A musician wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a jacket plays an electric guitar and sings into a microphone on an outdoor stage. Text below reads: “Austin Marathon turns up the volume with live bands along the marathon course.”. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Austin Marathon Turns Up the Volume with Live Bands on Course

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Runners will experience the sounds of Austin as local musicians bring The Live Music Capital of the World to the 2026 Event

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is turning up the energy once again, announcing local bands that will perform live along the course at its 35th Anniversary on Sunday, February 15, 2026. From start to finish, runners will be powered by the rhythm and soul of Austin’s music scene as they make their way through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

“Live music is the heart of what makes the Austin Marathon so special,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “The incredible talent and variety of Austin musicians not only keep our runners motivated but also showcase exactly why this city is known as The Live Music Capital of the World.”

The 2026 on-course lineup includes a diverse mix of genres and sounds, ensuring every mile offers something new to inspire runners and spectators alike. Performers include Woode Wood, Claude 9, Ruthie Craft & The Conundrums, Brian MacLeod, Grupo Massa, The 4411, Henry Invisible, Inside Out Steel Band, Atlas Maior, Everett Wren, Nathan Harlan, Austin Takio, San Saba County, Kupira Marimba, the University Baptist Church Choir, Shirley Johnson, Stove Top Rangers, Sammy Foster Bucket Drummers, and DJ JahKarma, among others.

Music bookings for the Austin Marathon are curated by Jeff Strange of StrangeTribe Productions, continuing a long-standing partnership that brings authentic Austin sound to one of the city’s most beloved annual events.

“I’m proud to be the talent buyer for such a great event.” said Jeff Strange, owner of StrangeTribe Productions. “Music is the heartbeat of Austin, and at the Austin Marathon it powers every mile, with local talent turning the course into a moving celebration of the city.” 

The Austin Marathon weekend kicks off with the Health & Fitness Expo at the Palmer Events Center on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14. The Marathon and Half Marathon begin at 7:00 AM on Sunday, February 15 at 2nd Street and Congress Avenue, followed by the 5K at 7:45 AM. All three distances finish in front of the Texas State Capitol, where runners will celebrate with live music, local food, and an unforgettable Austin atmosphere.

For more information and to see where each band will perform on course, visit youraustinmarathon.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.

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