Every February, Austin transforms into a stage, a street party, and a celebration of human endurance. The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K isn’t just a race. It’s a mega-production powered by thousands of people, intricate logistics, and one unforgettable finish line experience.
Let’s pull back the curtain and dive into the bold numbers behind this iconic event.
The People Behind the Miles
25,000 Participants
From local legends to international athletes, runners from over 50 countries take on Austin’s vibrant course.
3,000 Volunteers
These community heroes do it all: set-up, water stations, medals, and morale boosts at every mile.
12 Full-Time Staff + 80 Part-Time Staff
Planning doesn’t happen overnight. Our year-round team logged more than 30,000 hours throughout the year to make the marathon magic happen. Part time staff clocking in over 3,000 hours race weekend alone.
Entertainment: Miles of Music and Party Vibes
27 Live Bands = 162 Hours of Live Music
From the course to the Finish Line headliners these local musicians clocked in some tunes on race day. From high-energy rock to soul and local funk, every mile sounds as good as it feels.
Congress Avenue Finisher Festival
The party doesn’t end at the finish line. Our Finisher Festival spans 3 full city blocks with food, drinks, music, and interactive experiences for all. The beer garden served over 8,000 drinks.
70,000 Square Feet of Expo Space
The excitement starts early at our Health & Fitness Expo at Palmer Event Center, featuring more than 100 exhibitors with the latest in running gear, wellness, and recovery.
The Wild Side of Race Day Logistics
3.5 Miles of Fencing
Longer than the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, really.
8,500 Traffic Cones
Austin roads get a full transformation to welcome runners safely and stylishly.
40,000 Zip Ties
If it’s standing, there’s probably a zip tie behind it.
428 Portable Toilets
Strategically placed to keep relief within reach, no matter where you are.
450,000 Compostable Cups + 15,000 Gallons of Water
Staying hydrated never looked so sustainable.
608 Tables
Aid stations, check-in booths, hydration stops—each one essential, each one ready.
The Impact: When a Race Lifts a City
$5.5 Million Raised for Charity
From healthcare to housing, local and national causes benefit from every mile run.
$62 Million Economic Impact
Hotels, restaurants, rideshares, and retail all thrive during race week—powered by you.
Why It Matters
The Austin Marathon is more than a race. It’s a logistical marvel, a cultural celebration, and a powerful force for good in the city and beyond. Whether you’re racing, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something big.
One race. 25,000 runners. And a million reasons to be proud.
Run Austin®. Be part of the Running Social Event of the Year.
Our Favorite Training Apps to Help You Crush the Austin Marathon
in Blog post, Running Routes, Tips, Training Advice, Training PlansHey runners! Whether you’re gearing up for your first Austin Marathon or chasing a shiny new PR, the right training app can seriously level up your game. We’ve rounded up our top training apps that keep workouts fun, effective, and perfectly tuned to help you confidently cross the Austin Marathon finish line.
1. Strava: Your Social Running Companion
If you run it but don’t Strava it, did it really happen? Strava is a favorite among runners everywhere, combining social media with excellent tracking features.
2. Nike Run Club: Personal Coaching at Your Fingertips
Nike Run Club offers personalized training plans that adjust based on your progress and goals. Whether you’re preparing for your first Austin Marathon or aiming to speed up, Nike’s got your back.
3. Runkeeper: Simple (Yet Powerful) Training Tracker
Runkeeper helps you effortlessly track your runs, set clear goals, and monitor progress, making it perfect for runners who prefer keeping things simple yet effective.
4. MapMyRun: The Ultimate Route Planner
Brought to you by Under Armour, MapMyRun helps you find, plan, and track your runs with pinpoint precision.
5. Garmin Connect: Ideal for the Data-Driven Runner
If diving deep into stats gets your heart racing, Garmin Connect seamlessly pairs with Garmin watches, unlocking advanced running metrics.
How to Choose the Best App for Your Austin Marathon Journey
When picking the perfect training app for your Austin Marathon prep, keep these factors in mind:
Your Austin Marathon Training Just Got Easier (and More Fun!)
There you have it, Austin runners—our favorite training apps, designed to elevate your Austin Marathon preparation. No matter your running style or goals, there’s an app here to help you finish strong, smiling, and proud!
See you on the roads, Austin. Happy training and we can’t wait to cheer for you on marathon day!
