Welcome to the 2026 Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K!
The countdown is on for one of the most iconic race weekends of the year! Whether you’re tackling the full marathon, half marathon, or 5K, the 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon is more than just a race, it’s an unforgettable celebration of community, determination, and achievement.
This guide is designed to help you navigate every step of your race weekend journey. From pre-race logistics and parking tips to race-day schedules and post-race festivities, we’ve gathered all the information you need to feel prepared and excited for the big day.
What’s Inside?
- Key race weekend details, including start times and locations.
- Course highlights and spectator tips for cheering zones.
- Information on the Expo and Packet Pick-Up.
- Post-race festivities, including live music and photo opportunities.
Need Assistance?
We’re here to help! For additional details, visit our website, or reach out to our support team via email or live chat (just click the chat icon on our site).
Get ready to soak in the energy of Austin, push your limits, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s make the 2026 Austin Marathon an experience to remember!
When:
Friday, February 13, 2026 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, February 14, 2026 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pro Tip: Remember, the first hour of both days is always the busiest time, so consider coming after.
The 2026 Marathon Health & Fitness Expo will have more than 100 vendors selling and showcasing all sorts of goodies. See everything you don’t want to miss at the Expo and be sure to bring your old running shoes to donate in support of Ascension Seton Dell Children’s
Boo Jam here, swooping in with a friendly reminder for all our runners with mini cheerleaders in tow. 🏃♂️👨👩👧👦
We’re batty about families adding to the fun at our expo, but it’s designed with a grown-up vibe in mind. While kiddos are welcome, we’re counting on you to keep an eye on them and ensure we’re all sharing the space in a way that respects other runners and our awesome exhibitors.
Where:
Palmer Event Center
900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
What You Need To Bring:
- Photo ID
- Bib Number – this will be emailed to you and there will also be QR codes that you can scan on-site to look up your bib number, or click here.
Parking in the Palmer Event Center garage is available for $7.00, starting 30 minutes before the expo opens. You have to mention you’re there for the packet pick-up. There is also street parking available close by at Butler & Auditorium Shores Park.
Gear Bags
Gear bags will be available for pick up at the Gear Bag tent located on W. 7th St., between Congress Ave. and Colorado St. If you plan on dropping gear please plan on extra time to drop your bag.
We will not accept any other bags. Be sure your bib number is printed as largely and clearly as possible on the bag before you turn it into Gear Check.
Race Day Parking
Parking in the downtown area within walking distance of the start and finish lines is plentiful. There are numerous free and paid parking garages and surface lots as well as free on-street parking downtown. On-street metered spots are free of charge on Sundays.
Parking garages around the Finish/Start Line area are:
- State Garage A, B, F, G and N.*
- Austin City Hall
- Texas Capitol Visitors Parking*
All these locations can be found on google maps.
*State garages may begin charging a parking fee by late morning due to events at Moody Center.
Plan to arrive at least 45 – 30 minutes before your start time. Review more parking tips.
Parking on the west side of downtown is advised if you plan on leaving while the fulll marathon is still taking place.
Start Corrals
These times indicate when participants should be in their corrals.
Elites and Wave A will go for a 7 AM start. Waves B-D must be in their starting location by 7 AM and will start on a interval basis.
Waves A-D pre-load starting at 6M. Waves E-L will start on a rolling basis. Please be close by and ready to start 5 minutes before the time listed.
All Marathon participants must start in corrals A, B, C, or D, or they will be at risk of missing the 10:35 a.m. cut-off time at Mile 12.3.
The Half Marathon start line will officially close at 8:20 a.m.
The 5K start line corral will open at 8:30 a.m. at Congress Ave. & 3rd St. All participants in the 5K will start at 8:40 a.m.
Course Review
Interactive Course Map on Google Maps
Start Line: 2nd & Congess Ave
Finish Line: 9th & Congress Ave.
Aid Stations:
Will be stocked with water, lemon lime electrolyte hydration, medical, and restrooms with hand sanitizer stands.
