PNC Bank Returns as Official Banking Partner of the Austin Marathon and Presenting Partner of the Health & Fitness Expo

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PNC Bank expands its support of the two-day expo welcoming thousands of participants and visitors ahead of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K announced today that PNC Bank will return as the Official Banking Partner of the Austin Marathon and presenting partner of the Health & Fitness Expo for 2027.

The Health & Fitness Expo Presented by PNC Bank will welcome thousands of participants, supporters, fitness enthusiasts, and visitors to the Palmer Events Center on on Friday, February 12, and Saturday, February 13, ahead of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K on Sunday, February 14, 2027.

“PNC Bank has continued to be an important partner of the Austin Marathon, and we’re excited to build on that relationship for 2027,” said Jack Murray, Co-Owner of the Austin Marathon. “The Health & Fitness Expo is where thousands of participants begin their Austin Marathon experience. PNC’s continued partnership helps us create a welcoming and exciting environment that brings together our participants, partners, and the greater Austin community.”

Held annually over two days, the Health & Fitness Expo Presented by PNC Bank serves as the central hub for participant packet pickup and an opportunity to connect with brands from across the running, health, wellness, and fitness industries.

Spanning more than 70,000 square feet, the expo is free and open to the public. Attendees can explore running gear, nutrition products, recovery services, fitness technology, and more while connecting with local and national brands before the weekend’s events.

“Race weekend belongs to the runners, but the expo belongs to the whole city. It asks nothing of the people who walk in, and it gives them a starting point on their own health,” said Steven González, PNC regional president for Austin. “That’s why we chose to support the event three years ago, and it’s why we continue.”

PNC Bank’s continued role as the Official Banking Partner reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Austin community and creating meaningful experiences around one of the city’s largest annual endurance events. Through its presence at the Health & Fitness Expo Presented by PNC Bank, PNC will once again be part of the excitement as participants from Austin and around the world prepare to take on the streets of the Texas capital.

The 2027 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K will take place on Sunday, February 14, 2027. Brands interested in being part of the Health & Fitness Expo Presented by PNC Bank can apply for exhibitor space at youraustinmarathon.com/sponsors/apply-to-be-an-exhibitor/.

 

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 PNC Bank: PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

Gut Training: How to Practice Your Marathon Fueling Plan in September

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Your legs aren’t the only thing that needs marathon training. Your stomach needs practice, too.

September is a great time to start figuring out which fuels work for you, how much you can comfortably take in, and when to reach for your next gel. For runners preparing for the Austin Marathon, those small experiments now can make fueling feel familiar when longer training runs arrive.

The goal isn’t to copy someone else’s gel count. It’s to build a marathon fueling strategy you can repeat with confidence.

A person pours orange juice into a glass next to a cutting board with sliced oranges, carrots, and fresh vegetables including tomatoes, spinach, and apples—perfect ingredients for marathon fueling or gut training during marathon training. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KWhat Is Gut Training for Runners?

Gut training means practicing eating and drinking during exercise so your digestive system becomes more comfortable handling fuel while you run. It involves gradually introducing carbohydrates, testing products and timing, and repeating the routines that work.

According to the Australian Institute of Sport, practicing carbohydrate intake during training can improve tolerance and help the gut handle fuel more effectively. That doesn’t guarantee a symptom-free marathon, but it gives you a better starting point than opening an unfamiliar gel on race morning.

Think of gut training as another part of your preparation, right alongside pacing, shoes, and long runs.

 

A man in black athletic wear is jogging along a sandy beach with the ocean and clear sky in the background, focusing on his marathon fueling and testing his gut training for optimal marathon nutrition. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KWhy Start Your Marathon Fueling Plan in September?

September gives you room to experiment before race-day decisions become urgent. You can test a gel flavor, adjust your breakfast timing, or try a different texture without making your longest training run the testing ground.

It’s also a reminder to account for conditions. A warm Austin morning may feel very different from a cooler fall run. Record the weather alongside your fueling notes so you don’t automatically blame a product for a difficult day.

