H-E-B Named Official Grocery Store of the 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon

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The Beloved Texas Retailer will Support Runners by Providing Nutritional Snack Bags

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K announced that H-E-B has been designated the official Grocery Store of the 2026 event. The partnership formalizes H-E-B’s commitment to supporting the health and wellness of the Central Texas community and thousands of participants. This major annual endurance event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, celebrating its 35th anniversary throughout the streets of Austin, Texas. 

As an official partner, H-E-B’s primary role will involve supplying post-race snack bags for all participants immediately following their finish line crossing. This crucial finish line support will offer necessary nutrition items designed to aid runners immediately following their 26.2-mile, 13.1-mile, or 3.1-mile efforts. The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon continues to be a premier running event, attracting tens of thousands of participants annually to the Texas capital.

This sponsorship highlights the Austin Marathon’s dedication to collaborating with strong, local brands that prioritize participant experience. The collaboration aims to elevate the finish line experience, reinforcing the event’s reputation for high-quality logistics and runner care.

 “Partnering with H‑E‑B aligns the Austin Marathon with a Texas icon known for quality and community. From the finish line snack bag to race‑weekend touchpoints, H‑E‑B helps us care for runners when it matters most and strengthens what makes this event uniquely Austin.” – Megan Frausto, Partnership Manager

 

 

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.

About H-E-B: H-E-B, with sales of more than $50 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 175,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

Meanwhile Brewing Co. Named Official Beer of the 2026 Austin Marathon

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Local Brewery to Host  Beer Garden at Finish Line Festival

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K announced today that Meanwhile Brewing Co. will serve as the Official Beer Sponsor for the 2026 race, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026. This partnership integrates the Austin-based brewery directly into the post-race celebration, providing well-deserved beverages for participants. Meanwhile Brewing Co. will host the Meanwhile Beer Garden at the downtown Finish Line Festival, enhancing the experience for thousands of runners, spectators, and volunteers.

The sponsorship emphasizes the Marathon’s continued dedication to collaborating with local Austin businesses to deliver an authentic race-day experience. As Official Beer Sponsor, Meanwhile Brewing Co. will provide a variety of its locally crafted beers, focusing on celebrating the endurance and community spirit inherent in the Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K events.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Meanwhile Brewing Co., a brewery that truly embodies Austin’s spirit of community and celebration,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of the Austin Marathon. “After months of training and 26.2 miles of effort, our runners deserve to celebrate with some of the best local beer Austin has to offer. Meanwhile’s commitment to bringing people together through great beer and community experiences makes them the perfect partner for our finish line celebration.”

The 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on February 15, 2026, following the two-day Health and Fitness expo at Palmer Events Center on February 13 and 14, 2026. The Finish Line Festival, which concludes the race activities, is open to the public and will feature music, food, and a Meanwhile Beer Garden following the completion of the race.

“As a brewery that calls Austin home, partnering with the city’s premier running event is a natural fit. We understand the dedication it takes to complete 26.2 miles, and we are honored to provide that well-deserved, celebratory first sip for thousands of runners and their support crews on February 15. It’s a celebration of endurance and the community that makes Austin special.”– Will Jaquiss, Founder of Meanwhile Brewing Co.

 

 

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.

About Meanwhile Brewing Co.:  Founded in 2020, Meanwhile Brewing Co. is a community hub for specialty beer, food and entertainment on 3.7 acres in southeast Austin. The passion project of founder and brewmaster Will Jaquiss, Meanwhile operates a 15-barrel, three-vessel brewhouse, producing a lineup of highly drinkable beers, including year-round canned offerings — the widely celebrated Meanwhile Pilsner, Meanwhile Secret Beach San Diego Style IPA and Tender Robot Hazy IPA — as well as a rotating selection of lagers, IPAs, seasonal brews and collaborations. More than just a brewery, Meanwhile is a gathering place. The grounds feature a thoughtfully designed taproom, a spacious beer garden, a stage and screen for live music and events, a regulation soccer pitch, sand volleyball courts, and a playground. A rotating selection of celebrated food trucks completes the experience, making Meanwhile a go-to destination for craft beer and community. Meanwhile Brewing Co. is one of Austin’s largest independent craft breweries. Its beers are distributed throughout Central Texas, from Georgetown to Buda, with expansion into San Antonio underway. For more information, visit www.meanwhilebeer.com or follow @meanwhilebeer on Instagram and Facebook.

Hydration Strategies for Long Runs & Hot Days (Even in Winter)

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Staying hydrated is crucial for marathon runners, whether you’re training in the sweltering summer or braving a chilly winter morning. Dehydration can sneak up on you, impacting your performance, recovery, and overall health. In this guide, we’ll cover the best hydration strategies for long runs and hot days, with tips that apply year-round—even when the weather is cold.