Energy Zone: Located at Mile 9.9 and Mile 19.5
BPN Go Gels will be available in the following flavors:
- Apple Cinnamon
- Mixed Berry (Caffeinated)
Pacers:
There will be pace groups for the following times: 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:20, 4:35, 4:50. Pace group 3:00 will run on gun time, the rest will run based on chip time. Meet the Pace Team!
Spectators:
Spectators are welcome along the whole 26.2 course. Every cheer, every clap, and every encouraging word you offer can profoundly impact the runners’ spirits. Read our blog that reviews some prime locations for spectators to cheer from.
Athlete Tracking
Athlete tracking is live! We will update the database periodically between now and race day so if just registered you might not show up right away.
Track in Web Browser | Tracking Mobile App
Just a heads-up: results may be adjusted after the race due to timing updates or contested outcomes. Final results could take up to a week to be certified. Participants will have until Wednesday, February 18th to submit changes. If you have questions about your time or spot something that doesn’t look right, reach out to our timing team at results@runfarusa.com
Award & Nameplates
There will be no in-person awards ceremony for this event.
If a runner needs a timing review or would like to submit a timing dispute, they can do so through Wednesday, February 18.
Once all results have been reviewed and verified, the top three finishers in each category will be contacted by email around Monday, February 23. Winners will be asked to confirm their mailing address, and all awards will be mailed after confirmation.
Personalized nameplates will be ordered after the official results are finalized. These take 3–4 weeks to produce, and shipping time may vary depending on location.
Live Coverage & Finisher Videos
Smile for the Camera!!
Get up early and grab your coffee — because you don’t want to miss a minute of the live coverage FloTrack!
Marathon running is an incredible feat of strength, endurance, and courage. But for the elite athletes at the top? That’s something else entirely! Experience every second as these world-class runners take on the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon to prove their mettle in front of thousands.
Finisher Photos
FinisherPix is proud to be the official race photographer for the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. Their skilled photographers will be strategically placed along the course and at the finish line, ready to capture every memorable moment as you run, cheer, and celebrate your race-day achievements.
Finish Line Festival
Cross the finish line and step into the recovery at the Finish Line Festival! Revel in the post-race celebration with interactive art, live music from Austin favorites, and exclusive giveaways. Give your body a refresh at the Recovery Zone, ring the PR Gong, shoot hoops with the Spurs, and savor a world of flavors from local food trucks.
Participants 21+ can enjoy this year’s Meanwhile beer garden! Celebrate your accomplishment with a refreshing Darlin or Hopwater from Meanwhile. You earned it!
Read about all the fun stuff that will be going on!
Best Pricing For Next Year!
Why Register Now?
- Best Pricing: Secure your spot at the lowest rate available – once it’s gone, it’s gone!
- Peace of Mind: Cross one more thing off your 2026 to-do list.
- Join the Community: Be part of a vibrant group of runners who share your passion.
Don’t miss out on this chance to make your marathon dreams come true at an unbeatable price. This offer is strictly limited, so act fast to secure your spot at the starting line!
COMING SOON! Early bird pricing for the 2027 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K.
Other Commonly Asked Questions
Am I allowed to wear headphones during the race?
Yes, amateur runners are permitted to run with music. USA TRACK & FIELD, the governing body of running events, amended the rule prohibiting headphones to allow them in non-championship events.
It is very important that you remain aware of your surroundings while running.
Can I push a stroller?
Stollers are only permitted on the 5K course.
Can I run with my dog?
We wish we could allow it, but, no, animals are not permitted on the run course.
Are there course cut-offs?
The Austin Marathon time limits are set to provide the safest and most positive race day experience. Participants in all distances will need to be able to maintain the average pace per mile to stay ahead of the streets being re-opened.
Austin Marathon = 16 minute pace (7 hours)
Austin Half Marathon = 18 minute pace (4 hours)
5K = 19 minute pace (1 hour)