Start with the runs already in your training plan. You don’t need to add mileage or turn every short, easy run into a fueling workout.

 

An assortment of healthy foods including fruits, beans, grains, bread, pasta, seeds, sweet potato slices, and nuts arranged on a wooden surface—ideal choices for marathon fuelings and gut training during marathon training. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KHow Many Carbs Should You Eat During a Long Run?

For endurance runs lasting roughly 1 to 2.5 hours, general guidance is 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrate per hour. For efforts longer than about 2.5 to 3 hours, some runners may benefit from working toward higher intakes, up to 90 grams per hour, with practice and an individualized plan.

These ranges come from the Australian Institute of Sport’s sports nutrition guidance. They are not a requirement to jump straight to the highest number.

If you’re new to fueling, begin near the lower end during an appropriate long run and assess your comfort. Higher intakes require gradual practice; products combining carbohydrate sources, such as glucose and fructose, can be useful when intake exceeds 60 grams per hour.

Count carbohydrates from everything you consume, not just gels. Two gels containing 25 grams each supply 50 grams of carbohydrate. Add a drink containing 20 grams, and your total becomes 70 grams.

Check labels carefully: an electrolyte drink may contain little or no carbohydrate.

 

Person in athletic wear forms a heart shape with their hands over their stomach, suggesting health, fitness, or self-care—highlighting the importance of gut training and proper marathon nutrition. Bright, soft background. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KHow to Practice Gut Training Starting This September

Use this four-stage progression over the coming weeks. Starting late in September? Carry it into October rather than cramming the practice into a few days.

1. Establish a Comfortable Baseline

Choose an easy long run already on your schedule. Eat a familiar, carbohydrate-focused breakfast with enough time to digest, and bring one fuel option to test.

For a run long enough to need fueling, begin early rather than waiting until you feel depleted. Taking your first fuel around 20 to 30 minutes into the run is one practical starting point; the amount and subsequent timing should match your hourly target.

Afterward, note your energy, stomach comfort, and whether eating on the move felt manageable.

2. Repeat Before Increasing

If the first attempt went well, repeat it. One successful run is useful information, but consistency tells you more.

If you experienced discomfort, change one variable at a time. That might mean a smaller portion taken more frequently, a different breakfast timing, or a different gel texture.

Changing your breakfast, gel, drink, and pace all at once makes it difficult to know what helped.

3. Gradually Adjust Your Intake

Once your baseline feels comfortable, increase carbohydrate intake in small steps if your planned run duration and fueling goals call for it.

For example, a runner comfortable at 30 grams per hour might test a modest increase before working toward 60 grams. There is no need to force a weekly increase or chase 90 grams per hour because another runner does.

Keep your running effort and other fueling choices familiar while testing a change.

4. Rehearse the Whole Routine

Practice with the breakfast, fuel storage, products, and timing you expect to use later in training and on race day.

Can you open the packaging while moving? Can you reach your gels without stopping? Do you still like that flavor after multiple servings?

Before depending on on-course fuel, check the current Austin Marathon participant information for available products and locations. Carry what you need to follow your practiced plan.

 

A man in sports gear and sunglasses drinks from a yellow pouch on a running track, focusing on marathon fueling amid trees and clear sky in the background. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KWhat Are the Best Running Energy Gels?

The best running energy gels are the ones that meet your carbohydrate needs and that you can comfortably consume throughout a run. No single brand or formula works best for everyone.

When comparing options, consider:

  • Carbohydrates per serving: Many gels provide about 20 to 30 grams, but serving sizes vary.
  • Carbohydrate sources: Glucose-fructose blends can support higher carbohydrate intakes.
  • Caffeine content: Check the label and account for coffee or other caffeinated products.
  • Texture and flavor: A product you dislike becomes harder to keep taking.
  • Water instructions: Most concentrated gels should be taken with water; follow the product directions.
  • Packaging: Test whether you can carry, open, and dispose of it comfortably.

