Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Opens Exhibitor Registration for 2027 Health & Fitness Expo

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Space Expected to fill Quickly at Expo and Finish Line Festival

Exhibitor registration is now open for the 2027 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K Health and Fitness Expo, scheduled for Friday, February 12, and Saturday, February 13, 2027, at the Palmer Events Center. The 70,000-square-foot Expo sold out in 2026 and is expected to reach full capacity again in 2027.

The Health and Fitness Expo is a premier opportunity for health, fitness, and wellness brands to connect with a broad and engaged audience. All race participants in the marathon, half marathon, and 5K are required to attend the Expo to pick up their race packets, ensuring high foot traffic and brand exposure. The 2026 Expo welcomed more than 80,000 attendees over two days, including 30,000+ registered participants. The event featured 72 exhibitors and saw an average attendee spend of $135.

 

The Austin Marathon is excited to announce exclusive perks for exhibitors to elevate your brand presence and engagement:

  • Team Creation with unlimited $10 Off Code: Rally your crew to Run Austin® with a special race registration discount.
  • Exhibitor Lounge: Take a break, recharge, and connect with fellow exhibitors at the expo.
  • All-in-One Digital Exhibitor Portal: Your personal hub to prepare for race weekend success.
  • Expo Plus Package (Add-on, $500 value – limited to 8):
    • Recognition as a Featured Exhibitor on the official Austin Marathon Expo webpage
    • Inclusion of a brand offer in one official pre-race Expo email to registered participants
    • For 8×10 or 10×10 Booths: Receive a 50% OFF race registration code (up to $140 value)
    • For 8 x 20 Booths or Larger: Receive a 100% OFF race registration code (up to $279 value)

These added benefits are designed to maximize visibility, encourage engagement, and streamline your Expo experience.

 

The Expo is free and open to the public, offering attendees access to the latest in fitness, wellness, nutrition, apparel, gear, and more. Brands interested in exhibiting are encouraged to register by December 1, 2026, to guarantee participation. Exhibitors are encouraged to register early before prices increase. Details and exhibitor registration are available here.

Exhibitor opportunities are also available at the 2027 Finish Line Festival on Sunday, February 14. This post-race celebration offers brands direct access to thousands of finishers, spectators, and supporters, creating an energetic environment for product engagement and brand promotion.

“Following a sold-out 2026 expo, we’re thrilled to open 2027 registration,” said Eleanor Stein, Sales and Partnerships Junior Manager. “This is a phenomenal opportunity for brands to activate, create meaningful experiential connections, and engage with over 80,000 passionate attendees to kick off an unforgettable race weekend.”

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is the city’s signature running event. With a finish line at the Texas State Capitol, the race offers participants a uniquely Austin experience complete with live music, cheering spectators, and a vibrant post-race celebration. The Finish Line Festival includes a recovery zone, live entertainment, beer garden, photo ops, and additional brand activations. Race registration is open now at www.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.

Run as a Team, Pay as an Organization: Bulk Pay for the Austin Marathon

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Bringing the Crew Together Outside the Office

Let’s be honest: your team deserves better than another awkward happy hour. The best corporate bonding happens when people step away from screens, lace up their shoes, and chase a finish line together. There’s something about training side by side, pushing through miles as a pack, and crossing that line together that builds the kind of camaraderie no conference room retreat can touch.

From interns to executives, a race day goal levels the playing field. It’s high-energy, it’s personal, and the morale boost carries right back into the office on Monday morning.

But here’s the thing: while everyone wants that race day magic, actually organizing a corporate team entry can feel like herding cats through a spreadsheet. Individual payments, scattered receipts, reimbursement requests piling up in accounting’s inbox…

That’s exactly why we built Bulk Pay, a frictionless way to get your entire team registered and race-ready without the administrative headache.

 

Why Bulk Pay is the Ultimate Team Perk

Total Flexibility: Cover All or Part of the Entry Fee

Your company gets to decide exactly how generous to be. Bulk Pay lets organizations cover race entries for a group of 10 or more participants, whether that means paying the full entry fee or a portion of it. If team members want to add personal upgrades during registration (official merch, charity donations), they handle those small extras on their own. The foundational race experience is on the company. The personal touches stay personal.

