SUMMARY: Hilly, scenic course starting and finishing downtown Austin, TX

The Austin Marathon provides runners with an exhilarating and scenic journey through Texas' vibrant capital city. The race begins in downtown Austin, leading participants through a blend of urban landscapes and iconic landmarks, and finishes near the Texas State Capitol. This marathon is a test of endurance, with its challenging hills and lively atmosphere.

The course features significant elevation changes, particularly in the first half, which can test the stamina of even seasoned runners. Despite the demanding terrain, the marathon is well-supported with numerous aid stations providing water, electrolytes, and energy gels. The route takes runners through various neighborhoods, showcasing Austin's eclectic character and vibrant community spirit. The crowd support is exceptional, with enthusiastic spectators lining the streets, cheering runners on and providing motivation throughout the race.

The event is meticulously organized, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish. The pre-race expo is well-run, offering a wide range of merchandise and an efficient packet pickup process. On race day, logistics are handled efficiently, with plenty of porta-potties, well-marked corrals, and a seamless gear check system. The post-race amenities include a variety of refreshments, live music, and a celebratory atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.

One of the highlights of the marathon is the sense of community and camaraderie among participants and spectators. The support from local residents is overwhelming, creating an encouraging environment that helps runners tackle the challenging course. The finish line near the Texas State Capitol is a memorable spot, where participants receive a beautifully designed finisher's medal as a token of their accomplishment.

Austin Marathon

Human Interest Story

John Conley sough out a run to relieve him of a severe headache. Dizziness and blurred vision soon placed him in the hospital diagnosed with a subdural hematoma.

Austin Marathon Director Recovering From Subdural Hematoma

Post-Race Review/ Results

Shannon Bixler won the women's division of the 2012 Austin Marathon with a time of 3 hours 2 minutes and 28 seconds for a new personal best of her 8 marathons.

Shannon Bixler Is Top Women's Finisher At Austin Marathon

Jynocel Basweti was a last minute race entry into the Austin Marathon but the pre-race favorite Edward Korir Kiptum won the title with a time of 2 hours 22 minutes and 50 seconds.

Austin Marathon Winner Kiptum Overtakes Friend, Training Partner In Final Miles

The Austin Marathon kicks off it's twenty-first year on Sunday with nearly eighteen-thousand runners expected to flood the streets.

Marathon Summary

Marathon Results