods and a full bar. I did not eat or drink much here, but many others took the opportunity to quell the pains in their legs and feet by enjoying the party. I changed into my finishing outfit and fresh socks before pressing on to the end.

The Cowtown Ultra is still one of my favorite races I have experienced. The crowd was electric the entire course. There were consistent live bands, food stands, full bars, and a huge house party dubbed “The Mile-20 House Party”. The scene at mile 20 looked like something out of the cult movie Animal House. The community of Fort Worth know how to host a party…I mean race.

This is a must-race fun time I highly recommend.