2025 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Opens Elite Athlete Program

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$20,000 prize purse for Austin Marathon Winners

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is accepting applications from elite runners for the 2025 event taking place in Austin, Texas on Sunday, February 16th. Returning for its ninth year, the Elite Athlete Program creates a competitive field of elite male and female runners while discovering emerging talent, pushing the entire talent pool to reach Olympic standards. 

Runners accepted to the 2025 Austin Marathon  Elite Athlete Field will compete for a $20,000 prize purse that will be divided amongst the top five male and female finishers. 

“We had a clear vision for the Elite Athlete Program when we relaunched it eight years ago,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Since then, we’ve seen the competition reach new heights, with faster overall times, the rise of Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers, and an incredible showcase of talent on Austin’s dynamic and vibrant streets.”

George Onyancha, the 2023 champion, won the 2024 Austin Marathon and once again met the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials Standard qualifying time of 2:19:07. Damaris Areba, the 2023 Austin Marathon female champion, also ran a 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials Standard qualifying time of 2:38:52. John Bowers (1:08:06) and Sarah Jackson (1:18:13) took first place in the Austin Half Marathon. 

Athletes accepted into the Elite Athlete Field must meet the program’s standards. Those that meet standards will receive a comped entry to the Austin Marathon or Half Marathon and Marathon elites are also eligible for standards bonuses. The deadline to apply for the Elite Athlete Program will be on December 31. 

To be eligible for prize money, athletes must be accepted into the Elite Full Marathon Athlete Program. All athletes are subject to random drug testing pre and post-race. Read more about program details, including eligibility standards, here. Interested athletes and coaches with questions can contact [email protected].

In 2025, the Austin Marathon will proudly celebrate its 34th year in the capital of Texas. This premier running event draws participants from every U.S. state and over 50 countries worldwide. The convenience of start and finish locations with the proximity to downtown hotels and dining, creates an ideal running weekend. The captivating finish line against the backdrop of the iconic Texas State Capitol truly makes the Austin Marathon special. 

 

About the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 countries. With a course that spans every quadrant of this dynamic city, offering a festive atmosphere with live music throughout, the marathon culminates in a vibrant finisher party. The event also serves as a powerful force for good, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for various non-profit organizations. The Austin Marathon elevates Presidents Day weekend into a grand showcase of athleticism and community spirit, making it a bucket-list event for athletes, enthusiasts, and supporters from all over the world.

The History Behind the Iconic Austin Marathon Belt Buckle Medal Designs

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Reserve Your Spot at the 2025 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Health & Fitness Expo

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Limited Spaces Available at Expo and Finish Line Festival

The highly anticipated Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K Health and Fitness Expo kicks off the Presidents’ Day weekend on Friday, February 14th, and Saturday, February 15th, 2025 before the races on Sunday, February 16th. The Expo will offer extended hours this year, running from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday. Held at the spacious Palmer Events Center, this 70,000-square-foot Expo sold out in 2024, and is once again expected to sell out again for 2025.

The Expo is a must-attend event for health, fitness, and wellness brands looking to showcase their products and services to a large, diverse audience of runners, enthusiasts, and the general public. With participants from the marathon, half marathon, and 5K races required to pick up their packets at the Expo, brands have a unique opportunity to engage directly with the running community and others interested in healthy living. The 2024 Expo saw an average of 35,000 attendees over two days, with over 19,000 registered race participants, and featured 58 exhibitors, where attendees spent an average of $50 each. 

In addition to the Expo, race day exhibitor spots are also available at the Finish Line Festival on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, providing brands with a high-visibility platform to interact with finishers, spectators, and fans as they celebrate their race-day achievements.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of registration for the 2025 Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Health and Fitness Expo,” said Megan Frausto, Partnership Manager of the Austin Marathon. “With extended hours and a wide range of exhibitors, this year’s Expo is set to be bigger and better than ever. It’s the perfect opportunity for brands to connect with thousands of health-conscious individuals and athletes who are passionate about fitness and wellness.”

The Expo is free and open to the public, creating an accessible environment for attendees to explore the latest innovations in fitness, wellness, nutrition, apparel, gear, and more. Brands interested in exhibiting are encouraged to secure their space early to ensure participation by visiting the website here. 

The Austin Marathon is the ultimate running social event of the year. With the finish line set against the backdrop of the iconic Texas State Capitol, runners experience a true Austin moment as they complete their journey. The course is lined with live music in a nod to the Live Music Capital of the World. The celebration continues at the Finish Line Festival with a recovery zone, live music stage, beer garden, celebratory photo ops, and health and fitness exhibitors. Whether participants cross the finish line of the marathon, half marathon, or 5K, every participant receives an iconic belt buckle finisher medal, a perfect symbol of both their accomplishment and Austin’s unique spirit. Interested participants can register on the website www.youraustinmarathon.com. 

