Behind the Scenes of Cowtown: A Conversation with Race Director Heidi Swartz
Host: Chris Detzel (DFW Running Talk)
Guest: Heidi Swartz (Cowtown Marathon Executive Director)
Episode Overview:
This episode offers an intimate look at the Cowtown Marathon through the eyes of its long-time executive director, Heidi Swartz. The conversation begins with Heidi's unexpected entry into running, which started in 1994 when she was required to run the Cowtown 10K with her son's elementary school team. Despite not being a runner initially, the experience inspired her to join the Cowtown organization, where she worked her way up from assistant to executive director in 2003.
Key Discussion Points:
- Heidi's personal journey from non-runner to race director
- The growth of Cowtown into the largest multi-event race in North Texas
- Comprehensive overview of Cowtown's year-round programs, including:
- Youth running initiatives
- Adult training programs
- CALF (Children's Activities for Life and Fitness) program
- Distribution of running shoes to over 5,200 underprivileged kids
Notable Insights:
- Detailed discussion of race organization challenges, including weather contingencies and COVID-19 adaptations
- Behind-the-scenes look at race preparations, including shirt ordering in June for February's race
- Information about Cowtown's community impact and relationship with the city of Fort Worth
- Stories about international participation, including a group from Nice, France
- Current race statistics and registration updates for the upcoming event
The episode provides valuable insights into both the technical aspects of managing a major racing event and the community-focused mission that drives the organization. Heidi's passion for community service and youth development comes through clearly, particularly when discussing programs that provide running shoes and training to underprivileged children.
The conversation concludes with current registration information for the upcoming Cowtown events, emphasizing the race's growing popularity with several distances nearing capacity.
Guest: Heidi Swartz (Cowtown Marathon Executive Director)
Episode Overview:
This episode offers an intimate look at the Cowtown Marathon through the eyes of its long-time executive director, Heidi Swartz. The conversation begins with Heidi's unexpected entry into running, which started in 1994 when she was required to run the Cowtown 10K with her son's elementary school team. Despite not being a runner initially, the experience inspired her to join the Cowtown organization, where she worked her way up from assistant to executive director in 2003.
Key Discussion Points:
- Heidi's personal journey from non-runner to race director
- The growth of Cowtown into the largest multi-event race in North Texas
- Comprehensive overview of Cowtown's year-round programs, including:
- Youth running initiatives
- Adult training programs
- CALF (Children's Activities for Life and Fitness) program
- Distribution of running shoes to over 5,200 underprivileged kids
Notable Insights:
- Detailed discussion of race organization challenges, including weather contingencies and COVID-19 adaptations
- Behind-the-scenes look at race preparations, including shirt ordering in June for February's race
- Information about Cowtown's community impact and relationship with the city of Fort Worth
- Stories about international participation, including a group from Nice, France
- Current race statistics and registration updates for the upcoming event
The episode provides valuable insights into both the technical aspects of managing a major racing event and the community-focused mission that drives the organization. Heidi's passion for community service and youth development comes through clearly, particularly when discussing programs that provide running shoes and training to underprivileged children.
The conversation concludes with current registration information for the upcoming Cowtown events, emphasizing the race's growing popularity with several distances nearing capacity.
Creators and Guests
Guest
Heidi Swartz
Heidi Swartz's remarkable journey in the running world began unexpectedly in 1994 when she was "forced" to run the Cowtown 10K alongside her son's elementary school team. That transformative experience at the finish line sparked a passion not for running itself initially, but for the magic of race production. Within weeks, she submitted her resume to the Cowtown Marathon organization, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career that would shape North Texas' running community for decades to come. After joining Cowtown in 1996 as an assistant to the executive director, Swartz immersed herself in every aspect of race management, from timing systems to event coordination. Her dedication and comprehensive understanding of race operations led to her appointment as Executive Director in 2003. Recognizing the importance of understanding runners' needs firsthand, she took up running herself and progressed from finishing last in her first 5K to winning her age group the following year. Under Swartz's visionary leadership, Cowtown has grown into the largest multi-event race in North Texas, attracting participants from all 50 states and numerous countries. However, her most significant impact extends far beyond race day. She pioneered the CAF (Children's Activities for Life and Fitness) program, which provides running shoes and training to over 5,200 underprivileged children annually. The program exemplifies her belief that running should be accessible to everyone and that early exposure to fitness can transform lives. A passionate advocate for community health and youth fitness, Swartz has expanded Cowtown's influence beyond race events to include year-round training programs, summer camps, and wellness initiatives. Her innovative approach to race management and community engagement has earned Cowtown national recognition, including hosting the USA Track and Field Half Marathon Championships. From Montana's ski slopes to Fort Worth's running trails, Swartz has created an enduring legacy that combines athletic excellence with community service. Her leadership continues to inspire the next generation of runners while ensuring that Cowtown remains not just a race, but a cornerstone of Fort Worth's commitment to healthy living and community engagement.