Austin Marathon and Half Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Justin S.
Austin , TX

  (02-24-2011)

"The Austin Half and Full Marathon is a great race through the heart of Austin. The half marathon course takes you from the capitol grounds south to Ben White and back to the finish downtown. The full course takes you south as well but breaks from the half marathon route to take you north to 183 before turning back towards the downtown finish.

The course has hills. The hills in Austin are somewhat unavoidable when mapping a running course, but you can tell the race organizers wanted to develop a challenging course that would include many stretches of tough terrain.

This is a big race. This years race, 2011, included 20,000 runners. Take into account that you will be running in a crowd.

There were plenty of aide stations throughout the course that were well staffed with volunteers. The spectators are amazing. From what I experienced, there was never a section of road that did not have spectators cheering you on. As someone who has recently moved back to Austin it was special to see this and to know that hospitality is one of traits that make Austin a special place.

The only aspect of this race that was lacking was the organization. From being charged $7 to park for packet pickup to having to wait in a crowd of thousands to receive a race t-shirt post race. It seems as if there was little thought put into what the experience would be like for the runners.

Overall this was an amazing and challenging race. I would recommend participation and I plan on running the race again next year. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2011

carlo c.
Los Angeles, CA

  (02-24-2011)

"woot this is my first time ever hehehehehhe"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2011

Nicole S.
Parker, CO

  (04-06-2010)

"I loved this race and it was my fastest time ever! Austin is Texas's best kept secret. Despite the rain and cooler temperatures for Texas in February, I would love to do this race again. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2004

Sandra .
San Francisco, CA

  (03-29-2010)

"This was a great marathon! There are a lot of rolling hills (general uphill direction early on, with general loss of elevation the latter part of the course) so train on them! But I wouldn't go so far to say that this was a super hilly course.

Awesome organization. I arrived from out of town after the expo closed. The race let me (for a donation to a charity) have my bib delivered to my hotel for me. This went off without a hitch.

The start area was great. Lots of portapotties. They allow spectators to mingle with the runners which you may or may not like. No strict corral system, but they did have pace signs up.

The crowd support in Austin was fantastic! I was very impressed with all the people who came out to cheer. The volunteers at the aid stations were equally good.

The swag was great. They gave out a really nice backpack, beautiful medal, and a finisher's tech shirt. My tech shirt was too small. I emailed the race and they mailed me a bigger size, no charge. I was very impressed with that. I LOVE how they have gender specific shirts, too."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Laura H.
Austin, TX

  (03-24-2010)

"This was my first time running a half marathon, and let me tell you, it was AWESOME!

I was so nervous to start, my stomach was going crazy. Thank God they had enough porta-potties at the starting line! The starting corrals were clearly marked, and there were plenty of volunteers to help out. The clothing drop was well organized as well.

Starting the race was crazy! The fireworks went off and then we started on our journey across the starting line. From there, running south on Congress was like a dream! There were loads of runners covering the entire road, and spectators waving signs and yelling for us. What a rush! We ran past SoCo with all the shops, then down to 71 and around to South 1st with shade galore. The view of downtown Austin is amazing in the morning light and when there are runners and spectators everywhere!

The hardest part of the course is coming back up Enfield/15th street when the road is hilly and steep, but once you finish the last big hill, you get to run around the Capital building which is such an awesome experience! Then down you go to the finish line, where water, a sweet medal, a t-shirt, and food aplenty are waiting.

Not only is the race awesome, but the expo was fab! Soo many booths and companies and swag! Twas awesome! There are also many local eateries that have specials for runners.

Way to go Austin Marathon! ROCK IT!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Suann L.
Colleyville, TX

  (02-17-2010)

"This by far is the best half marathon I have ran. The course, is challenging, but a lot of fun. Because they cap it at 14,500 participants, you never feel crowded. I ran White Rock and with nearly 30,000 you spent a lot of time weaving around folks. Not in Austin.

