The race has certainly improved in recent years, but it still has a long way to go. The biggest obstacle to this becoming a great race is that the start and the last 2 miles are much, much too crowded. The 10K, half, marathon, and 50K ALL share the last 2 miles. The result: 10K walkers block the way for the half runners. Half walkers block the marathon runners. Slow marathoners block the 50K. It's not acceptable to have run 24 miles and be greeted by an impassible wall of walkers. They need to separate the courses and allow the runners to have a clear path to the finish.

This was my first Cowtown. I've done 5 previous marathons. I know that the Cowtown has gotten some bad press in the past, but I really enjoyed this race. Yes, it was cold and windy, but it was a pretty well-organized race from what I experienced. Only one improvement area that I can mention: I race-walked with the 4:50 pace group, and by the time we hit the first few water stops, it was slim pickens for water. It seemed like more tables at the first few water stops may have helped. But I don't think this was enough to spoil the race. It was a great race! The finisher's shirt is really nice, and they gave us a great medal too.

A word about the course: I live near Austin, Texas, and I train on a fair number of hills. I didn't think the course was hilly at all. If you train on hills, I think you would consider these mild, rolling hills at best. If you don't train on hills, perhaps some of the inclines will get your attention.

I really appreciate the efforts of all the volunteers, race directors, spectators, and police support that made this race an enjoyable event. Thanks, Fort Worth!

Other than the windy conditions, I found very little negative about this race. The course was only mildly hilly. It ran through a good variety of Fort Worth and had enough turns to minimize the impact of the wind. The organization was well done, and the finish, being right downtown, is a perfect place for the marathon to end. If you are looking for big crowds, go to Chicago or New York. Otherwise, I would recommend this race to anyone, as it is one of my favorites so far!

I was a little worried going into the race because of previous reviews, but I actually loved the race! You have to remember that the race features five distances (5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, full marathon, ultra), and draws HUGE numbers of people, most of whom are not running the marathon.

I trained in Des Moines, Iowa during the winter, so I thought that the weather was great (besides the wind) and I didn't think the course was at all hilly. Also, it weaved through some great neighborhoods. It was very scenic.

I'll admit, it was a little hectic at the packet pick up, but if you go early, you'll be fine. It seemed chaotic because of the multiple race distances, but nothing a marathoner can't handle. ;)

The start was VERY congested. That would be my only complaint. If it weren't for the chip-timer mat, I would not have known where to start. But, since it's chip-timed, it's not super important to get across the start immediately.

Overall, great race. It's a small marathon but a huge running event. Bonus: it's not too hard to place in your age group! Definitely give Cowtown a try!

I ran this marathon last year, and really enjoyed it, so I came back for more. The wind (20+ MPH) was tough this year, but the course has enough turns in it that you're only directly into the wind for brief periods. The wind helped a lot in the final miles. It is a small-town marathon, so don't expect the wall-to-wall crowds. The weather tends to be windy this time of year and the temperatures can be anywere from 30's to 60's at race time, so be prepared.

The extra $10 entry for the short-sleeved tech-T was well worth it. The long-sleeved tech finisher's shirt is also nice. I wasn't so sure I'd like the finisher's medal (1/5 of a complete star), but I think it is pretty cool, even by itself.

I ran in the 3:40 pace group, and the aid stations were well stocked when we went through. I'm thinking that if this race keeps getting bigger, they might want to consider placing aid stations on both sides of the street (when appropriate), or having more tables.

I'll be back next year.

The city cannot do anything about it being cold and windy, which it was. Marathon runners are forced to crowd in with thousands more half runners. This is not good. Several times during the run I had to watch out for and run around cars that were hell bent on getting across a street that should have been closed. We also had to inhale exhaust fumes while running near TCU. The Main Street finish is a good finish place. Lots of cheers and nice people. They do have a nice finisher's shirt.

Hill training is a must. If you spent the winter months up north (like I did) on a treadmill, then you may have a tough time in the Cowtown. Although difficult and hilly, the course has a nice mix of gritty industrial areas, tree-lined neighborhoods, and the campus of TCU. The fans were few but the tables of snacks set out by the fans who did come out were appreciated greatly. Post-race food was well organized and plentiful. (Hint: Head over to the Flying Saucer for a post-race beer.)

I tell my out-of-state friends that you need to run a classic Texas marathon. You will get a great finisher's shirt, hot food, and ice cream. Generally you can add unlimited beer, but that has pretty much gone from most of the Texas races as they have gotten larger... well, maybe unlimited, but none for later finishers like me!

Cowtown did not let me down! It was a classic Texas marathon... but.... The "but" is the problem. This was the 31st running of the race and they blew the water stops? The race has never had perfect organization, but it is a smaller race. The start line is difficult to get to with the current set up. This year was the first time that they split the packet pickup and registration. What a brain fart that turned out to be. I do love that it is one of the last races to allow race day registration... but as the expo grows, the tent and parking lot remain the same size. More and more things must move across the street, making your prior year's experience more of a problem than a helping feature.

The course takes you by some HUGE homes, the Colonial Golf Course (a pro golf tournament is played there), and through the park and gardens and by the barns, etc. A very nice tour of the city. Some may not like that there is traffic on some of the major streets, but you have to go by TCU!

Whatever. If this was your first or second year of running the race, don't hold Saturday against the race. It was a tough year for the race. I don't know why, but it was the worst year that I have run the race. It was just a bit rough around the edges. I still love the race and will come back again next year (I have to to complete my star!).

So don't give up on a great race... even if doesn't have a lot of bands and spectators like DWRM, and ran out of beer... it is still the only race that gives you a bag to collect your post-race food in.... (I can't believe that the rest of the races have not figured this one out yet....)

This is a good race; come back and let them prove it to you!

I liked the course. A few gently rolling hills, but overall I'd call it a flat course. I enjoyed the scenic portions through several parks. The course was well marked the entire way and had plenty of water stations along the way. Not tons of spectators, but the ones that were there were great. We had unusual, bitter, strong winds in the morning but they subsided somewhat later in the race. Overall, a very rewarding experience.

This was my first marathon and I really enjoyed it. I live in ultra-flat West Texas so I was worried about the hills, but I didn't think they were too bad. It was kind of a gently rolling course. I thought it provided a great overview of Ft. Worth. We got to see a little bit of everything... nice neighborhoods, river, gardens, many parks, etc. There were a lot of turns, so we didn't have to run into the wind for long sections of the race.

Organization was pretty good except I think the full and half marathon starts should be separate. That's the reason I gave it 4 stars here. Aid stations and port-a-potties were extremely crowded for the first 7 miles. The volunteers could not get water poured fast enough so we had to wait around for it - definitely not what you want to do during a race.

Weather was perfect, except for the 20+ mph winds, which are typical of this time of the year. Otherwise, it was beautifully cool (40s mostly) and sunny.

There weren't tons of spectators but the ones who showed up were enthusiastic.

I can't wait to do this race again!