Why Hydration Matters for Marathon Runners

Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and transport nutrients for energy and recovery. During a marathon or long training run, your body loses fluids through sweat—even in winter. Failing to replace these fluids can lead to fatigue, cramps, and decreased performance.

Signs of Dehydration During Long RunsA woman in workout clothes with a towel around her neck stands outdoors, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight with her hand, looking tired after long runs on hot days. Green trees and sunlight are visible in the background. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  • Thirst and dry mouth
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue or confusion

If you notice any of these symptoms during your marathon training, it’s time to adjust your hydration plan.

 

Hydration Tips for Hot Weather RunsA child in an orange shirt drinks water from a plastic bottle outdoors, sunlight shining overhead and water droplets shimmering—perfect hydration strategies for hot days. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  1. Pre-Hydrate:
  2. Start your run well-hydrated. Drink 16–20 ounces of water 2–3 hours before your marathon or long run.
  3. Electrolyte Balance:
  4. Sweating leads to loss of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes. Use sports drinks or electrolyte tablets during runs longer than 60 minutes, especially in hot weather.
  5. Drink Early and Often:
  6. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Sip 4–8 ounces of water or sports drink every 15–20 minutes during your run.
  7. Dress for the Heat:
  8. Wear light, moisture-wicking clothing and a hat or visor to help manage sweat and sun exposure.

Hydration Strategies for Winter Marathon TrainingA woman in a light blue jacket, black leggings, and gloves runs on a snowy path in a winter landscape, surrounded by snow-covered trees, demonstrating the importance of hydration strategies even on long runs in cold weather. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  • Don’t Skip the Water:
  • Cold weather can suppress your thirst, but your body still loses fluids through sweat and breathing. Stick to your hydration schedule, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Warm Fluids:
  • Carry a thermos with warm water or herbal tea to make drinking more appealing on cold days.
  • Monitor Sweat Rate:
  • Weigh yourself before and after runs to estimate fluid loss and adjust your intake accordingly.

 

How to Create a Personalized Hydration PlanA person writes a checklist labeled “PLAN” on a tablet using a stylus. Several boxes are checked, and handwritten notes mention hydration strategies for long runs, suggesting digital planning for hot days or endurance activities. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  1. Calculate Sweat Rate:
  2. Weigh yourself before and after a one-hour run. Each pound lost equals about 16 ounces of fluid.
  3. Adjust for Conditions:
  4. Increase fluid intake on hot, humid, or windy days. In winter, don’t decrease your intake drastically—your body still needs hydration.
  5. Practice During Training:
  6. Test your hydration plan during long runs to see what works best for your body and stomach.

 

Marathon Day Hydration ChecklistA close-up of a hand writing in a notebook with a black pen. The grid-patterned page, titled “CHECK LIST,” includes items like hydration strategies—essential for hot days and long runs—with several tasks checked off and more to go. The background is blurred. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

  • Hydrate well the day before
  • Bring your preferred fluids or know what’s available on the course
  • Start sipping early in the race
  • Listen to your body, but don’t rely solely on thirst

 

Hydration is a year-round priority for marathon runners. By following these strategies, you’ll be better prepared for long runs and race day—no matter the weather. Remember, every runner is different, so experiment during training to find your optimal hydration routine.

 

Book Your Austin Marathon Weekend Stay with HotelPlanner

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The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K weekend is one of the most exciting times of the year in Austin, and we want to make sure your stay is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, finding the perfectA group of smiling marathon runners pose together, some in colorful outfits and one in a blue mouse mascot costume, on a city street during the Austin Marathon in May. The atmosphere is cheerful and energetic, capturing the spirit of marathon training. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K place to stay is easy with HotelPlanner, our official hotel booking partner.

Why Book with HotelPlanner?

Exclusive Rates Just for You

HotelPlanner offers exclusive discounted rates for Austin Marathon participants, friends, and family. Enjoy high-quality accommodations without breaking your race budget.

A Seamless, Stress-Free Experience

No need to search across dozens of websites—HotelPlanner has already done the work for you. Their platform is designed to makeA group of marathon runners smiling and posing with their medals and drinks after finishing the 2026 Austin Marathon, with others cheering in the background on a city street. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K finding and booking your race-weekend stay quick and easy, so you can focus on your training instead of travel logistics.

24/7 Customer Support

Need to make a change or ask a question? HotelPlanner’s dedicated customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with reservations, modifications, or any questions along the way.

Dates and Locations Tailored for the Race

The Austin Marathon HotelPlanner page is pre-configured with the official race weekend dates and focuses on the best geographic areas near the start and finish lines, downtown Austin, and other key event locations. You’ll be close to the action and all that Austin has to offer.

Plan Your Perfect Austin Marathon Weekend

Book early to secure the best rates and locations. Make your race weekend unforgettable. Stress-free lodging, unbeatable deals, and Austin’s signature hospitality await.

👉 Book Your Stay with HotelPlanner Now