Why May is the Perfect Time to Commit to the Austin Marathon

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If you’ve been on the fence about running the Austin Marathon, here’s your sign: May is the perfect month to go all in. The weather is warming up, the school year’s winding down, and your training window is wide open. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, now is the time to click “register.”

Here’s why making the commitment in May sets you up for a strong, successful race day next February.

 

A group of smiling marathon runners pose together, some in colorful outfits and one in a blue mouse mascot costume, on a city street during the Austin Marathon in May. The atmosphere is cheerful and energetic, capturing the spirit of marathon training. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

1. You Lock In the Best Registration Deals

Early bird registration isn’t just a marketing phrase — it’s the real deal. When you register in May, you typically score the lowest prices of the entire season. And let’s be honest, running might be free… but races are better when you save on fees.

Bonus: You’ll have your bib locked in while others are still “thinking about it.”

 

 

 

2. You’ve Got the Full Training Window Ahead

May gives you a generous head start. With nine months until race day, you can:

  • Ease into base mileage
  • Build a sustainable training routine
  • Avoid burnout by gradually increasing distance
  • Plan around life events, holidays, or travel

No need to cram a training plan into 12 weeks. Start now, and you’ll thank yourself come January.

 

3. You Can Set Big (but Realistic) GoalsA smiling person in outdoor gear holds a mallet and stands next to a large gong at the Austin Marathon, ready to commit to their race goals in May, with a sign listing race distances behind them. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

If you’ve got your eye on a time goal, a distance PR, or simply finishing strong, having extra time to prepare helps you train smarter — not just harder. You can build up slowly, add cross-training, or work on nutrition and recovery habits well before things get intense.

This kind of planning isn’t just smart — it’s how runners succeed long-term.

 

4. You Boost Your Motivation Through the Summer

Let’s face it: summer running can be tough. But having the Austin Marathon on your calendar gives every hot, sweaty mile a purpose. Those early morning runs hit differently when you know they’re building toward something epic in February.

And if you’re training in Austin’s summer heat? February race day is going to feel like a breeze.

 

A large crowd of runners, many smiling and cheering, fills a city street during the Austin Marathon in May. Skyscrapers line both sides, and a domed building is visible in the distance under a clear sky as participants commit to the challenge. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K5. You Join the Austin Marathon Community Early

Registering now plugs you into the vibe early. You’ll get updates, training tips, and be part of the excitement as race weekend gets closer. It’s not just about one day in February — it’s the journey leading up to it that makes the whole thing special.

 

Final Thoughts

The Austin Marathon is a challenge, a celebration, and a rite of passage for runners across Texas and beyond. And there’s no better time to commit than right now. Register in May, start your journey, and give yourself the gift of a well-planned, well-earned finish line moment.

Make it official — your future self will thank you.

The 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Celebrates Non-Profit Employees with Exclusive Discount

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Registration initiative honors the individuals powering change in our communities

Austin, TX, May 13, 2025 – The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K is proud to announce that 2026 will be the Year of Non-Profit Employee Appreciation. This initiative celebrates the dedicated individuals who serve our communities through non-profit organizations, acknowledging the compassion and perseverance they bring to improving lives across Central Texas and beyond. The 2026 event will take place over President’s Day Weekend, February 13–15, in downtown Austin, Texas.

 

In a meaningful show of gratitude, the Austin Marathon is offering a special 50% discount on registration fees for non-profit sector employees. Whether participants choose the marathon, half marathon, or the 5K distance, this initiative offers non-profit professionals a chance to go from mission-driven work to mile-marking achievement.
This effort builds on the marathon’s tradition of recognizing local heroes—including teachers, healthcare professionals, public servants, and last year’s honorees, the food and beverage workforce—affirming a long-standing commitment to inclusivity and community appreciation.

 

“Non-profit employees are the backbone of social progress and support in our city,” says Tina Teich, Marketing Manager of High Five Events. “Their work often goes unseen but is absolutely essential. We’re excited to provide an opportunity for these changemakers to be celebrated and empowered at the start line and beyond.”

