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.

Spectating at the Austin Marathon

Calm Pre-Race Nerves With These 5 Tips

Ready for the big race?

We know you’re on edge, but don’t worry. Pre-race nerves are totally normal – even seasoned runners feel them too. Don’t sweat it though; there are lots of ways to keep those butterflies under control so can focus on that finish line like a champ.

1. Be Prepared

Stop doubt before it happens. Make

 a list and prepare everything the night before. Have your clothes, shoes, and bib laid out. Leave stuff you don’t need at home or with a member of your cheer crew. Charge your phone all the way to 100% and leave plugged in until you have to leave.

Is your playlist ready to go? We suggest a service where you don’t have to depend on service and can download the playlist like Spotify premium so you don’t have to worry about any interruptions to your tunes. 

A community of smiling runners wearing blue shirts and medals pose for a photo on a city street after a race. Skyscrapers and other runners can be seen in the background. A "Pace 3:50" sign is visible on the right side. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

 

2. Set Your Motivation

Why are you here? Remind yourself of your motivation and purpose for signing up.  Maybe you want to try something new to prove you could. Maybe you’re shooting for that PR. Maybe you’re showing your kids that exercise is part of a happy life. Try and embrace the added adrenaline or excitement and use it to perform with confidence in why you’re running today. If you haven’t set a goal yet, check out some tips for setting goals.

3. Stop Thinking About it So Much

We know, easier said than done, but at some point, you’ve got to lace up your running shoes and start your warm-up routine. 

Distract yourself with other things like talking to others around you, taking some pre-race selfies, participating in the pre-race warm-up, dance it out.

Trust us, you’re prepared. Evaluations can wait until much later. In our opinion, you should give yourself a few days to reflect before you jump into a full race report. The journey is the accomplishment.

 

4. Use the restroom

This isn’t the most glamorous advice but hey, it is important. Always make the attempt before your start time. 

5. Breathe

While it may seem like simple advice, it’s incredibly common to experience an increased heart rate and faster breathing once you get on-site. Take a moment to close your eyes and remember your training. Collect your thoughts and take deep breaths in through your nose and out through the mouth.

You got this!

Quick Guide to 2025 Austin Marathon