Austin Marathon by the Numbers: Behind the Scenes of a Citywide Celebration
in Blog postEvery February, Austin transforms into a stage, a street party, and a celebration of human endurance. The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K isn’t just a race. It’s a mega-production powered by thousands of people, intricate logistics, and one unforgettable finish line experience.
Let’s pull back the curtain and dive into the bold numbers behind this iconic event.
The People Behind the Miles
25,000 Participants
From local legends to international athletes, runners from over 50 countries take on Austin’s vibrant course.
3,000 Volunteers
These community heroes do it all: set-up, water stations, medals, and morale boosts at every mile.
12 Full-Time Staff + 80 Part-Time Staff
Planning doesn’t happen overnight. Our year-round team logged more than 30,000 hours throughout the year to make the marathon magic happen. Part time staff clocking in over 3,000 hours race weekend alone.
Entertainment: Miles of Music and Party Vibes
27 Live Bands = 162 Hours of Live Music
From the course to the Finish Line headliners these local musicians clocked in some tunes on race day. From high-energy rock to soul and local funk, every mile sounds as good as it feels.
Congress Avenue Finisher Festival
The party doesn’t end at the finish line. Our Finisher Festival spans 3 full city blocks with food, drinks, music, and interactive experiences for all. The beer garden served over 8,000 drinks.
70,000 Square Feet of Expo Space
The excitement starts early at our Health & Fitness Expo at Palmer Event Center, featuring more than 100 exhibitors with the latest in running gear, wellness, and recovery.
The Wild Side of Race Day Logistics
3.5 Miles of Fencing
Longer than the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, really.
8,500 Traffic Cones
Austin roads get a full transformation to welcome runners safely and stylishly.
40,000 Zip Ties
If it’s standing, there’s probably a zip tie behind it.
428 Portable Toilets
Strategically placed to keep relief within reach, no matter where you are.
450,000 Compostable Cups + 15,000 Gallons of Water
Staying hydrated never looked so sustainable.
608 Tables
Aid stations, check-in booths, hydration stops—each one essential, each one ready.
The Impact: When a Race Lifts a City
$5.5 Million Raised for Charity
From healthcare to housing, local and national causes benefit from every mile run.
$62 Million Economic Impact
Hotels, restaurants, rideshares, and retail all thrive during race week—powered by you.
Why It Matters
The Austin Marathon is more than a race. It’s a logistical marvel, a cultural celebration, and a powerful force for good in the city and beyond. Whether you’re racing, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something big.
One race. 25,000 runners. And a million reasons to be proud.
Run Austin®. Be part of the Running Social Event of the Year.
Best Carb-Loading Restaurants in Austin
in Blog postWhether you’re prepping for the Austin Marathon’s full 26.2 miles or the energetic 5K, proper carb loading is crucial. Luckily, Austin boasts incredible dining options, from traditional Italian fare to hearty Tex-Mex favorites.
Here are Austin’s top spots to help fuel your race-day success:
1. Enoteca Vespaio
Neighborhood: Downtown/South Congress
Why We Love It: Chef Michael Fojtasek’s pasta haven serves house-made pappardelle Bolognese and authentic cacio e pepe, perfect for glycogen replenishment. Don’t skip the fresh focaccia!
Top Tip: Opt for a half portion the night before your training run, then double up before race day.
Neighborhood: South Lamar
Why We Love It: Famous for its wood-fired pizzas with locally milled flour and slow-fermented dough. Try the Margherita or Funghi pizza to energize your run.
Top Tip: Enhance your carbs with protein and healthy fats by adding creamy burrata.
3. North Italia
Neighborhood: Domain NORTHSIDE & The Arboretum
Why We Love It: Offers customizable pasta dishes ideal for managing carb intake. Favorites include butternut squash ravioli and freshly baked herb focaccia.
Top Tip: Use the “Build Your Own Pasta” to tailor your perfect pre-race meal.
4.Patrizi’s
Neighborhood: Cherrywood
Why We Love It: Authentic Italian dishes served from a popular food truck location. Their handmade pasta dishes, such as Carbonara Alexandra and classic spaghetti with meatballs, offer perfect race-day fuel.
Top Tip: Visit early or order online to skip the lines at this beloved local spot.
Neighborhood: East Austin, South Austin, & North Loop
Why We Love It: Creative toppings meet New York-style crust. Try the “Spinach & Ricotta” pizza—nutrient-rich and ultra-carb-loaded.
