Austin Marathon Turns Up the Volume with Live Bands on Course

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Runners will experience the sounds of Austin as local musicians bring The Live Music Capital of the World to the 2026 Event

The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is turning up the energy once again, announcing local bands that will perform live along the course at its 35th Anniversary on Sunday, February 15, 2026. From start to finish, runners will be powered by the rhythm and soul of Austin’s music scene as they make their way through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

“Live music is the heart of what makes the Austin Marathon so special,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “The incredible talent and variety of Austin musicians not only keep our runners motivated but also showcase exactly why this city is known as The Live Music Capital of the World.”

The 2026 on-course lineup includes a diverse mix of genres and sounds, ensuring every mile offers something new to inspire runners and spectators alike. Performers include Woode Wood, Claude 9, Ruthie Craft & The Conundrums, Brian MacLeod, Grupo Massa, The 4411, Henry Invisible, Inside Out Steel Band, Atlas Maior, Everett Wren, Nathan Harlan, Austin Takio, San Saba County, Kupira Marimba, the University Baptist Church Choir, Shirley Johnson, Stove Top Rangers, Sammy Foster Bucket Drummers, and DJ JahKarma, among others.

Music bookings for the Austin Marathon are curated by Jeff Strange of StrangeTribe Productions, continuing a long-standing partnership that brings authentic Austin sound to one of the city’s most beloved annual events.

“I’m proud to be the talent buyer for such a great event.” said Jeff Strange, owner of StrangeTribe Productions. “Music is the heartbeat of Austin, and at the Austin Marathon it powers every mile, with local talent turning the course into a moving celebration of the city.” 

The Austin Marathon weekend kicks off with the Health & Fitness Expo at the Palmer Events Center on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14. The Marathon and Half Marathon begin at 7:00 AM on Sunday, February 15 at 2nd Street and Congress Avenue, followed by the 5K at 7:45 AM. All three distances finish in front of the Texas State Capitol, where runners will celebrate with live music, local food, and an unforgettable Austin atmosphere.

For more information and to see where each band will perform on course, visit 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.

How to Pace Your Austin Marathon or Half Marathon

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Running the Austin Marathon or Half Marathon is an exciting challenge, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned runner. One of the most important factors for a successful race day is pacing. Here’s how you can pace yourself for the best experience and results on Austin’s unique course.

1. Know the Course

Austin’s course is known for its rolling hills, scenic downtown views, and enthusiastic crowd support. Study the course map ahead of time and note where the hills and flat sections are. Plan to conserve energy on the uphills and take advantage of the downhills.

2. Set a Realistic Goal

Base your goal pace on your recent training runs and races. Use a pace calculator to estimate your finish time, and be honest about your fitness level. Remember, Austin’s hills can slow you down, so factor that into your goal.

3. Start Slow

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement at the start line, but going out too fast can lead to burnout later. Aim to run the first few miles slightly slower than your goal pace. This will help you conserve energy for the tougher miles ahead.

4. Use Mile Markers and Splits

Break the race into smaller segments. Focus on reaching each mile marker at your planned split time. Many runners use a GPS watch or a pace band to stay on track. If you fall behind, don’t panic—adjust your pace gradually rather than trying to make up all the time at once.

5. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how you feel throughout the race. If you’re breathing too hard or your legs feel heavy early on, slow down. Hydrate at aid stations and take in nutrition as you’ve practiced during training.

6. Adjust for the Weather

Austin weather can be unpredictable in February. If it’s warmer or more humid than expected, slow your pace slightly to avoid overheating. Dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.

7. Finish Strong

If you’ve paced yourself well, you’ll have energy left for the final miles. Use the crowd’s energy as you approach the finish line and give it your all in the last stretch.

Final Tips

  • Practice your goal pace during training runs.
  • Don’t try anything new on race day—stick to your tried-and-true gear and nutrition.
  • Enjoy the experience and celebrate your accomplishment!

Pacing is both an art and a science. With preparation and smart strategy, you’ll cross the Austin Marathon or Half Marathon finish line feeling strong and proud.

Building Mental Toughness for Marathon Day

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Running a marathon is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. While months of training prepare your body for the 26.2 miles ahead, it’s your mind that will carry you through the toughest moments on race day. Here’s how you can build the mental toughness needed to conquer the Austin Marathon.

