Blog post Archives

SPORTS TEAMS LAUNCH ‘TEXAS SPORT FOR HEALING FUND’ AND NATIONAL AUCTION TO SUPPORT HILL COUNTRY FLOOD RELIEF

Thirty-Nine Organizations Unite to Aid Long-term Recovery Efforts for Communities Impacted by July Flooding

In response to the devastating flooding in Central Texas, 39 local and national professional sports organizations have joined efforts to launch the “Texas Sport for Healing Fund.” Starting today, fans can support relief efforts through a national online auction featuring over 150 pieces of rare sports memorabilia from more than 80 sports teams and players.

This fund will support both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery for the communities directly impacted by the flooding. The auction will close on Friday, August 8 and all auction proceeds will support the Texas Sport for Healing Fund.

The following organizations, including representatives from multiple professional sports leagues in Texas, have come together to provide the initial funding:

Austin FC
Austin Marathon
Austin Spurs
Bryson DeChambeau Foundation
Cleburne Railroaders
Circuit of The Americas
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Stars

Dallas Trinity FC
Dallas Wings Community Foundation
El Paso Locomotive FC
Faith Fight Finish Foundation
FC Dallas
Frisco RoughRiders
Houston Astros
Houston Dynamo
Houston Dash

Houston Rockets
Houston SaberCats
Houston Texans
Hunt Sports Group
The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation
Just Keep Livin’ Foundation
LOVB Austin
LOVB Houston
Meredith and Scottie Scheffler
NBA Foundation

NBA Players Association
Nolan Ryan Foundation
PBR Austin Gamblers
PBR Texas Rattlers
Round Rock Express
REV Entertainment
San Antonio Spurs
Texas Legends
Texas Rangers
Texas Stars
The US Tennis Association

This investment will better the lives of those affected by the flooding by providing long-term improvements such as access to mental health resources, community programming and the creation of safe places where young people can come together and heal from tragedy. Collectively, these teams have already contributed over $6.3 million to flood relief efforts to date, with funds going to support various organizations including the Texas Sport for Healing Fund. Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) is managing the fund in conjunction with San Antonio Area Foundation (SAF). A panel of representatives from the founding teams will work collaboratively with SAF, alongside Central Texas community partners and local organizations on the ground, to routinely evaluate and identify additional recipients as needs evolve.

Fans who would like to join the Texas and national sports community by contributing to the fund are invited to donate here.

National Auction Live Now

Community members can take part in the multi-franchise auction to drive visibility and support to the cause, featuring sports memorabilia and merchandise donated by over 80 teams. Teams from across the country, spanning a wide range of professional leagues, have donated over 150 items to the auction such as game tickets, autographed sports equipment, jerseys, game balls and more to be added in the coming days, as a show of the national sports industry’s solidarity and support for the Texas community in this time of need. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Texas Sport for Healing Fund.

About Texas Sport for Healing

Members of the Texas national professional sports communities have joined efforts to form the “Texas Sport for Healing Fund.” The fund will provide long-term support for Texas communities directly impacted by tragedy throughout the state by investing in the needs of youth and families who have been most affected. Together, we are Texas Strong.

Media Contact:

Tina Teich
Marketing Manager, High Five Events
info@youraustinmarathon.com

Roll Your Way to Austin Marathon Success: Foam Rolling 101!

in Blog post, Tips, Training Advice

Hey Austin Marathoners! Ever wake up after a tough training session feeling stiff and sore? We’ve got a magical friend to introduce—meet your new best running buddy: the foam roller!

If you’re gearing up for the Austin Marathon (and you know you are), foam rolling could be your secret weapon to stronger, happier runs. Today, let’s roll into everything you need to know about using a foam roller to boost your marathon training and recovery.

What is Foam Rolling Anyway?

Foam rolling, also known as self-myofascial release, is basically like giving yourself a deep-tissue massage. It’s all about applying gentle (okay, sometimes not-so-gentle!) pressure to tight muscles to break down knots, release tension, and improve blood flow. Whether you’ve just conquered your long run along Lady Bird Lake or pushed through some hills in Barton Creek, foam rolling will speed up your recovery and keep your body race-ready.

Why Every Austin Marathoner Needs Foam Rolling

Here’s why foam rolling deserves a spot in your marathon-training toolkit:

Reduces muscle soreness (adios, next-day stiffness!)
Increases flexibility and range of motion (hello, longer strides!)
Prevents injuries by keeping muscles healthy
Accelerates recovery time (important when race day approaches!)
Enhances overall running performance

Simply put, foam rolling helps you feel better, run faster, and recover quicker—exactly what you need on your road to the Austin Marathon finish line!

How to Use a Foam Roller: Step-by-Step Guide for Austin Marathoners

Ready to roll into relief? Follow these easy steps to get started:

1. Pick the Right Roller

Start with a softer foam roller if you’re new; advance to a firmer roller once you’re comfortable.
Local running stores in Austin carry great options—stop by and support a local business!

2. Roll Slowly and Deliberately

Place the foam roller under the muscle group you want to target.
Slowly roll back and forth, pausing on tight or tender spots (hello, trigger points!).
Spend about 30-60 seconds on each muscle group, focusing on deep breathing.