Top Tip: Add an arugula salad to balance your meal with extra greens.
6. La Traviata
Neighborhood: South Congress
Why We Love It: Classic, comforting Italian dishes like lasagna and penne alla vodka make carb-loading enjoyable in a warm, family-style atmosphere.
Top Tip: Pair your pasta with a refreshing pitcher of sangria to enjoy hydration with flavor.
Neighborhood: Multiple Locations
Why We Love It: Flour tortillas, hearty enchiladas, and beans offer delicious Tex-Mex carb-loading options.
Top Tip: Choose chicken enchiladas with rice and beans for balanced macros and energy.
Carb-Loading Tips for Runners
Timing Matters
Begin carb-loading 2–3 days before your race while tapering your training intensity. Spread carbs evenly to avoid bloating.
Combine Carb Types
Mix simple carbs (white bread, pasta) with complex carbs (brown rice, whole-grain breads) for sustained energy.
Stay Hydrated
Carbs store water in muscles. Drink fluids throughout the day, adding electrolytes for optimal hydration.
Monitor Portions
Aim for 7–10 grams of carbs per kilogram of your body weight per day. For personalized advice, consult a sports dietitian.
Fuel your best race yet with these Austin carb-loading gems! Visit, enjoy, and share your favorite spots with us. Tag @AustinMarathon on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our Stories. 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Where to Watch Live Music in Austin: Best Spots Before or After Your Run!
in Blog postAustin, Texas isn’t just famous for its vibrant running culture; it’s also celebrated as the Live Music Capital of the World. Whether you’re gearing up for the Austin Marathon, relaxing pre-race, or celebrating your finish line triumph, Austin offers countless venues to enjoy unforgettable live music experiences.
Here’s your guide to the best Austin music venues to check out during your marathon weekend:
🏟️ Legendary Austin Music Venues You Must Visit
1. The Continental Club (South Congress)
Experience Austin’s music history firsthand at this iconic venue, showcasing legends from Stevie Ray Vaughan to rising honky-tonk stars. The intimate setting is ideal for soaking up live music vibes post-race.
2. Antone’s Nightclub (Downtown)
Dubbed the “Home of the Blues,” Antone’s is a staple for Texas soul and blues enthusiasts. Celebrate your marathon achievement with smooth guitar riffs and classic Austin atmosphere.
3. Mohawk (Red River Cultural District)
Known for its eclectic lineup and rooftop ambiance, Mohawk hosts local indie acts and international bands. Perfect for runners craving vibrant energy and great music.
🎤 Local Favorites: Neighborhood Music Gems for Runners
4. C-Boy’s Heart & Soul (South Congress)
This retro lounge pairs perfectly with a post-run brunch. Relax and recover with soul, funk, and R&B vibes in a charming two-story setting.
5. Radio Coffee & Beer (South Austin)
Combine your caffeine fix with live bluegrass tunes on the back patio. Ideal for marathoners looking to unwind with food trucks, beer, and coffee.
6. Hole in the Wall (University of Texas Campus)
Authentic and gritty, this iconic venue has launched many Austin musicians. Perfect for runners who appreciate unpretentious charm and great live music.
🥳 Top Picks for Celebrating Your Race Finish
7. ACL Live at The Moody Theater (Downtown)
Celebrate your race in style at this top-tier venue, hosting major acts in a premier setting. A memorable post-marathon treat!
8. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q & Waller Creek Amphitheater (Red River)
Enjoy Austin’s legendary BBQ paired with live music ranging from Sunday Gospel Brunch to rock concerts—a satisfying way to refuel and relax.
9. Hotel Vegas (East Austin)
Known for its gritty charm and unpredictable energy, this venue attracts the artsy East Austin crowd. End your marathon weekend on an unforgettable high note.
🎧 Austin Marathon Training Playlist Inspiration
Before you hit Austin’s streets, get inspired by local artists featured at these iconic venues. Add tracks from Gary Clark Jr., Shakey Graves, Black Pumas, and Jackie Venson to your running playlist and let the city’s vibrant musical spirit energize your run.
🎽 Music Meets Miles at the Austin Marathon
The Austin Marathon is not just a race—it’s a musical journey through one of America’s most vibrant cities. With bands performing along the route and a city-wide celebration, Austin’s live music provides the perfect soundtrack for your race day.
Share Your Austin Music Experience! Have a favorite music venue or moment from the Austin Marathon weekend? Tag us with your stories!