LIVESTRONG AUSTIN MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON: WHY RUN AUSTIN?

There is a reason that 80% of the participants in the LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon® come from outside the Austin area. Actually, there are dozens of reasons. Here are just a few:

LANCE ARMSTRONG/LIVESTRONG
We're sure you've heard of a cyclist named Lance, but here in Austin we call him neighbor. Not only is Austin the place Lance Armstrong calls home and the place he trains, but it's also the place he established the headquarters of LIVESTRONG, his foundation, in. It's hard to visit Austin and not feel the impact that he has made on this town. Be sure to visit his bar, Six Louge/Tap Room and Mellow Johnny's, his bike shop as well!

LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Do you like music? Do you like live music? Then Austin is your dream. With close to 200 amazing places to hear live music, you will never get your fill of good tunes. Any place, any time, Austin is rocking!

KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD
Artists create here, musicians rock here, and the tech-y folks, well, they get really tech-y here. The culture of Austin celebrates it all, whatever your interest is you can find it in this city. Progressive yet old-school, urban yet country, and ambitious yet laid-back, we welcome weird with open arms.

SPORTS CULTURE
No matter what your sport is, we have it! From running year round on Town Lake, triathlons, golf, ice-hockey, college sports (Hook 'em!), and so many more, Austin is one of the most fit cities in the USA.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
We don't call this Hill Country for nothing! Our rolling hills landscape, coupled with amazing weather, lends itsef to beautiful hiking and biking paths, sparkling lakes and creeks, and green parks and golf courses. And if that doesn't make you want to spend a day outside, some of the best Texas Wineries are close by, as well.

Not enough, here's more. And then read more on the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau site.

• Great weather - the average temperature on race day is between 45 and 65 degrees.
• The LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon is always on President’s Day Weekend allowing for a long weekend getaway.
• Austin was named the Coolest Host City by Runner's World Magazine in 2007. Honestly, we think we’ve only gotten cooler since then.
• The LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon is the Greenest Race in North America, according to Runner's World Magazine in 2008, the only year they gave the award. Again, our sustainability initiative has only grown dramatically every year.
• Lady Bird Lake Trail – Lady Bird Lake runs through the heart of the city, and is circled by ten miles of trail for runners, walkers, and bikers. Named for First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, who led the way for its creation, the trail is now protected and enhanced by The Trail Foundation (http://thetrailfoundation.org/).
• Cool Austin music, shows, and movies at the historic Paramount Theater, host of the Paramount Break-a-Leg 5k.
• The coolest movie theaters ever –Austin’s own Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas (www.originalalamo.com). Enjoy good food and drinks while watching first-run and older classics, in a very Austin atmosphere.
• The loop course of the LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathonwith is a downtown start and finish allows walking access to the start and finish from numerous quality hotels. This means no shuttles or parking issues.
• The vast array of downtown restaurants accommodates every taste and budget.
• World-famous Barton Springs Pool – it’s spring-fed, so it’s the same temperature on race day as it is in July.
• UT athletics. Period. OK, Aggies are welcome, if they don’t “whoop” too much.