Ultimate Administrative Ease: One Single Invoice

No more chasing down 30 individual credit card receipts. No more employees floating costs and submitting expense reports three weeks later. With Bulk Pay, the entire team initiative is bundled into one clean invoice for the base entry fees after the registration window closes. Your accounting department just exhaled.

Built for Teamwork: The Power of Running as a Pack

Bulk Pay lets your group lock in their spots early, creating an official squad feeling from day one. For the best experience, consider creating an official team so participants can see who’s joining, represent your organization together, and stay connected throughout training and race weekend.

The best part? Everyone can choose the race distance that fits their goals and experience level. Your group might have five employees tackling the 5K, four taking on the Half Marathon, and three going all-in on the Marathon—all while representing the same company team.

Train together when it makes sense, cheer each other on throughout race weekend, and celebrate everyone’s accomplishments afterward. Whether someone is running their first 5K or chasing a marathon personal best, they’re all part of the same team experience. Those shared memories last far longer than any standard corporate dinner, and they’re the kind of stories people bring back to the office long after race day.

 

How It Works

Getting started is simple:

  • Optional but Recommended: Create a Team. Register a team captain and create your company team before applying for Bulk Pay. We can link your Bulk Pay registration code to your team, making it easy for participants to join the correct team automatically when they register.
  • Apply. Your team captain fills out the Bulk Pay Application Form.
  • Share. Once approved, the captain receives a custom registration code/link to distribute to the group so employees can register without paying out of pocket.
  • Pay once. The company receives a single centralized invoice based on how many people used the link

Key Deadlines to Know

  • Registration Deadline: All team members must register using the code by 11:59 PM on Friday, January 8, 2027. Otherwise they must pay individually
  • Invoice Payment Deadline: The final team invoice must be paid in full on or before January 22, 2027 to secure all race packets and registrations for race day.

 

Ready to Rally Your Squad?

Gather your group of 10 or more and create an unforgettable team experience at the Austin Marathon. Whether your crew is running the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K, Bulk Pay makes team entry completely frictionless.

Want to take it a step further? Create an official team so participants can rally around a shared goal, track who’s joining, and represent your organization together on race weekend. Team members can choose different race distances and still be part of the same company team.

 

Apply for Bulk Pay Today →

Questions? Reach out to teams@youraustinmarathon.com.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bulk Pay option?

Bulk Pay allows organizations or groups to cover a portion or all of the race entry fees for 10 or more participants with a single invoice, rather than having each individual pay separately.

How do I apply?

Fill out the Bulk Pay Application, receive approval and a unique registration code/link, then distribute it to your team for use during registration.

Can team members register for different race distances?

Absolutely. Team members can choose whichever event distance is right for them—the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K—and still be part of the same company team. For example, your group could include five 5K participants, four Half Marathon runners, and three Marathon runners, all covered under the same Bulk Pay program.

What happens after I submit the application?

Upon approval, you’ll receive your unique bulk registration code/link along with invoice and tracking details. Share the code with all individuals whose entries you’re covering. It’s your responsibility to monitor the invoice regularly and ensure all participants register before the deadline.

When does the code expire?

The code expires at 11:59 PM on Friday, January 8, 2027. You can set an earlier internal deadline if you’d like. Anyone who registers after the expiration will need to cover costs individually.

When do I have to pay the invoice?

Payment is due January 22, 2027. Each registration is billed at the list price of the event distance plus a processing fee of 8% + $1.00. If you need an official ACH invoice for accounting purposes, email teams@youraustinmarathon.com before the deadline. Unpaid invoices will result in cancellation of all associated registrations and discarded race bibs.

How is the invoice calculated?

Based on the number of code uses, the event entry fee at time of registration, the portion of entry you’ve decided to cover, plus a processing fee of 8% + $1.00 per registration.

What fees are NOT covered by Bulk Pay?

Merchandise purchases and charity donations must be paid by registrants individually during checkout.

Can the code be used for pre-registered participants?

