The biggest multi-race in North Texas, otherwise known as the Cowtown Marathon, hosted its 47th annual race over the weekend. Over 26,000 runners participated. All 50 states were represented, along with 14 countries.
This year was the Cowtown Marathon’s 15th year supporting the Children’s Activities for Life and Fitness Program, an organization that visits schools across North Texas to educate children about health and fitness. C.A.L.F. provides entry fee grants and new running shoes to low-income children.
Saturday, Feb. 22, marked the first day of the race weekend with a kids 5K, an adults 5K and a 10K. Following those races, a half, full and ultramarathon were held on Sunday, Feb. 23.
At 5:45 a.m. on Sunday morning, runners checked in and picked up their race bibs at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. As participants waited for the race to begin, they hydrated, stretched and relaxed to prepare their bodies for the big day.
Around 6:30 a.m., runners split off into their designated corrals and made their way to the starting line.
At 6:45 a.m., the marathon kicked off with the wheelchair and hand-cycle race. Around 6:55 a.m., the elite group and corral one made their way to the start line as the Texas Girls Choir sang the national anthem.
The first corral took off at 7 a.m., followed by the remaining eight corrals. The final group set off at around 7:30 a.m.
For many runners, the Cowtown Marathon was the first race they competed. Sarah Milligan, a senior neuroscience major at TCU, ran her first half marathon.
“I’m feeling good… a little nervous,” Milligan said before the race. “But overall, my goal is just to finish and do the best I can.”
Spectators lined the course from the starting point at Will Rogers Memorial Center to the Stockyards and TCU, cheering on friends and family.
Some competitors ran in costumes, many of them dressed as cows.
The course featured multiple hills and varied terrain, which made for a challenging race.
“I feel great. It was hard, but I did pretty well,” Milligan said after completing the half marathon. “I PR’ed in a mile, and I also finished way under what I was expecting.”
Fort Worth’s Maxwell Murphy won the half marathon in 1:09.46. Jarrett Kirk claimed victory in the full marathon with a time of 2:25.58, while Brent William won the ultramarathon in 3:19.13.
