The largest multi-event race in Texas is happening in Fort Worth this weekend.

The 2019 Cowtown Marathon will begin Saturday at 7 a.m. with the 10K, and finish on Sunday, making the full marathon course open for 7.5 hours. 

For more than 40 years, the race has welcomed runners and walkers with all athletic abilities to participate. As long as each racer completes the race within the time cut-offs, there are no rules against those who choose to walk.

All of the races will start and end at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, and they will take runners around and through Fort Worth.  

Saturday’s races will be the Kids 5K, Adults 5k and 10K. The Sunday distances, all starting at 7 a.m., are the Half Marathon, Marathon, and Ultra Marathon.

There will be about 70,000 visitors expected over the weekend, so racers, volunteers and spectators are encouraged to visit The Cowtown Health and Fitness Expo.

This fun-filled two-day event will have local pop-up shops, as well as speakers to educate runners on healthy race-day and everyday habits and preventing and healing injuries.

Packets for Saturday and Sunday races are available for pickup starting Friday and runner can obtain them no later than 45 minutes prior to the start of one’s race. 

Fluid stations are set apart at each approximate 1.5-mile mark with water and electrolyte replacements. There will be medical support and portalets at each station.

As a non-profit 501©(3) program, the marathon will give the proceeds from each race to Children’s Activities for Life & Fitness (C.A.L.F.), helping low-income children in North Texas receive a free pair of running shoes and a reduced entry fee into the Kids 5K Presented by Academy Sports. 

The C.A.L.F. was created in 2009 to help tens of thousands of children in the area develop a lifelong love of fitness. Cowtown staff and volunteers visit approximately 400 schools across North Texas annually, training students in proper running technique and educating them about resting heart rate, the importance of hydration, proper nutrition and living an active lifestyle, according to the website.

Before the races on Sunday, University Christian Church will host a pre-race morning worship service with singing, prayer and an uplifting devotional message. It will be in the stage area in the West Texas Room of the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall from 5:45-6:15 a.m.