Gels aren’t your only option. Chews, carbohydrate-containing drinks, or easy-to-digest foods can also fit a fueling plan. The useful question isn’t “What’s most popular?” It’s “What can I reliably use while running?”

 

Man in blue shirt and shorts jogging on a paved path in a park, surrounded by green trees and plants on a sunny day—perfect for practicing gut training as part of his marathon plan. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KHow to Eat During Long Runs Without Guessing

Choose an hourly carbohydrate target, check your product labels, and divide your fuel into manageable servings. Use a watch alert if you tend to forget.

For example, a runner who has practiced tolerating 50 grams per hour could use two 25-gram gels per hour, spaced about 30 minutes apart, with water according to the product instructions. That example assumes no additional carbohydrates from drinks or other foods.

Your schedule may look different. Smaller, more frequent servings may feel better than larger portions. What matters is a plan that fits your needs and that you’ve practiced, not a universal “one gel every few miles” rule.

For guidance beyond mid-run fuel, explore our Nutrition Basics for Long-Distance Runners.

 

Young man in a red plaid shirt covers his mouth with one hand and holds his stomach with the other, appearing unwell or nauseous—perhaps struggling with gut training or issues related to marathon fueling—against a plain light background. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KWhat If Fueling Upsets Your Stomach?

An uncomfortable run doesn’t automatically mean gels aren’t for you. Consider the whole picture: portion size, concentration, breakfast, caffeine, pace, heat, and hydration.

Follow mixing instructions rather than making drinks extra concentrated. Take gels with water when directed, and avoid forcing excessive fluid just to meet a fueling schedule.

If symptoms begin, ease your effort and reassess rather than pushing through worsening discomfort. Persistent problems deserve help from a sports dietitian or healthcare professional. Severe abdominal pain, bloody stool, or repeated vomiting are not normal training challenges.

Gut training is practice, not a test of how much discomfort you can tolerate.

 

A hand writes in a notebook titled “Long-Run Fueling Log,” detailing essentials like run duration, weather, breakfast, fuel intake, fluids, energy, stomach comfort—providing valuable insights for marathon fueling and gut training—and includes a note to repeat and compare with the next run. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KKeep a Simple Long-Run Fueling Log

After each practice run, record your breakfast and its timing, run duration, conditions, products, total carbohydrates, fluids, energy level, and any stomach symptoms.

A useful entry might read: “90-minute easy run, warm morning, familiar breakfast two hours before, 30 grams of carbs per hour, comfortable stomach, steady energy.”

Over time, those notes can help you spot patterns and build a repeatable routine. They also give a sports dietitian useful context if you need help adjusting your plan.

 

Marathon Gut Training FAQs

How long does it take to train your gut for running?

Gut training requires repeated practice over time. Some research has found improvements after about two weeks of structured practice, but that is not a guaranteed timeline. Start early and keep refining your routine throughout your training cycle.

Do I need a gel on every run?

No. Short, easy runs generally don’t require mid-run carbohydrate fueling. Focus your practice on longer runs and workouts where carbohydrate intake supports the session.

Can I use sports drinks instead of gels?

Yes. A carbohydrate-containing sports drink can provide some or all of your planned fuel, depending on its concentration and how much you comfortably drink. Check the label, and don’t drink beyond your fluid needs just to reach a carbohydrate target.

What if I can’t tolerate 60 grams of carbs per hour?

Start with an amount you tolerate and increase gradually when appropriate. Review timing, portion size, products, and running conditions. A sports dietitian can help you work toward a suitable target without repeatedly triggering symptoms.

Should I try a new gel on marathon race day?

Avoid it when possible. Practice with the products and amounts you intend to use, and bring familiar fuel if the on-course options don’t fit your tested plan.

Build Confidence One Long Run at a Time

You don’t need a perfect marathon fueling strategy by the end of September. You need a starting point, a few useful notes, and a willingness to practice.