 

Registration is now open. Eligible participants are encouraged to register early, as discounts are subject to availability and will be processed on a rolling basis. To qualify, employees must provide proof of current employment at qualifying establishments. Accepted applicants will receive a discount code via email for online registration at YourAustinMarathon.com.  More information on the application process can be found here

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 worldwide.

Why You Should Commit to the Austin Marathon Today (Not Tomorrow)

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Every runner has that moment: you’re hovering over the “Register Now” button, wondering if it’s the right time. Spoiler alert—it is! Whether you’re aiming for the full marathon, half, or 5K, there are some pretty compelling reasons to stop waiting and start committing. The Austin Marathon isn’t just a race—it’s a journey. And the sooner you start, the better it gets.

1. 🗓️ Waiting Doesn’t Make It Easier—Starting Does

The truth? The perfect time will never magically appear. Life is always busy, but the sooner you sign up, the sooner you begin your mental and physical journey toward that finish line on Congress Avenue. Every day you wait is a day you could be building strength, confidence, and momentum.

2. 🎟️ Early Registration = Peace of Mind

Spots fill up, hotels get booked, and airfare prices rise. By committing now, you lock in the lowest rates and best accommodations—no scrambling later.

Bonus: planning early means you can snag that downtown hotel within walking distance of the start line.

3. 📢 Set Your 2026 Intentions Loud and Proud

Running the Austin Marathon is more than a fitness goal—it’s a statement. It’s about setting your sights high and chasing something big. Signing up early turns your intention into a plan and gives you something to train for, talk about, and look forward to in 2026.

4. 🌟 Stay Ahead of the Crowd

There’s something powerful about being an early bird. You’ll have more time to prepare, a smoother travel experience, and maybe even a better corral placement. Early registrants know: it pays to be first.

5. 🏅 Make the Austin Marathon Your “Why”

Committing to a race like this gives your daily runs real meaning. Suddenly, every hill repeat and tempo run has a purpose. And what better “why” than the electric energy of Austin’s streets, live music on course, and one of the most iconic finish lines in Texas?

✅ Time to Go All In

If you’re thinking about doing the Austin Marathon, you’re already halfway there. So don’t wait. Say yes to an unforgettable race, an unbeatable training journey, and one heck of a finish line party.

👉 Register now and let’s make 2026 your most epic race year yet.

Run Austin® 2026 Registration Launches May 12 with Exclusive Weeklong Incentives

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2026 Race Registration Opens with Special Offers During Run Austin® Launch Week

AUSTIN, Texas, May 5, 2025 —  Registration for the 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K® officially opens on Monday, May 12, 2025, kicking off Run Austin® Launch Week. This week-long celebration will feature giveaways, local group runs, and exclusive promotions. For every race registration purchased during the launch week, the Austin Marathon will donate a race entry as part of their Run Forward Initiative, with the goal of donating up to 500 entries.

Thousands of runners from around the world are expected to take to the streets of downtown Austin for the 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, returning on Sunday, February 15.

“Launch Week is when the magic starts,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events, producers of the Austin Marathon and Austin International Half. “It’s about building momentum, connecting the running community, and creating something bigger than race day itself. Whether you’re chasing a PR or crossing your first-ever finish line, Launch Week is your invitation to get started.”

Throughout the week, runners can look forward to daily giveaways, exclusive offers, local group runs, and pop-up meetups featuring prizes and swag. Follow @AustinMarathon on Instagram for daily updates and behind-the-scenes fun. To get in on every deal and giveaway, be sure to join the mailing list for the event here.

The following is the list of activities during Launch Week:

Monday, May 12th

  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 3 One on One Virtual Training Plans from The Run Plan  
  • Register to be entered to win 1 of 3 BPN Endurance Stacks.
  • Group Runs:
    • 7:00 AM GOOD GRiEF Running at Noble Joe’s Coffee – 1620 E Riverside Dr
    • 6:00 PM Austin Tri Club at Mean Eyed Cat – 1621 W 5th St
    • 6:30 PM Change Run Club at Aussie’s Grill & Beach Bar – 312 Barton Springs Rd

Tuesday, May 13th

  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 10 SPIbelts.
  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 3 Race Photo Packages from FinisherPix.
  • Group Runs:
    • 6:00 AM Morning Jo’s at Jo’s Coffee – 1300 S Congress Ave
    • 7:00 PM RAW Running – Mean Eyed Cat 1621 W 5th St

