Cowtown Marathon in Shipley

The Cowtown Marathon is an annual running event that takes place in Shipley, featuring a variety of races including 5Ks, a 10K, half marathon, marathon, and ultra marathon. The event was founded in 1978 by the University of North Texas Health Science Center, with proceeds benefiting local charities and non-profit organizations.

The course starts and ends in Fort Worth's cultural district, passing through the Stockyards, downtown, and circling TCU and the southside. Elevation changes can reach up to 150 feet, and the marathon and ultra marathon are Boston Marathon qualifying events. The Cowtown Children's Activities for Life & Fitness Program provides training, grants, and running shoes to children in need, having given away 5,000 pairs of new running shoes in 2017.

Notable past performances include Michael Wardian shattering the ultra marathon course record in 2014, and Elizabeth Northern beating the women's ultra marathon record in 2016. In 2023, the event hosted the USATF National Half Marathon Championships, with Jacob Thompson and Aliphine Tuliamuk winning the men's and women's divisions respectively.