There were enough aid stations, port-a-potties, and tons of support through the entire race.

The hills were not as bad as I thought. I still managed a 4-min PR, even running it with bronchitis."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Megan M.
Killeen, TX

  (02-15-2010)

"I loved it! Great course, hillier (is that a word?) than I thought, but beautiful. Great crowds, support and swag. Can't wait till next year!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Thomas T.
Newcastle, WA

  (08-18-2009)

"With no shortage of growing global environmental concerns and challenges facing the world today, it is clear that we all must collectively do our part to help put our planet on a more sustainable path. In this regard, it is so refreshing to run a marathon that is committed to increasing awareness of and promoting movement toward environmental responsibility. Not to mention in today's dire economic environment, as underscored by the withdrawal by AT&T as title sponsor of the 2009 Austin Marathon (Without prize money, this year's race failed to attract an elite field for the first time in its 18-year history).

Recognized by Runner World's magazine as the "Greenest Race" in its list of the 10 most enviromentally friendly races in America, the 2009 Austin Marathon lived up to all the hype and beyond, from organic race T-shirts, online-only registration and solar-powered generators for all electricity needs to official race vehicles using biodiesel as fuel to toilet paper made of recycled material. Other green actions/efforts included waste disposal and recycling, plastics and cardboard recycling, composting dumpsters for waste and food, and a farmer's market with local and organic produce at the finish line. Talk about going the extra mile! I was very impressed and so glad to be part of this event. In addition, its innovative "26 Miles for 26 Charities" program, which directly links local charities to the Marathon at every water stop, has raised $90 million for Central Texas charity thus far.

I highly recommend a gem for pre-race carbo-loading: a nearby Italian Restaurant called “La Travita”, where I had the richest Spaghetti Carbonara (topped with a raw egg yolk!) and smoothest Tiramisu ever. I'd highly recommend the restaurant if you're ever in downtown Austin and feel like having authentic and well-executed Italian cuisine that doesn't break your wallet.

I stayed at the Marriott Courtyard, which is conveniently located within a brief walking distance to/from the Start/Finish area. Good location and service.

On race day, I joined some reportedly 13,000 plus race participants at about 6:15 AM. The races ended up starting 15 minutes late at 7:15 AM. Dawned with perfect weather, we took off on Congress Avenue Bridge toward the Colorado River (aka Town Lake) heading into South Austin.

The new Austin Marathon point-to-point loop course is one of the more challenging marathon courses offered in the Lone Star State with rolling hills making up the first half of the course. This year's course was modified partly because much of the campus of the University of Texas was inaccessible as it hosted the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) from February 13-15. (Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the CGI brings together the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing global issues, including energy and climate change).

"We concentrate on providing the challenging and unique course that runners expect when they choose to run this marathon," said Race Director John Conley.

Indeed, a long hill was strategically placed on the course after mile 24:) But all the hills were runnable and we were constantly encouraged by enthusiastic volunteers at the 26 water stops, each representing a charity group, and entertained by spectators shouting "This is your last hill!" Further welcoming distraction was provided by some 35 live bands performing along the course, befitting the city that prides itself on being "The Music Capital of the World". "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Amanda H.
Washington, DC

  (08-10-2009)

"Great scenery and great music. The course is pretty flat and fast, and the race expo is "green" and well organized."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Kathryn S.
Fresno, CA

  (08-05-2009)

"Awesome race. Huge, enthusiastic crowds and very well organized. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Course is fairly flat, although there is a gradual incline (I think between miles 10-18). Start on S. Congress ave and Ceasar Chavez. Run south past town lake and S. Congress shops. Course loops back around and heads north. Stretch on Exposition is where the incline begins. Finish is near the Texas capitol--straight down Congress ave.

**I parked my car on S. Congress a few hours before race (mile 1). Easy warm-up run to race start. By the time I finished, that part of the race course had cleared, so I had easy and free access to my car. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008