 

About the Austin Marathon®: Since its inception in 1992, the Austin Marathon® has emerged as a world-class running event, attracting participants from all 50 states and over 50 countries. With a course that spans every quadrant of this dynamic city, offering a festive atmosphere with live music throughout, the marathon culminates in a vibrant finisher party. The event also serves as a powerful force for good, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for various non-profit organizations. The Austin Marathon elevates Presidents Day weekend into a grand showcase of athleticism and community spirit, making it a bucket-list event for athletes, enthusiasts, and supporters from all over the world.

Training for a Marathon or Half: It’s Shorter Than You Think!

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So, you’ve been thinking about running the Austin Marathon or Half Marathon, but you’re worried it’s too late to start training? We’re here to tell you that there’s still plenty of time to lace up those shoes and get ready for race day! Whether you’re aiming for the full 26.2 miles or the half marathon, a smart, focused training plan will get you there.

How Long Do You Really Need to Train?

Many runners think marathon training takes months of grueling workouts, but the truth is, it’s all about smart, consistent progress. Ideally, a 12-16 week plan is plenty of time to get race-ready for a full marathon. For a half marathon, even 8-10 weeks is enough to build endurance and confidence. And guess what? If you’re just now starting, you’ve still got plenty of time to train right!

If you’ve been somewhat active—going to the gym, doing short runs, or participating in other sports—you’re already ahead of the game. Now, it’s all about building gradually, avoiding injury, and mixing long runs with shorter, easier efforts during the week.

A Simple Training Plan to Get You Race-Ready

Here’s a quick breakdown of how you can structure your training based on the time you have left:

For the Marathon (12 Weeks to Race Day)

Weeks 1-4: Base Building
– 3-4 runs per week (3-5 miles)
– 1 long run (start with 6 miles, adding 1-2 miles each week)
– Cross-train 1 day (cycling, swimming, etc.)
– Rest and recover for 2 days

Weeks 5-8: Increase Your Endurance
– 3 runs per week (5-7 miles)
– 1 long run (8-12 miles, adding 1-2 miles each week)
– Incorporate speed work or tempo runs 1 day per week
– Cross-train 1 day
– Rest for 1-2 days

Weeks 9-12: Peak and Taper
– 3-4 runs per week (7-9 miles)
– 1 long run (up to 18-20 miles)
– Start tapering 3 weeks out: reduce your long run by 20% each week
– Include short, easy runs to stay fresh before race day

For the Half Marathon (8 Weeks to Race Day)

Weeks 1-3: Base Building
– 3 runs per week (3-4 miles)
– 1 long run (start with 5 miles, adding 1 mile each week)
– Cross-train or rest 1-2 days

Weeks 4-6: Build Endurance
– 3 runs per week (4-6 miles)
– 1 long run (7-10 miles, adding 1-2 miles each week)
– Incorporate intervals or tempo runs once a week
– Rest and cross-train as needed

Weeks 7-8: Taper and Prepare
– 2-3 easy runs per week (4-5 miles)
– 1 long run (8-10 miles)
– Taper your mileage and intensity in the final week, with one last 6-8 mile long run

Haven’t Signed Up Yet? It’s Not Too Late!

Still haven’t registered for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K? No worries! There’s still time to join the fun and make 2025 your year to conquer the streets of Austin. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a newbie, Austin’s vibrant race atmosphere will give you all the motivation you need to cross that finish line.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Training

– The weather’s cooling down. No more baking in the Texas summer heat—fall is prime running season!
– Time is on your side. With 4 months to go, you’ve got plenty of time to ramp up your miles without feeling overwhelmed.
– Focus on your goal. With race weekend set for February 16, 2025, you’ve got a clear deadline. Whether it’s your first race or your fiftieth, knowing exactly how much time you have makes planning a breeze.

Training Tips to Get You Started

1. Start small. Even if you’re new to running, it’s okay to start with a run/walk approach and build from there.
2. Follow a plan. Stick to the marathon or half marathon training plan above to keep you on track.
3. Stay consistent. It’s better to do shorter, consistent runs each week than overdo it and risk burnout.
4. Prioritize recovery. Don’t forget to rest! Taking care of your body with stretching, hydration, and rest days is just as important as the runs themselves.
5. Have fun! Training isn’t all about hard work—it’s about enjoying the journey. Mix up your routes, run with friends, and celebrate the milestones along the way.

It’s Time to Take the Leap!

If you’ve been on the fence about whether to start training for the Austin Marathon or Half Marathon, let this be your sign. There’s still time to train and get race-ready, and it’s never too late to commit to an unforgettable experience. Get out there, start moving, and join us at the start line in February!

Haven’t signed up yet? Register today and start your training adventure. There’s no better time than now to start working toward that finish line!