Run Austin® 2026 Registration Launches May 12 with Exclusive Weeklong Incentives

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2026 Race Registration Opens with Special Offers During Run Austin® Launch Week

AUSTIN, Texas, May 5, 2025 —  Registration for the 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K® and the 2026 Austin International Half officially opens on Monday, May 12, 2025, kicking off a high-energy Run Austin® Launch Week celebration. From giveaways and local group runs to exclusive promotions and social events, runners can expect a full week dedicated to building the hype for Austin’s most iconic running events. In the spirit of giving back, registrations during Launch Week will also support the Run Forward Initiative. For each entry purchased, Austin Marathon will donate a free race entry to a runner in need for up to 500 entries. 

Runners from around the world are expected to take to the streets of downtown Austin for two of the city’s premier racing events: the 2026 Austin International Half Marathon, set for Sunday, January 18 and the 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, returning on Sunday, February 15.

“Launch Week is when the magic starts,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events, producers of the Austin Marathon and Austin International Half. “It’s about building momentum, connecting the running community, and creating something bigger than race day itself. Whether you’re chasing a PR or crossing your first-ever finish line, Launch Week is your invitation to get started.”

Throughout the week, runners can look forward to daily giveaways, exclusive offers, local group runs, and pop-up meetups featuring prizes and swag. Follow @AustinMarathon & @AustinInternationalHalf on Instagram for daily updates and behind-the-scenes fun. To get in on every deal and giveaway, be sure to join the mailing list for both events here & here.

The following is the list of activities during Launch Week:

Monday, May 12th

  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 3 One on One Virtual Training Plans from The Run Plan  
  • Register to be entered to win 1 of 3 BPN Endurance Stacks.
  • Group Runs:
    • 7:00 AM GOOD GRiEF Running at Noble Joe’s Coffee – 1620 E Riverside Dr
    • 6:00 PM Austin Tri Club at Mean Eyed Cat – 1621 W 5th St
    • 6:30 PM Change Run Club at Aussie’s Grill & Beach Bar – 312 Barton Springs Rd

Tuesday, May 13th

  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 10 SPIbelts.
  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 3 Race Photo Packages from FinisherPix.
  • Group Runs:
    • 6:00 AM Morning Jo’s at Jo’s Coffee – 1300 S Congress Ave
    • 7:00 PM RAW Running – Mean Eyed Cat 1621 W 5th St

Wednesday, May 14th

  • Register and be entered to win a Paramount Theatre Summer Film Package.
  • Group Runs:
    • 6:30 PM Cooldown Running at Barton Springs Saloon – 424 S Lamar Blvd.
    • 7:00 PM Body Art Run Club at Lift ATX – 1005 Springdale Rd Unit 3

Thursday, May 15th

  • Register and be entered to win a pair of tickets to Blast.TV Major 2025 on June 19th at the Moody Center courtesy of Austin Sports Commission. 
  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 2 Spurs ticket package giveaways: 1 pair of courtside Austin Spurs game tickets + a custom jersey  and 1 pair of lower-level San Antonio Spurs game tickets + a custom jersey courtesy of the Spurs Sports and Entertainment. 
  • Groups Runs:
    • 5:55 AM Sunrise Track Club under MoPac Bridge – 2102 Stephen F Austin Dr.

Friday, May 16th

  • Register to be entered to win 1 of 3 Fleet Feet RUN AUSTIN prize packages 
  • Group Runs:
    • 6:30 AM Fleet Feet Social Run at 211 Walter Seaholm Dr

Saturday, May 17th  

  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 2 pairs of entries to the Maudie’s Moonlight Run benefiting The Trail Conservancy on June 5th. 
  • Group Runs:
    • 5:00 AM Rise & Run South Austin at the Salty Donut – 2000 S Congress Ave. 
    • 5:45 AM Gilbert’s Gazelles in the plaza across from Mañana Dos – 111 Sandra Muraida Way
    • 7:00 AM ATX Runners at the Lady Bird Lake Trail 0 mile marker – 676 W Riverside Dr
    • 7:00 AM Saturday Run Club at Champion Park – 3830 Brushy Creek Rd
    • 7:00 AM Team FX Sunrise in the Hills at Muleshore – 2820 County Road 414, Spicewood
    • 7:00 AM Twenty-Six Two Marathon Club at JLL Plaza – 1703 West 5th St
    • 8:00 AM Euphoria Run Club at Noble Joe’s Coffee – 1620 E Riverside Dr
    • 8:00 AM Phoenix Rising Running at Austin High School – 1715 W Cesar Chavez St
    • 9:00 AM 39ERS at Padel39 – 2510 Rutland Dr

Sunday, May 18th

  • Register and be entered to win 1 of 3 Fogo de Chao $150 gift cards.
  • Group Runs:
    • 6:00 AM Buda Running Club 214 Main Street, Buda
    • 7:30 AM ATX Run Divas at Cosmic Saltillo – 1300 E 4th St
    • 7:30 AM Rise & Run South Austin at Opa! Coffee and Wine – 2050 S Lamar Blvd
    • 8:00 AM Plant Powered Athlete at Vegan Nom Food Park – 2324 E Cesar Chavez St

Monday, May 19th

  • Register and be entered to win 2 tickets to an ACL Live show of your choice courtesy of PNC Bank.
  • Group Runs:
    • 7:00 AM GOOD GRiEF Running at Noble Joe’s Coffee – 1620 E Riverside Dr
    • 6:00 PM Austin Tri Club at Mean Eyed Cat – 1621 W 5th St
    • 6:30 PM Change Run Club at ATX AKtIV – 2307 Thornton Road

Everyone who registers during launch week will also have the option to select a Combo Deal with %10 off Austin International Half & Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K.

The initial pricing structure is offered during Launch Week of May 12-19 and is as follows: Austin Marathon $139, Austin Half Marathon $119, Austin Marathon 5K $59. Registration is available here. During Launch Week, participants will also have the option to add the 2026 Austin International Half —for just $99 as part of a limited-time combo deal, saving 10% off the standard price. Prices for all events increase after May 19. 

In addition, the Austin Marathon is proud to honor Non-Profit Employees with a discounted 50% off rate; those eligible can apply for the discount here. 

The 2026 Austin International Half, formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon, returns on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Known for its net-downhill, fast course and PR-friendly reputation, this race offers a downhill route through north and central Austin, finishing downtown. Runners can expect a high-energy experience complete with a curated swag bag, unique finisher medal, and on-course support including live music. It’s the perfect way to kick off the year and set the tone for an exciting race season.

The 2026 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and promises another unforgettable weekend. Participants will enjoy a premium swag bag and a signature belt buckle finisher medal, plus a fully supported course with 22 aid stations, live music throughout the route, and a finish line festival featuring a beer garden and local vendors. With a start and finish in downtown Austin—just blocks apart and steps away from the city’s best attractions and the iconic Texas State Capitol—the Austin Marathon delivers an event experience like no other.

If you are interested in hosting a group run in your town please email [email protected] to get added to the official launch week calendar. 

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 the Austin International Half: The Austin International Half, formerly the 3M Half Marathon, has been one of Austin’s premier running events since its establishment in 1995. With a reputation for its fast and picturesque course, the race attracts runners of all levels from around the world. Organized by High Five Events, the Austin International Half is a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the vibrant running community in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit DownhillToDowntown.com.