3. Hit Your Key Running Muscles

For marathoners, focus on these key muscles:

Calves: Essential for tackling Austin’s hills.
Hamstrings and Quads: Crucial for your long-distance training runs.
IT Band: Important to prevent those infamous runner’s knee aches.
Glutes and Hip Flexors: Vital for running efficiency and injury prevention.

Foam Rolling Routine: Ideal for Austin Marathon Training

Try this quick, runner-friendly foam rolling session after your next run along the Austin trails:

Calves: 1 minute each leg
Hamstrings: 1 minute each leg
Quads: 1 minute each leg
IT Bands: 30-45 seconds each leg (take it easy here!)
Glutes and Hip Flexors: 1 minute each side

Make this part of your training ritual, and you’ll thank us on race day!

Foam Rolling DOs and DON’Ts

✅ DO	🚫 DON’T
Roll gently and gradually increase pressure.	Don’t rush through your foam rolling session.
Breathe deeply and relax your muscles.	Don’t roll directly over your joints or bones.
Stay consistent—foam roll regularly!	Don’t ignore sharp, persistent pain (see a pro!).

Ready to Roll Your Way to the Austin Marathon Finish Line?

Consistency is key! Foam rolling regularly—especially after your toughest runs—will help ensure your muscles are happy, healthy, and ready for the Austin Marathon challenge.

And remember: Foam rolling isn’t just about recovery; it’s about investing in yourself and your running goals. Give yourself the gift of smoother, stronger runs, and roll your way into your best Austin Marathon yet!

See you at the finish line—rolling, smiling, and strong!

Happy Rolling, Austin Runners!

Our Favorite Training Apps to Help You Crush the Austin Marathon

in Blog post, Running Routes, Tips, Training Advice, Training Plans

Hey runners! Whether you’re gearing up for your first Austin Marathon or chasing a shiny new PR, the right training app can seriously level up your game. We’ve rounded up our top training apps that keep workouts fun, effective, and perfectly tuned to help you confidently cross the Austin Marathon finish line.

1. Strava: Your Social Running Companion

If you run it but don’t Strava it, did it really happen? Strava is a favorite among runners everywhere, combining social media with excellent tracking features.

Why we love it: Connect with fellow Austin runners, explore new routes around Lady Bird Lake or the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and challenge yourself on local Strava segments. It’s ideal for building your Austin running community and boosting motivation.
Austin Marathon Bonus: Follow the Austin Marathon on Strava and connect with fellow trainees.

2. Nike Run Club: Personal Coaching at Your Fingertips

Nike Run Club offers personalized training plans that adjust based on your progress and goals. Whether you’re preparing for your first Austin Marathon or aiming to speed up, Nike’s got your back.

Why we love it: Audio-guided runs from expert coaches and athletes keep your motivation high during those long Sunday loops around Town Lake.
Austin Marathon Bonus: Tailored marathon training plans designed specifically for handling Austin’s challenging hills and unique terrain.

3. Runkeeper: Simple (Yet Powerful) Training Tracker

Runkeeper helps you effortlessly track your runs, set clear goals, and monitor progress, making it perfect for runners who prefer keeping things simple yet effective.

Why we love it: User-friendly interface, personalized training plans, and easy progress tracking ensure you stay focused without getting overwhelmed.
Austin Marathon Bonus: Use Runkeeper’s interval training options to practice pacing and tackle challenging hills like Congress Avenue and the Enfield Road climb.

4. MapMyRun: The Ultimate Route Planner

Brought to you by Under Armour, MapMyRun helps you find, plan, and track your runs with pinpoint precision.

Why we love it: Explore fresh Austin routes, accurately track distance, elevation, and pace, and make your training sessions more engaging.

5. Garmin Connect: Ideal for the Data-Driven Runner

If diving deep into stats gets your heart racing, Garmin Connect seamlessly pairs with Garmin watches, unlocking advanced running metrics.

Why we love it: Analyze detailed metrics like pace, cadence, heart rate, VO₂ max, sleep, and recovery—everything you need to reach peak performance.
Austin Marathon Bonus: Fine-tune your pacing strategy using detailed data insights to confidently handle the ups and downs of Austin’s hilly course.

How to Choose the Best App for Your Austin Marathon Journey

When picking the perfect training app for your Austin Marathon prep, keep these factors in mind:

Goals: Need personalized coaching or prefer connecting with others? Select an app with tailored training programs or vibrant community features.
Device Compatibility: Ensure the app smoothly syncs with your favorite devices (smartphone, smartwatch, fitness trackers).
User Experience: Go for an app with a straightforward, intuitive interface that keeps you motivated rather than frustrated.
Austin-Specific Features: Opt for an app that integrates local running routes, communities, and addresses unique race-day conditions like hills and Texas weather.

Your Austin Marathon Training Just Got Easier (and More Fun!)

There you have it, Austin runners—our favorite training apps, designed to elevate your Austin Marathon preparation. No matter your running style or goals, there’s an app here to help you finish strong, smiling, and proud!

See you on the roads, Austin. Happy training and we can’t wait to cheer for you on marathon day!

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

in Blog post

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 Miles

25,000 Participants

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

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.

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.

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.