Austin Marathon Rules and Violations Enforcement Policy

Zero Tolerance Policy

The Austin Marathon is committed to maintaining a safe, fair, and enjoyable race for everyone. We have adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy for bib muling, banditing, and the use of unauthorized vehicles on the course. Violators will face immediate removal from the course,  disqualification, and be banned from future Austin Marathon events. 

1. Bib Muling

  • Running with someone else’s bib or race entry. This compromises results and safety if emergency responders can’t match the runner to their information.

2. Banditing

  • Participating in the race without registering or paying, causing overcrowding, depleting resources, and being unfair to registered participants.  Even doing only a portion of the course without using an aid station is still banditing and stealing from the race.

3. Unauthorized Vehicles on Course

  • Using unauthorized vehicles like bicycles, e-bikes, or scooters, which pose safety hazards and disrupt the race for participants.  

4. Course-Cutting

  • Skipping parts of the course to achieve a faster time, which undermines the integrity of the race and the fairness of competition.

Additional Violations

Breaking the following rules or repeated infractions may lead to loss of eligibility for awards, disqualification, or future event suspensions:

  1. Strollers (5K Only): Strollers are permitted in the 5K but not in the marathon or half marathon.
  2. Starting in the Wrong Wave: Follow your assigned wave to avoid disrupting the race flow and timing. You can move back but not forward in corrals. 
  3. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Harassment or disrespect toward others undermines the community spirit of the event.
  4. No Pets on the Course: Pets are prohibited on the race course. 
  5. Headphone Use: Headphones are allowed, but participants must stay alert to their surroundings and instructions.
  6. Littering: Dispose of waste in designated areas to maintain a clean race environment.

In some cases, participants with violations may also be allowed to volunteer at future events or assist with race-related activities to lift any imposed bans. This requirement allows individuals an opportunity to give back to the community they impacted, while reinforcing the importance of fair play and community respect.