RUN AUSTIN® Kickoff Week Sets the Pace for Austin’s 2027 Training Season
Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and Spurs Austin International Half bring the running community together September 8–15
Austin’s 2027 training season officially starts with RUN AUSTIN® Kickoff Week, returning September 8–15 for eight days of group runs, giveaways, community activations, and opportunities to get moving across the city.
Hosted by the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K and Spurs Austin International Half, RUN AUSTIN® Kickoff Week brings together runners, run clubs, local businesses, and event partners to celebrate the start of the journey toward two of Austin’s largest running events.
The week builds momentum toward the Spurs Austin International Half on January 17, 2027, and the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K on February 14, 2027.
Throughout Kickoff Week, runners of all experience levels can take part in 40 free group runs hosted by clubs and organizations throughout Austin. The schedule gives participants opportunities to find a new running group, meet others in the community, and start building toward their 2027 goals.
The celebration extends beyond the miles. RUN AUSTIN® will host giveaways throughout the week featuring over $4,000 in prizes from event partners, along with special community activations, including free snow cones on the Lady Bird Lake Trail on Saturday, September 12.
“RUN AUSTIN® Kickoff Week is our way of bringing the entire Austin running community together at the start of a new season,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events, producers of both events. “There is so much energy around running in this city, and Kickoff Week gives everyone a chance to be part of it. You can find a group, set a goal, meet new people, and start getting excited about what’s ahead in January and February.”
Ascension Seton will once again support RUN AUSTIN® Kickoff Week as part of its continued commitment to promoting health, wellness, and active lifestyles throughout Central Texas.
“RUN AUSTIN® Kickoff Week is a great opportunity to bring people together around movement, health, and community,” said Adam Bauman, Vice President Orthopedics, Sports, & Event Medicine Services of Ascension Seton. “Ascension Seton is proud to support an event that encourages people to get active, connect with others, and work toward their goals. We’re excited to be part of the journey as runners across Austin begin preparing for the 2027 season.”
RUN AUSTIN® Kickoff Week is open to the Austin running community. A full schedule of group runs, giveaways, special events, and participating partners will be available at WeRunAustin.com.
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.
About the Spurs Austin International Half: The Spurs Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, is one of Texas’ fastest and most exciting 13.1-mile events. Established in 1995, it features a net-downhill course that winds through Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods and finishes downtown. Runners enjoy a high-energy experience with live music, enthusiastic spectators, and top-tier course support. With PR potential, great swag, and an unbeatable Austin vibe, this event welcomes runners of all levels.
About Run Austin®: Run Austin® is the official trademark uniting two of Austin’s premier running events: the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and the Spurs Austin International Half. Created to celebrate the city’s vibrant running culture, Run Austin showcases the spirit, energy, and diversity of the Austin running community. With world-class event experiences, scenic courses, and strong community engagement, Run Austin represents the best of endurance sport in one of the nation’s most active cities. Learn more at AustinMarathon.com and AustinInternationalHalf.com
