Panther City Ultra

The Panther City Ultra returns to Marion Sansom Park in Fort Worth, Texas on April 3rd, 2027, offering a challenging day of running with distances ranging from the intimate 5K up to the grueling 50K. Runners will gather at various locations around Fort Worth and nearby Flower Mound for packet pickup before heading out onto the trails of Marion Sansom Park on race morning.
Race day starts early as runners begin arriving in the pre-dawn light, with temperatures hovering between mild and cool conditions typical for a spring morning in Texas. Participants make their way to the start line at 2501 Roberts Cut Off Road where they can see the park stretching out before them, readying themselves for what promises to be an intense day of running through natural terrain.
The Panther City Ultra has been held annually since its inception and draws runners from across Texas and beyond. The event supports a local charity that focuses on improving access to outdoor recreational spaces in underserved communities within Fort Worth. With strict caps on participant numbers, the race remains intimate yet challenging for those who register early enough to secure their spot.
The course winds through Marion Sansom Park's natural trails, featuring rocky sections and elevation changes with steep climbs leading up to overlooks offering scenic views of the park’s river and waterfall areas. The 5K route is more forgiving compared to its longer counterparts but still offers some pavement for those looking for a less technical run.
Starting times vary based on race distance; the ultra distances start first at dawn, followed by shorter races later in the morning. All participants will encounter aid stations along their routes and have access to full support throughout the day until the hard 7:00 pm cutoff time when no further loops may begin.
On April 3rd in Fort Worth, temperatures are expected to range from mild to warm with firm yet slightly soft trail conditions underfoot. UV index levels will be moderate at around five during peak hours of the race.
The Panther City Ultra offers four distinct distances for runners: a demanding 50K looped course starting early morning; a challenging 25K distance beginning shortly after; two loops comprising the intense 10K run kicking off mid-morning; and finally, an easy but scenic 5K route rounding out the day’s offerings.