How to Keep the Momentum Going After the Austin Marathon
You did it! You crossed the finish line of the 2025 Austin Marathon, soaked in the incredible energy of the crowd, and earned that hard-fought medal. Whether it was your first marathon or your fifteenth, there’s nothing quite like that post-race high. But now what?
After months of training, race day has come and gone, and it’s easy to feel a little lost without the next big goal on the horizon. That’s totally normal! The key is to keep the momentum going in a way that keeps you motivated, healthy, and excited for what’s next. Here’s how:
1. Recover Right, but Keep Moving
First things first—your body needs a break! But that doesn’t mean you should stop moving altogether.
✅ Take a few rest days to let your muscles recover. You earned them!
✅ Active recovery like walking, yoga, or light swimming can help with soreness.
✅ Listen to your body. Some runners feel great after a few days, while others need two weeks before running again.
Want a fun way to shake out those post-marathon legs? Take a recovery walk or jog around Lady Bird Lake and reflect on your race day experience!
2. Set Your Next Goal
One of the best ways to avoid the post-race blues is to put something new on the calendar. It doesn’t have to be another marathon—just something that keeps you excited.
🎯 Sign up for a shorter race like the Cap10K in April or a local half marathon.
🎯 Try a new running challenge, like trail running at Barton Creek Greenbelt.
🎯 Train for speed and aim for a new PR in a 5K or 10K.
Already thinking about the 2026 Austin Marathon? You’re not alone! Early registration will be opening soon—why not commit now and give yourself a long-term goal?
3. Stay Social
One of the best parts of race day is the community—so keep that energy going!
👟 Join a local running group, like Austin Runners Club or The Morning Jo’s.
👟 Plan fun, low-pressure runs with friends (think: tacos + miles).
👟 Share your race photos and experience on social media—it might inspire someone else to start training!
4. Mix It Up
After months of structured training, it’s okay to change things up for a bit.
🔄 Try cross-training like cycling, rowing, or strength training.
🔄 Explore new running routes—take a break from your usual loops and check out new trails.
🔄 Consider coaching or pacing—helping others reach their goals is incredibly rewarding!
5. Celebrate Your Accomplishment
Before you get too caught up in “what’s next,” take a moment to reflect on what you’ve achieved.
🏅 Frame your race bib or medal.
🏅 Write down your marathon story—how you trained, what you learned, and how you felt crossing that finish line.
🏅 Treat yourself! Maybe it’s a new pair of running shoes, a post-race massage, or a big plate of barbecue at Terry Black’s.
6. Keep Austin Running!
The Austin Marathon may be over, but the running scene in ATX never stops. From fun runs to trail races, there’s always something happening. Stay plugged in, keep lacing up those shoes, and most importantly—keep having fun!
Ready to Chase Your Next Finish Line? Register for the 2026 Austin Marathon!
Why wait? Lock in your spot for next year’s race and give yourself something to train for! Early bird registration for the 2026 Austin Marathon is now open—sign up today and keep the momentum going. 💥🏃♂️
What’s your next running goal? Tag us in your post-race adventures! #RunAustin 🏃♀️🔥
The Best Coffee Shops in Austin
Of COURSE we love a good coffee shop — get it! Whether you’re meeting up with friends, fueling your day, or just craving a great cup of joe, Austin has no shortage of top-notch coffee spots perfect for runners. Here are some of our favorite top spots that also happen to be along the Austin Marathon course — perfect for locals and visitors alike!
Jo’s Coffee (Mile 1)
1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Recommended Drink: Iced Turbo — a sweet, creamy blend of coffee, espresso, hazelnut, chocolate, and cream that’s both refreshing and energizing.
Why Go: Established in 1999, Jo’s is a local favorite known for its laid-back vibe, live music, and great people-watching on South Congress.
Desnudo Coffee (Start Line)
111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Recommended Drink: Brown Sugar-Miso Latte — a unique mix of sweet and savory flavors with a rich depth that makes for a memorable cup.
Why Go: This micro-roastery may be small in size, but it boasts bold flavors and a commitment to quality, offering a cozy environment to fuel up.
Mañana (Mile 2)
1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Recommended Drink: Mañana Fog — a warm, soothing blend of Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and steamed milk that’s perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
Why Go: Located inside the stylish South Congress Hotel, Mañana pairs minimalist design with incredible pastries, perfect for a relaxing hangout.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters (Mile 9)
3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Recommended Drink: Bottomless Drip Coffee — perfect for a no-timeline chill on the deck overlooking the lake.
