This was my first Cowtown Marathon (I ran the Half) and I will DEFINITELY be doing it again. The Cowtown Marathon series offers a variety of distances including a Challenge (race both days ) - which I would've done if it was closer to home (I live in Dallas about an hour away). Saturday races include a 5K and 10K, Sunday includes a Half and Full Marathon as well as an Ultramarathon.

Packet pickup was easy for me - I signed up under a team and if there are 25+ in the team, the captain picks up the entire team's packets and distributes them. So I actually got my bib the week before (the way to go if you can!). I did miss out on the Expo, though, which looked like a good time. It was in a big space, had some nice photo ops (best part of an Expo) and looked well-organized.

Race communication was great - I received email updates along the way and the race website has a lot of detailed information about parking, race day, maps, etc. I knew exactly where I wanted to park per the website (there are free lots as well as paid lots). I parked and walked to the Start line with no problems at all. LOVE that there was an indoor area that we could hang/stretch pre-race and there were many corrals so that this large race could run smoothly.

The corrals were well organized and the Start went smoothly and was right on time. We were off! The course was nice - we got to run through the Stockyards - montly pavement with some area of laid brick. The elevation I would say was challenging. The hills are towards the end (miles 9-13) making it a tough finish but a nice challenge. Nothing that would keep me from running it again but maybe don't use this as a PR course. It's definitely possible but just something to keep in mind!

The weather was perfect, race finish went smooth - we got our medals and were directed towards an indoor area with a finisher's shirt, some chicken noodle soup in a cup (REALLY hit the spot), other snack goodies, and another nice photo op in front of the Cowtown Marathon bell. Getting back to my car was easy and I knew right then and there I'd be back next year!

Thank you to the 4,000+ volunteers, Mayor of Ft. Worth for being there, and race directors for putting on a great event. I will be back and definitely recommend this race.