 

1. Embrace the Training Journey
Mental strength starts long before race day. Every early morning run, every tough workout, and every setback is an opportunity to strengthen your resolve. Celebrate small victories and learn from challenges. Remind yourself why you started and keep your goals front and center.

 

2. Visualize Success
Spend time visualizing yourself crossing the finish line, powering through the final miles, and overcoming obstacles. Picture the course, the crowds, and the feeling of accomplishment. Visualization helps prepare your mind for the highs and lows of race day.

 

3. Develop a Mantra
A simple, powerful phrase can help you refocus when the going gets tough. Whether it’s “one step at a time,” “strong and steady,” or “I’ve got this,” repeat your mantra when you need a mental boost.

 

4. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” tell yourself, “I am prepared,” or “I am strong.” Positive self-talk can help you push through moments of doubt and fatigue.

 

5. Break the Race into Sections
Thinking about the entire marathon can be overwhelming. Break the race into smaller, manageable segments—miles, landmarks, or aid stations. Focus on reaching the next checkpoint rather than the finish line.

 

6. Prepare for the Tough Moments
Every marathon has its challenging stretches. Anticipate the tough miles and have a plan for how you’ll handle them. Whether it’s slowing your pace, focusing on your breathing, or drawing energy from the crowd, being prepared will help you stay strong.

 

7. Remember Your Why
When you hit a wall, remember why you signed up for the Austin Marathon. Whether it’s for a cause, personal achievement, or the love of running, reconnecting with your motivation can help you push through.

 

8. Trust Your Training
On race day, trust the work you’ve put in. You’ve prepared your body and mind for this moment. Believe in yourself and enjoy the journey through Austin’s vibrant streets.

 

Final Thoughts
Building mental toughness is a process that pays off not just on marathon day, but in every aspect of life. Stay positive, stay focused, and remember—you are stronger than you think. See you at the finish line!

Avoiding Overtraining as Mileage Peaks

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As the Austin Marathon approaches and your weekly mileage climbs, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and push your limits. However, overtraining can quickly derail your progress and increase your risk of injury. Here’s how to recognize the signs of overtraining and keep your body healthy as you peak in your training cycle.

 

A man in a white t-shirt and plaid pajama pants sits on a bed, leaning forward with one hand on his forehead and a pained expression, capturing the struggle to overcome a training slump. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K1. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to persistent fatigue, soreness that doesn’t go away, trouble sleeping, or a drop in performance. These are all warning signs that you may be overtraining. Don’t ignore them—rest and recovery are just as important as your workouts.

 

2. Prioritize Recovery

Incorporate rest days and active recovery into your schedule. Activities like yoga, swimming, or easy cycling can help your muscles recover while keeping you moving. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and fueling your body with nutritious foods.

 

An open notebook with a grid pattern displays a handwritten, two-week workout plan, perfect for a beginner runner. Days of the week are listed, and a hand holding a pen is poised over the page, ready to fill in this runner checklist. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K3. Adjust Your Training Plan

If you’re feeling run down, don’t be afraid to scale back your mileage or intensity. It’s better to arrive at the starting line healthy than to risk injury by pushing too hard. Consult with your coach or use a flexible training plan that allows for adjustments based on how you feel.

 

A woman wearing a helmet rides a mountain bike on a gravel path, surrounded by green grass and wildflowers, with tall mountains and a blue sky in the background—embracing injury prevention strategies for the long haul. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K4. Cross-Train and Strengthen

Adding cross-training and strength workouts can help balance your body and prevent overuse injuries. Focus on core strength, mobility, and stability to support your running.

 

A 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 & 5K5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Proper hydration and nutrition are key to recovery and performance. Make sure you’re eating enough to support your increased mileage, and don’t neglect electrolytes, especially during long runs in Austin’s unpredictable weather.

 

6. Trust the TaperA woman in a red tank top and black leggings is running on a paved road lined with green trees, preparing her mind for race day under the clear sky. Austin Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

As race day nears, your training plan will likely include a taper period where mileage decreases. Trust this process—it allows your body to recover and prepare for peak performance on marathon day.

 

Final Thoughts
Training for the Austin Marathon is a journey, and avoiding overtraining is crucial for making it to the finish line strong and healthy. Listen to your body, prioritize recovery, and remember that rest is a vital part of your success. Good luck, and see you at the starting line!