No. The bulk code cannot be applied to existing registrations and refunds/reimbursements are not available for prior registrations.

Can I register on behalf of my team members?

No. Each participant must register themselves individually using the code.

Can the code be used for any race distance?

Yes. It works for the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K.

Does the code automatically create a team?

No. Using the Bulk Pay code alone does not create a team. If you’d like to create one, register as a team captain separately, then email teams@youraustinmarathon.com to link your Bulk Pay code to the team. If your team already exists, organizers can link the code upon approval so anyone who uses it is automatically added.

How do participants apply the code?

Paste the code into the “Promo Code” box at checkout, press “Apply” to zero out the entry fee, then pay separately for any merchandise or donation items.

Who manages the code?

The person who completes the Bulk Pay form is responsible for code distribution, monitoring usage, and ensuring timely invoice payment.

Where can I learn more about invoicing?

Find detailed invoicing guidance here, or email teams@youraustinmarathon.com with questions.

 

Hill Training Tips for Conquering Austin’s Course

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Is the Austin Marathon Hilly? Your Guide to Mastering the Course

If you are gearing up for a winter trip to Texas, one of the most common questions you might be asking your search engine is: Is the Austin Marathon hilly?

The short answer? Austin is known for being a fun and iconic course with some rolling hills that show up along the way. In truth the course layout has a great mix of dynamic terrain, and with a little prep, you are going to have a massive edge next February. Putting in a bit of incline work helps every runner by building the raw leg strength, lasting endurance, and mental grit that will help you crush this race and any future runs.

To put your mind at ease and help you strategize your race plan, here are the three key sections of the course you need to know about and specific hill workouts to help you along the way.

3 Key Spots on the Austin Course

A large crowd of runners crosses a bridge over a river at sunrise or sunset, with tall buildings on either side and a colorful sky in the background—perfect scenery for Austin Marathon hill training or running uphill training workouts. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Knowing what is coming is half the battle. If you manage these three spots, you will be setting yourself up for an incredible finish.

Mile 1: The Adrenaline Test. When the gun goes off, the energy is HIGH. Do not let the adrenaline get to you and cause you to go out too hot. Keep your pace completely under control here. You will be rewarded later with miles 4-6 of downhill running as you head back into downtown on South First Street. Save your energy for that descent and take in the epic skyline views!

Mile 11: The Enfield Rollers. As you hit Enfield Road, you will encounter a series of rolling inclines. Settle in, shorten your stride, and run by effort. The best part? The crowds here are absolutely HYPE. Let their cheers pull you forward. Keep in mind that once you are through these rollers, you are either just about done with the Half Marathon, or you are coming out onto flatter ground to cruise into the second half of your full marathon.

Mile 26: The Final Push. For the full marathoners, this is what you came for. You will take on roaring, cheering crowds as you enter the final stretch toward the finish line. Put your head down, soak in the noise, and remember: just one more left turn and you are an Austin Marathoner!

The 4 pillars of hill training (what to do each week)

A large group of runners, seen from behind, participates in a road race on a paved street lined with trees—an ideal setting for Austin Marathon hill training as the crowd stretches into the distance under a clear sky. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Hill training helps you:

  • Build leg strength and durability (glutes, calves, hamstrings, quads)
  • Improve running economy so you waste less energy on climbs
  • Practice pacing discipline so you do not spike effort and crash later
  • Prepare your quads for downhills, which can cause more soreness than uphills

You want to crest a hill feeling controlled.

1) Hill repeats (power + form)

Hill repeats are short, focused efforts uphill with an easy jog back down. They build strength and teach good mechanics.

Beginner-friendly hill repeat workout (20 to 35 minutes total):

  1. Warm up 10 to 15 minutes easy
  2. Find a hill with a steady incline (4 to 8 percent is great)
  3. Run 6 x 30 seconds uphill at a strong but controlled effort
    • Jog back down easy for recovery
  4. Cool down 10 minutes easy

Coaching cues:

  • Shorten your stride slightly
  • Keep your chest tall and eyes forward
  • Drive arms back, not across your body
  • Think “quick feet” rather than “big push”

Do this once per week during your build phase.

