Three smiling runners proudly hold up their medals after completing the Austin Marathon, with the Texas State Capitol visible in the background and a citywide celebration unfolding around them. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Austin Marathon by the Numbers: Behind the Scenes of a Citywide Celebration

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Every February, Austin transforms into a stage, a street party, and a celebration of human endurance. The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K isn’t just a race. It’s a mega-production powered by thousands of people, intricate logistics, and one unforgettable finish line experience.

Let’s pull back the curtain and dive into the bold numbers behind this iconic event.

The People Behind the MilesA large crowd of runners fills a city street during the 2026 Austin Marathon, surrounded by tall buildings. Many people are smiling, cheering, and wearing race bibs and sunglasses on a clear day. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

25,000 Participants

From local legends to international athletes, runners from over 50 countries take on Austin’s vibrant course.

Four smiling adults, three in yellow safety vests and one in a blue shirt, pose together behind the scenes at an outdoor race event. One flashes a peace sign, and a “Run Austin” banner hints at the citywide celebration of the Austin Marathon. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

3,000 Volunteers

These community heroes do it all: set-up, water stations, medals, and morale boosts at every mile.

12 Full-Time Staff + 80 Part-Time Staff

Planning doesn’t happen overnight. Our year-round team logged more than 30,000 hours throughout the year to make the marathon magic happen. Part time staff clocking in over 3,000 hours race weekend alone.

Entertainment: Miles of Music and Party Vibes

27 Live Bands = 162 Hours of Live Music

From the course to the Finish Line headliners these local musicians clocked in some tunes on race day. From high-energy rock to soul and local funk, every mile sounds as good as it feels.

Two women with medals and flowers smile and celebrate after the Austin Marathon, holding drinks and gift bags, with a live band performing on a stage in the background during this citywide celebration. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Congress Avenue Finisher Festival

The party doesn’t end at the finish line. Our Finisher Festival spans 3 full city blocks with food, drinks, music, and interactive experiences for all. The beer garden served over 8,000 drinks.

70,000 Square Feet of Expo Space

The excitement starts early at our Health & Fitness Expo at Palmer Event Center, featuring more than 100 exhibitors with the latest in running gear, wellness, and recovery.

The Wild Side of Race Day Logistics

3.5 Miles of Fencing

Longer than the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, really.

8,500 Traffic Cones

Austin roads get a full transformation to welcome runners safely and stylishly.

40,000 Zip Ties

If it’s standing, there’s probably a zip tie behind it.

Rows of white paper cups filled with water are arranged on a table outdoors, ready for thirsty runners at the Austin Marathon—offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of this citywide celebration, with blurred people and buildings in the background. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

428 Portable Toilets

Strategically placed to keep relief within reach, no matter where you are.

450,000 Compostable Cups + 15,000 Gallons of Water

Staying hydrated never looked so sustainable.

608 Tables

Aid stations, check-in booths, hydration stops—each one essential, each one ready.

The Impact: When a Race Lifts a City

$5.5 Million Raised for Charity

From healthcare to housing, local and national causes benefit from every mile run.

$62 Million Economic Impact

Hotels, restaurants, rideshares, and retail all thrive during race week—powered by you.

Why It Matters

The Austin Marathon is more than a race. It’s a logistical marvel, a cultural celebration, and a powerful force for good in the city and beyond. Whether you’re racing, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something big.

One race. 25,000 runners. And a million reasons to be proud.

Run Austin®. Be part of the Running Social Event of the Year.