A runner triumphantly crosses the finish line with raised arms and a joyful expression at the 2025 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon. The image heralds the unveiling of the first wave of elite runners in the Elite Athlete Program for 2025. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

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, 2024. 

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.