2) Rollers During an Easy Run

A woman running in a road race smiles and forms a heart with her hands, surrounded by other runners. Sporting a navy shirt and bib, she enjoys the sun—perhaps fueled by Austin Marathon hill training or practicing how to run hills efficiently. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  • During a 45 to 70 minute easy run, add 6 to 10 hill surges up any incline you can find – driveway,  dial up on a treadmill or even stairs is that is what you can find.
  • Each surge is 20 to 45 seconds uphill at “comfortably hard”
  • Recover by returning to easy effort after the hill

This teaches you to handle hills without turning the whole run into a tempo session.

3) Marathon-specific strength

Hill training works better when your strength supports it. You do not need a full gym routine, but you do need consistency.

2x per week strength mini-routine (15 to 25 minutes):

  • Split squats: 3 x 8 each leg
  • Romanian deadlifts (or single-leg hinges): 3 x 8
  • Calf raises: 3 x 12 to 15
  • Glute bridges: 3 x 10
  • Side plank: 2 x 30 to 45 seconds each side

Keep the weights moderate and the form clean. The goal is durable running legs, not soreness.

4) Downhill practice (the missing ingredient)

Many runners train for climbing but forget downhill control. Downhills can shred quads if you brake with every step.

Simple downhill technique cues:

  • Slight forward lean from the ankles (not the waist)
  • Quick cadence and light steps
  • Avoid overstriding in front of your body
  • Stay relaxed in shoulders and hands

Add a few gentle downhills after hill repeats, but keep it controlled. Do not sprint downhill.

How often should you do hill workouts for a marathon?

Most runners do best with:

  • 1 hill-focused session per week in the early and mid build (6 to 10 weeks)
  • Then shift toward race-specific workouts (tempo, marathon pace, long run structure) closer to race day

If you are newer to hills or prone to injury, start with every other week and build gradually.

8-week hill training progression (simple and sustainable)

Use this as a template alongside your normal marathon plan.

Weeks 1 to 2

  • 1 session per week: 6 to 8 x 30 sec hill repeats
  • Focus: form, controlled effort

Weeks 3 to 4

  • 1 session per week: 8 to 10 x 45 sec hill repeats
  • Optional: add 4 to 6 hill surges in an easy run

Weeks 5 to 6

  • 1 session per week: 6 to 8 x 60 to 75 sec uphill at strong effort
  • Include gentle downhill technique on recoveries

Weeks 7 to 8 (race-specific transition)

  • Reduce hard repeats
  • Add rolling surges within a steady run, or include hills during marathon-pace segments
  • Keep strength work but taper volume slightly

Race-day hill strategy for Austin (how to pace it)

The biggest mistake on hills is trying to “hold pace.” Instead, hold effort.

  • Uphill: shorten stride, keep effort steady, let pace slow a bit
  • Crest: do not surge immediately, settle and regain rhythm
  • Downhill: increase cadence, stay relaxed, avoid braking
  • Rolling sections: think “smooth and steady,” not “attack every hill”

A good mental cue: Take on the hills with patience

Common hill-training mistakes to avoid

  • Doing hill repeats too hard, too soon
  • Skipping warm-ups (hills demand prepared calves and Achilles)
  • Turning every run into a hilly run (you still need easy days)
  • Neglecting downhill form, then dealing with quad blow-up
  • Adding hills and heavy strength training in the same week without recovery

FAQ

How do I train for hills if I live somewhere flat?

Use a treadmill at 3 to 6 percent incline for repeats, or do strength-focused workouts like step-ups and split squats. Parking garage ramps can also work.

Are hill repeats good for marathon training?

Yes. Hill repeats build strength and improve running economy. For marathoners, they work best when paired with long runs and marathon-pace workouts. You do not have to be running a hilly course to benefit rom hill repeats.

How long should hill repeats be for marathon training?

Most marathon runners benefit from repeats in the 30 seconds to 2 minutes range early in training, then shift toward longer steady efforts and race-pace work later.

Should I do hills the week of the Austin Marathon?