On your next appropriate long run, choose one fuel, follow a simple schedule, and record how it feels. Repeat what works and adjust what doesn’t.

Your Austin Marathon preparation is about more than covering the distance. It’s about learning how to keep yourself fueled along the way.

 

This article provides general education, not individualized medical or nutrition advice. Consult a registered sports dietitian for a plan tailored to your training and health needs.

Austin’s Best Sunrise Runs: Routes to Catch before the Heat Hits

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Austin rewards runners who get out the door early. The skyline catches its first light, the lake reflects the changing sky, and your morning miles come with a view worth setting an alarm for.

Looking for the best sunrise running routes in Austin? Start with the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk for open-water views, Auditorium Shores for a downtown backdrop, the western Butler Trail for a mix of lake scenery and tree cover, or Mueller’s lake loop for a shorter, repeatable run.

Whether you’re building your base for the Austin Marathon or squeezing in a few miles before work, these routes make an early start feel less like a chore.

A person in athletic clothing runs along a paved pathway beside a body of water during sunset. Tall buildings of a city skyline are visible in the background, and trees line the path on the left. Exploring Austin’s hidden running routes reveals this beautiful scene with a warm glow in the sky. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K1. Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk: Best for Open-Water Morning Views

A morning run at Lady Bird Lake is an Austin classic, and the Boardwalk puts you right alongside the scenery. This 1.3-mile section of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail offers broad lake views and a fresh perspective on downtown as daylight builds.

Route idea: Enter at International Shores Park, 1820 S. Lakeshore Boulevard, and follow the Boardwalk west toward downtown. Turn around at your chosen distance and return the same way. For a 3-mile outing, turn back when you reach 1.5 miles, continuing onto the connecting trail as needed.

An out-and-back keeps the morning simple: no bridge decisions, no pressure to finish a full lake loop, and an easy way to adjust if the weather feels tougher than expected.

Sunrise tip: Use one of the Boardwalk’s viewing areas if you want to stop for a photo. Keep the main path clear for runners, walkers, and cyclists.

Know before you go: The Boardwalk opens at 5 a.m. Its exposed sections are a reason to arrive early, not a substitute for sun protection.

 

People race on a road near a spiral pedestrian bridge with a large pink sign saying “ASK YOUR HEROES FOR FORGIVENESS, NOT PERMISSION.” Modern buildings and a river are in the background under a blue sky—the perfect setting for morning runs in Austin or discovering some of the best running routes Austin has to offer. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K2. Auditorium Shores to Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge: Best for a Short Downtown Run

Want recognizable Austin running views without committing to a long route? Start at Auditorium Shores and follow the south-shore Butler Trail west toward Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge.

The combination of lakefront scenery and downtown buildings makes this a strong pick for visiting runners, an easy recovery morning, or anyone who needs a little visual motivation.

Route idea: Follow the waterfront trail to Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, take the accessible approach onto the bridge for a lake view, then retrace your route. Add another out-and-back section if you want more mileage.

Your total distance depends on where you enter Auditorium Shores and where you turn around, so use your watch or a mapped route rather than treating this as a fixed-distance loop.

Sunrise tip: Plan a brief pause on the bridge as the sky brightens. You don’t need a direct view of the sun itself to enjoy a good sunrise run.

Know before you go: This is shared public space, not a closed racecourse. Keep your effort easy around other trail users and leave room when passing.

 

A sunlit dirt path winds through a park with tall trees casting long shadows—one of the best running routes Austin has to offer. Green and yellow foliage surround the trail, and sunlight filters softly through the branches, creating an ideal setting for sunrise running trails. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K3. Western Butler Trail: Best for Lake Views with Shaded Stretches

If your ideal morning includes both waterfront scenery and some tree cover, head for the western portion of the Butler Trail.

The route between Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and the MoPac pedestrian crossing lets you spend your miles along Lady Bird Lake while moving through a mix of open and tree-lined sections. It’s a useful option when you want a longer outing without heading into the eastern lake crossings.

