Over 29,000 runners from across the United States and nine countries gathered for the 48th Cowtown Marathon, setting a new record for registration at this prominent North Texas event. The weekend showcased Fort Worth’s largest multi-event road race, demonstrating the growing popularity of endurance sports in the region.
Record-Breaking Participation
The Cowtown Marathon is recognized as a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, and the sold-out event featured a variety of certified races over the weekend of February 28 and March 1. Participants engaged in several races, including a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon.
Historic Ultra-Marathon Finish
A highlight of the weekend was the ultra-marathon on Sunday, where McKale Montgomery from Fort Worth made history by becoming the first woman to finish first overall in the 18-year history of the race. Montgomery completed the challenging course in 3 hours, 33 minutes, and 11 seconds, surpassing all male competitors.
The first male finisher, 43-year-old Dustin Darakhshan from Richardson, crossed the line shortly after Montgomery with a time of 3:34:02.
Half-Marathon Results
In the half-marathon, Sergio Men from Arlington took the men’s title with a remarkable time of 1:07:02. He was followed by Bedford’s Casey Novelo, who finished second in 1:08:53, and Fort Worth’s Maxwell Murphy, who secured third place with a time of 1:10:03.
On the women’s side, Jennifer Pope from Plano led the field with a finishing time of 1:19:42. Katlyn Phillips from Allen placed second at 1:22:20, and Megan Williamson from Denton narrowly followed in third, finishing just 20 seconds later at 1:22:40.
Marathon Results
In the marathon, Dallas’ Matt Campbell achieved the fastest time, completing the race in 2:37:22. Brian Carroll from San Angelo followed in second place with a time of 2:39:06, while Albert Marban from Dallas secured third at 2:39:38.
The top female marathon finisher was Sadie Smith from Kirkwood, Missouri, who claimed the title with a time of 2:59:37. Morgan Mengini from Austin took second place at 3:07:50, and Kayla Straub from Newton, Kansas, rounded out the top three with a time of 3:13:47.
Saturday Race Results
The Cowtown Marathon weekend kicked off on Saturday with the 10K, adult 5K, and kids 5K races. Zachary Smith from Rhome won the men’s 10K in a time of 35:43.8, while Jessica Smith from Trophy Club topped the women’s category at 39:15.1.
In the adult 5K, Glen Shumaker from Boulder, Colorado, finished first among men with a time of 16:48.4, and Fort Worth’s Kaitlin Walker led the women’s race at 18:17.6. Additionally, in the kids’ 5K, Flower Mound’s Greyson Potter and Fort Worth’s Stella Simpson were the top finishers in their respective divisions.
Looking Ahead
The next Cowtown Marathon weekend is set for February 26-28, 2027, promising another exciting event for runners and spectators alike.
Community Impact
Organizers highlight that proceeds from the marathon support the Children’s Activities for Life and Fitness (C.A.L.F.) Program, which promotes health and fitness education in North Texas schools. In 2026, the program awarded grants to over 5,400 children, helping to cover race entry fees and provide running shoes. Since 2009, the initiative has positively impacted more than 65,000 children.