Keep it light. Short, gentle strides on a small incline can be fine early in the week, but avoid hard repeats close to race day.

 

 

 

Volunteer Spotlight: The Heart of the Austin Marathon

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When you think about race day, you probably picture the finish line, the medals, the music, and the miles. You might remember your pacing plan, your best mile, or the moment you saw friends and family cheering from the curb.

But there is another group shaping every step of the Austin Marathon experience: the volunteers.

They are the first smiles you see at check-in, the helping hands at aid stations, the calm voices answering questions, and the biggest cheerleaders when your legs feel heavy. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this event, and the Austin Marathon would not be what it is without them.

This is a spotlight on the people who make race day possible.

Smiling volunteers with motivational signs at Austin marathonThe behind-the-scenes heroes of race weekend

Volunteering at the Austin Marathon is not just “show up and point people in the right direction.” It is real, meaningful work that keeps the event running smoothly and safely for thousands of participants.

Depending on the role, volunteers may:

  • Help runners get the right bib and gear at packet pickup
  • Direct parking and guide participants to the start area
  • Support start corrals and keep things moving on schedule
  • Staff aid stations with water and hydration support
  • Cheer loudly at key course points when motivation matters most
  • Assist at the finish line with medals, refreshments, and recovery flow
  • Help with course teardown and clean-up so Austin looks great after the last finisher

Every job matters. Every volunteer shift contributes to a better experience for runners, walkers, spectators, and the entire community.

Volunteers selling Austin t-shirts at boothWhy people volunteer, year after year

Ask a veteran Austin Marathon volunteer why they keep coming back, and you will hear something bigger than “I had free time.”

You will hear things like:

  • “I wanted to give back to the running community.”
  • “Someone cheered for me during my first race, and I never forgot it.”
  • “I love the energy of race day.”
  • “It feels good to be part of something positive in Austin.”
  • “It is the best way to support a friend or family member who is running.”

For many people, volunteering becomes a tradition. They bring coworkers, friends, running club teammates, and family members. Some even plan their volunteer role months in advance because they know it is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a weekend in Austin.

Race volunteer handing medals to runnerThe magic moments volunteers create

Runners often remember the big things, like their finish time or the final stretch downtown. Volunteers notice the smaller moments too, and those moments are often where the magic is.

A volunteer handing a cup of water to a runner who is struggling but still moving forward.

A volunteer clapping for the last participants on the course like they are the first.

A volunteer offering directions with patience and kindness when someone is overwhelmed.

Sometimes it is a simple “You’ve got this” at the perfect moment.

That is the heart of the Austin Marathon.

Volunteers in vests handing out items at eventWhat it is like to volunteer (and how to know if it is for you)

If you have never volunteered at a marathon before, here is what you can expect:

  • Clear role assignments: You will know what you are doing and where to be.
  • Team environment: You will be working with other volunteers and event staff.
  • High energy: Race day is busy, but it is also fun and uplifting.
  • Real impact: Your presence directly improves the participant experience.

Good fits for volunteering include:

  • Individuals looking to support the community
  • Running clubs and school groups
  • Corporate and nonprofit teams
  • Families who want to experience race day together
  • Anyone who wants to be part of the event without running it

No matter your background, there is a role where you can help.

Runner receiving finisher bag at race finishHow to support the volunteers who support the runners

If you are running the Austin Marathon this year, a little gratitude goes a long way. Here are a few easy ways to show appreciation:

  • Say thank you at aid stations and course points
  • Give a wave, a smile, or a quick “you all are amazing”
  • Be patient if lines form in busy areas
  • Encourage fellow participants to be respectful and kind

Volunteers remember those small moments too.

Want to join the volunteer community?

If you have ever wondered how you can be part of the Austin Marathon, volunteering is one of the best ways to do it. You will be surrounded by incredible people, energized by the atmosphere, and you will leave knowing you helped make race day happen.

Ready to volunteer? Keep an eye out for volunteer registration details, and gather a friend or group to join you. Whether you are handing out water, guiding runners, or cheering at the finish line, your impact will be felt all day long.

Because at the Austin Marathon, volunteers are not just helping. They are the heart of the event.