FORT WORTH, Texas — After the latest winter blast this week, the Cowtown Marathon will go on as planned this Saturday and Sunday, event organizers said.
Cowtown race officials say the safety of runners, volunteers and spectators is their top priority. Crews will put sand on the courses right before races begin, and they'll continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the weekend.
"The Texas weather is challenging all of us this weekend. We are grateful to the thousands of runners, volunteers, supporters and local officials who regularly participate in our event. Their dedication, patience and flexibility in times like these are invaluable," organizers said in a release Friday.
Last year, a few races were dropped due to the ongoing COVID pandemic. Also, spectators weren't allowed at the finish line, in order to minimize crowds. But all courses will be back this weekend, according to organizers.
“Looking forward to this for about six months," half marathon runner Patrick Foster said. "Hoping against hope. I mean, the last two or three weeks, we've just had one wave after another with all the ice."
“It’s going to be a chilly day,” ultra marathon runner Margaret Cotton said. “Probably going to bundle up more than I would normally.”
“We will have crews out there in the morning that will drive the courses again prior to the start of the races,” The Cowtown Executive Director Heidi Swartz said. “If we see any spots that are troublesome, we will be putting down sand if necessary.”
Swartz said one reason why it’s important that the 10K and 5K races start as previously scheduled Saturday morning is due to the pre-planned road closures.
“I don’t want to take anybody off guard that’s got a business that needs to open and then all of the sudden, our race starts late and conflicts with that,” Swartz said.
Race times
Things will kick off at 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Cowtown Health and Fitness Expo where runners will pick-up their race-day packets.
The 10K race will begin at 7 a.m., and the 5K race will start at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday, the marathon distance races will take place. At 5:45 a.m., a worship service will be held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center – Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibit Hall.
Then, at 6:45 a.m. the wheelchair/handcycle race will start. And all distance races, including the half marathon, full marathon and Ultra Marathon will kick off at 7 a.m.
For more information on the marathon, click here.