Route idea: Start at Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, follow the south-shore trail west, cross the lake at the MoPac pedestrian crossing, then follow the north-shore trail east and return across Pfluger.

Check the current official trail map for distance and navigation before setting out. The Trail Conservancy remeasured its routes in fall 2025, so older loop graphics and GPS totals may differ.

Sunrise tip: Choose this route for the changing morning light and varied scenery rather than an uninterrupted view of the eastern horizon.

Know before you go: Shade is partial and changes with the sun’s position. A shaded section can reduce direct sun exposure, but it cannot remove the risks of heat and humidity.

 

A person enjoys an Austin morning exercise, walking a small dog by a pond with a fountain in a park. In the background, people gather under a large, curved pavilion surrounded by trees. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K4. Mueller Lake Loop: Best for Beginners and Flexible Mileage

For a morning that’s more neighborhood lake than downtown skyline, try the loop at Girard Kinney Park, formerly Mueller Lake Park.

Mueller’s official park guide lists a loop trail around the lake, giving you a straightforward place to repeat laps, take walk breaks, or finish close to where you started.

Route idea: Begin on the lakeside loop and repeat it until you reach your planned time or distance. A 20- to 30-minute easy run is a simple starting point, with walking breaks whenever you need them.

Because you’re repeating a compact route rather than traveling farther from your starting point, it’s easier to shorten the workout if the morning already feels hot.

Sunrise tip: Enjoy the open-water setting as daylight arrives, but expect exposed stretches rather than continuous shade.

Know before you go: Check posted park hours and current access before planning a predawn start. Use the Mueller parks and trails guide if you want to explore connecting paths.

 

Close-up of a wall clock showing the time as 11:59, with the second hand near the 12. The clock face is white with black numbers, and the image is slightly tilted—serving as a timely reminder about running safety and how important it is to train safely, especially when every minute counts. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KWhat Time Should You Start a Sunrise Run in Austin?

Plan around the actual sunrise time for your running date, not a fixed year-round start time. Arriving about 20 to 30 minutes before sunrise can give you time to warm up and catch the changing light, provided the route is open and you’re equipped for darkness.

Early morning generally means less direct sun and lower temperatures than later in the day. It does not guarantee low humidity or safe running conditions.

Check the hourly forecast and heat alerts before leaving. On especially hot or humid mornings, shorten your route, reduce your effort, or move the workout indoors.

 

A person wearing a cap and sunglasses drinks water from a plastic bottle outdoors, with sunlight shining brightly in the background—demonstrating important running safety tips to train safely in heat. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5KHow to Run Before the Heat Without Overdoing It

The goal isn’t to squeeze in the most miles before breakfast. It’s to finish with enough energy to keep training consistently.

  • Run by effort, not your usual pace. Heat and humidity can make an easy pace feel harder.
  • Carry water. Use mapped fountains as potential refill points, not your only hydration plan.
  • Bring a light for dark sections. Don’t assume every trail segment is fully illuminated.
  • Wear sun protection. A sunrise start can still mean finishing in direct sunlight.
  • Keep a shorter route available. Out-and-backs and repeatable loops make it easier to adjust.
  • Take symptoms seriously. Stop and cool down if you develop dizziness, nausea, headache, or unusual weakness. Confusion or collapse can signal a medical emergency: call 911.

For more preparation advice, read our training tips for running in summer heat.

Check Trail Access Before Heading Out

Construction can change an otherwise familiar run. The Trail Conservancy currently lists a north-shore reroute near the Austin Rowing Club between Brazos and Trinity streets, scheduled from June 2026 through March 2027, along with I-35-related impacts.

Review the current trail detours and official maps and parking information before running. Follow posted signs, and confirm parking restrictions rather than assuming an early arrival means free or unrestricted parking.

Austin Sunrise Running FAQs

Where can I run at sunrise in Austin?