Why Go: With lakeside views and a spacious deck, Mozart’s offers one of the most scenic coffee spots in town. Bonus: they’re known for their dazzling holiday light displays.
Bouldin Creek Cafe (Mile 5)
1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Recommended Drink: Lavender Mocha — a rich chocolatey drink with a soothing floral twist, perfect for unwinding.
Why Go: With its artsy vibe and locally loved vegetarian menu, Bouldin Creek Cafe is a gem for both coffee and community.
Civil Goat Coffee (Mile 13)
3423 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
Recommended Drink: Citrus Bloom — a bright and refreshing citrus-infused latte that’s as vibrant as Austin itself.
Why Go: Civil Goat is home to Butters, the resident pygmy goat, who adds a touch of whimsy to your coffee break.
Flitch Coffee (Mile 22)
641 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78702
Recommended Drink: Maple Latte — a subtly sweet and warming drink that’s perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon breaks.
Why Go: Operating out of a vintage Spartan trailer, Flitch offers a relaxed outdoor vibe in the heart of East Austin.
Austin’s coffee scene is the perfect place to relax and recharge. Whether you’re looking for a classic spot like Jo’s Coffee or a more laid-back vibe at Flitch, these coffee shops offer the perfect atmosphere for runners to unwind, sip, and recharge.
Austin Celebrates a Record-Breaking 2025 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon
The Running Social Event of the Year Unites Athletes and The Community in an Unforgettable Celebration
The heart of Texas pulsed with excitement on Sunday as a record-breaking 24,000 registered runners from all 50 states and 52 countries took to the streets for the 2025 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. With ideal race-day conditions—cool temperatures, clear skies, and a slight tailwind—runners experienced the best of Austin on a course known for its iconic landmarks, 23 bands on course, lively spectators, and electric energy.
The weekend festivities kicked off at the Health and Fitness Expo Presented by PNC Bank on Friday and Saturday, where over 50 exhibitors showcased the latest in fitness technology, performance gear, and nutritional trends. With thousands of attendees flooding Palmer Events Center, the expo set the stage for an unforgettable race day experience.
As the sun rose over downtown Austin, runners staged in the start line corrals started off with an energetic warm-up session from the National Guard. Inspiring words followed from key speakers, Adam Bauman with title sponsor Ascension Seton and BPN founder Nick Nare. Gina Chavez, a Grammy-nominated artist, delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, uniting the crowd in anticipation. To cap off the moment, Olympian Gabby Thomas delivered a powerful message before stepping forward to ring the official race-start gong, signaling the beginning of an unforgettable journey.
In an impressive display of athleticism and endurance, Bradley Makuvire secured the title of male marathon winner with a remarkable time of 02:18:56.7, while Janet Rono led the female marathon category, crossing the finish line at 02:41:04.9. Both victors, vying for a share of a $20,000 prize purse. The half marathon also witnessed fierce competition, with Mitch Ammons emerging victorious in the male category with a time of 01:08:32.0, and Stevi Clark leading the female half marathoners with a time of 01:16:33.1. Their exceptional performances underscored the depth of talent present at this year’s event. The FloTrack Live Broadcast which captured all the elite field action, with full race coverage and analysis can be found HERE.
The post-race Finisher Festival stretched across four city blocks in downtown Austin, offering runners and spectators an unforgettable post-race celebration. The EIGHT Beer Garden kept the energy high with Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails and live music, while participants refueled with food trucks, recovery stations, and plenty of high-fives from fellow finishers.
The Austin Marathon’s success is made possible by the dedication of over 2,500 volunteers, the City of Austin, the Austin Police Department, CapMetro, Travis County EMS, and many local partners. Their unwavering support ensures the event continues to be a premier running experience and a highlight of the global marathon calendar.
A special thank you goes out to the event’s sponsors, including Ascension Seton, the Moody Foundation, Fleet Feet Austin, PNC Bank, BPN, EIGHT Beer, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, SPIbelt, H-E-B,, Fogo de Chao, Austin Sports Commission, FloTrack, FinisherPix, Bicycle House, and Texas Drain Specialist. Their commitment to health, wellness, and the endurance sports community remains integral to the event’s continued growth.
Registration is open for the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k scheduled for February 15, 2026. Special pricing is set at $119 for the marathon, $99 for the half marathon, and $49 for the 5K. Participants of this year’s race can see their results on the Austin Marathon website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Runners can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.
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.
