What to know ahead of the Austin Marathon
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Thousands of runners will take on Austin's marathon and half-marathon course this weekend. Photo: Robert Daemmrich Photography/Corbis via Getty Images
Runners will line up Sunday morning for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K as the city shuts down major streets to make way for one of its largest annual sporting events.
Why it matters: The race draws tens of thousands of runners, and it's a reminder of just how deeply running is woven into the city's identity.
Flashback: During the COVID lockdowns, running's popularity surged nationally as an accessible way to stay active.
- Run clubs in Austin exploded as the city's population boomed during that time.
By the numbers: Ascension Seton Austin Marathon race officials tell Axios they expect another record-setting year for registration, predicting more than 30,000 participants — a 30% increase from 2025.
What to watch: Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas is the honorary starter for the second year in a row, and elite athletes will compete for a $20,000 prize.
Course highlights
The race begins and ends near the Capitol, where you'll find big crowds and race-day fanfare at the start and finish lines.
- The marathon, half marathon and 5K course all head uphill on South Congress. The 5K will double back on the road, while marathon and half marathon participants continue on to West Ben White Boulevard and head back toward downtown on South First Street, before eventually hitting the dreaded hills on Enfield Road.
- Half marathoners break off just after mile 12 and run downtown to the finish, while marathoners run north along Guadalupe.
- The remainder of the marathon course travels through Hyde Park and heads east before runners finish their final 3 miles along East Cesar Chavez Street and into downtown.
Shakeout runs and watch parties
There are tons of pre-race events to meet new people and calm your nerves.
- Red Bull will hold a free shakeout run 10am Saturday at Juliet's. Nike will hold a shakeout event at The Loop.
- Many clubs gather along the course to cheer on runners on race day, like The Morning Jo's with its annual watch party at Central Machine Works.
Pro tip: It's easy to get excited — or even feel competitive — while jogging in a large shakeout event. Drown out the noise and take it very easy on your jog the day before your race.
Traffic and road closures
If you're not racing, plan ahead:
Downtown will be largely inaccessible by car early Sunday morning through early afternoon. Check the Austin Marathon's traffic page for more closures around town.
- CapMetro buses will run on detours.
Nicole's thought bubble: If it's your first time running the Austin Marathon or Half Marathon this weekend, soak it up! There's nothing quite like the energy of a hometown race, and Austin's course is a wonderful way to see the city, enjoy live music and get support from your neighbors.
- Sunday's high will be in the mid-70s — pretty hot for race weather — so be sure to hydrate and take in carbs throughout the race.
- Finally, don't go out too hot — or the hills in the back half of the race will humble you fast.
If you go: The race kicks off at 7am.