Good options include the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk, Auditorium Shores, the western Butler Trail, and Mueller’s lake loop. Choose the Boardwalk for open-water scenery, Auditorium Shores for downtown views, or Mueller for repeatable laps.

What is a good short morning run at Lady Bird Lake?

Try an out-and-back from Auditorium Shores toward Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, or start at a Boardwalk entrance and turn around halfway through your planned distance. Both approaches let you control mileage without completing a full lake loop.

What time does the Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk open?

The Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk opens at 5 a.m. and closes at midnight, according to the City of Austin and The Trail Conservancy. Check for temporary closures before visiting.

Are sunrise runs in Austin cooler?

Sunrise runs usually avoid the stronger sun and higher temperatures of later hours, but mornings can still be hot and humid. Check conditions, carry water, and adjust your workout rather than assuming an early start makes the heat harmless.

Which sunrise route is best for beginner runners?

Mueller’s lake loop is a useful choice because you can repeat laps and stop near your starting point. A short Lady Bird Lake out-and-back also works well because you decide when to turn around.

Start Early. Keep It Easy. Make It Yours.

Some mornings call for a longer loop. Others call for a few relaxed miles, a sunrise photo, and breakfast. Both have a place in your Austin Marathon training.

Pick a route that fits today’s effort, check the forecast, and leave room to adjust. Consistency matters more than forcing the miles when Austin turns up the heat.

Looking for more routes or people to share them with? Explore our Run Austin guide and make your next morning run part of something bigger.

Ascension Seton Austin Marathon Partners with Choice Made Travel as Official Hotel Booking Partner

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New partnership provides participants and groups with a simplified way to book accommodations for the 2027 event

 

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K announced today a new partnership with Choice Made Travel, naming the event housing company the Official Hotel Booking Partner for the 2027 event on Sunday, February 14.

Through the partnership, Austin Marathon participants, spectators, teams, and groups will have access to a streamlined hotel booking experience designed specifically around their event weekend needs. Choice Made Travel offers exclusive hotel pricing, convenient properties near the event, individual reservations, and custom room blocks for teams and organizations.

The new partnership is designed to make one of the biggest pieces of planning a trip to Austin easier. Through the Austin Marathon hotel booking portal, visitors can compare available properties and secure accommodations while having access to responsive support from the Choice Made Travel team.

“We know that for thousands of our participants, getting to the start line also means planning an entire trip to Austin,” said Megan Frausto, Strategic Partnership Manager of the Austin Marathon. “Partnering with Choice Made Travel gives our participants a simple and reliable resource for finding accommodations that fit their plans. We want the entire Austin Marathon experience, from booking a hotel to crossing the finish line, to be as seamless and memorable as possible.”

Founded by event and experiential operators, Choice Made Travel specializes in housing solutions for large-scale events, conferences, tournaments, and group travel. Its approach combines an intuitive booking platform with hands-on support, giving both individual travelers and larger groups greater flexibility when managing their accommodations.

“We’re incredibly proud to support the Austin Marathon, helping participants and their families enjoy a seamless travel experience from booking through race weekend.” Said Sarah Woller, Head of Event Management with CMT.

The partnership also provides options for teams, run clubs, and other organizations traveling together. Groups can request custom room blocks through the Austin Marathon booking portal, while individual participants can choose from hotel options that put them close to the start line, finish line, and downtown Austin.

The 2027 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K will take place Sunday, February 14, 2027. The event brings runners from across the United States and around the world to experience Austin on foot, with a course featuring the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks, live music throughout the route, and a downtown finish near the Texas State Capitol.

Participants and spectators can explore available hotels and book their stay through the official Austin Marathon hotel page at youraustinmarathon.com/hotels-info/.

 

 

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 Choice Made Travel: Choice Made Travel (CMT) is an event housing and travel partner specializing in hotel sourcing, room management, reservations and support for sporting events and group travel. Founded in 2025 as part of Choice Sports Holdings, CMT combines hospitality expertise, technology, and personalized service to create a transparent and connected experience for event organizers, hotels and guests.