Wednesday, May 14th

  • Register and be entered to win a Paramount Theatre Summer Film Package.
  • Group Runs:
    • 6:30 PM Cooldown Running at Barton Springs Saloon – 424 S Lamar Blvd.
    • 7:00 PM Body Art Run Club at Lift ATX – 1005 Springdale Rd Unit 3

Thursday, May 15th

  • Register and be entered to win a pair of tickets to Blast.TV Major 2025 on June 19th at the Moody Center courtesy of Austin Sports Commission. 
  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 2 Spurs ticket package giveaways courtesy of the Spurs Sports and Entertainment:
  • Group Runs: 
    • 5:55 AM Sunrise Track Club under MoPac Bridge – 2102 Stephen F Austin Dr.

Friday, May 16th

  • Register to be entered to win 1 of 3 Fleet Feet RUN AUSTIN prize packages 
  • Group Runs:
    • 6:30 AM Fleet Feet Social Run – 211 Walter Seaholm Dr

Saturday, May 17th  

  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 2 pairs of entries to the Maudie’s Moonlight Run benefiting The Trail Conservancy on June 5th. 
  • Group Runs:
    • 5:00 AM Rise & Run South Austin at the Salty Donut – 2000 S Congress Ave. 
    • 5:45 AM Gilbert’s Gazelles in the plaza across from Mañana Dos – 111 Sandra Muraida Way
    • 7:00 AM ATX Runners at the Lady Bird Lake Trail 0 mile marker – 676 W Riverside Dr
    • 7:00 AM Saturday Run Club at Champion Park – 3830 Brushy Creek Rd
    • 7:00 AM Team FX Sunrise in the Hills at Muleshore – 2820 County Road 414, Spicewood
    • 7:00 AM Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club at JLL Plaza – 1703 West 5th St
    • 8:00 AM Euphoria Run Club at Noble Joe’s Coffee – 1620 E Riverside Dr
    • 8:00 AM Phoenix Rising Running at Austin High School – 1715 W Cesar Chavez St
    • 9:00 AM 39ERS at Padel39 – 2510 Rutland Dr

Sunday, May 18th

  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 3 Fogo de Chao $150 gift cards.
  • Group Runs:
    • 6:00 AM Buda Running Club – 214 Main Street, Buda
    • 7:30 AM ATX Run Divas at Cosmic Saltillo – 1300 E 4th St
    • 7:30 AM Rise & Run South Austin at Opa! Coffee and Wine – 2050 S Lamar Blvd
    • 8:00 AM Plant Powered Athlete at Vegan Nom Food Park – 2324 E Cesar Chavez St

Monday, May 19th

  • Register and be entered to win 2 tickets to an ACL Live show of your choice courtesy of PNC Bank.
  • Group Runs:
    • 7:00 AM GOOD GRiEF Running at Noble Joe’s Coffee – 1620 E Riverside Dr
    • 6:00 PM Austin Tri Club at Mean Eyed Cat – 1621 W 5th St
    • 6:30 PM Change Run Club at ATX AKtIV – 2307 Thornton Road

The initial pricing structure is offered during Launch Week of May 12-19 and is as follows: Austin Marathon $139, Austin Half Marathon $119, Austin Marathon 5K $59. Registration is available here. During Launch Week, participants will also have the option to add the 2026 Austin International Half —for just $99 as part of a limited-time combo deal, saving 10% off the standard price. Prices for all events increase after May 19. 

In addition, the Austin Marathon is proud to honor Non-Profit Employees with a discounted 50% off rate; those eligible can apply for the discount here. 

The 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and promises another unforgettable weekend. Participants will enjoy a premium swag bag and a signature belt buckle finisher medal, plus a fully supported course with 22 aid stations, live music throughout the route, and a finish line festival featuring a beer garden and local vendors. With a start and finish in downtown Austin—just blocks apart and steps away from the city’s best attractions and the iconic Texas State Capitol—the Austin Marathon delivers an event experience like no other.

If you are interested in hosting a group run in your town please email [email protected] to get added to the official launch week calendar. 

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.